Here's the thing about nail trims that most people don't realize: they're not just cosmetic. Long nails actually change how your dog walks, and that affects their entire body.

It All Starts With How They Walk

When nails get too long, they hit the ground before the paw pad does. Your dog ends up adjusting how they stand and walk to avoid the discomfort. It seems small, but think about how many steps your dog takes every day. Every one of those steps with bad weight distribution adds up fast.

The Domino Effect

Once your dog changes how they're walking, it puts extra stress on their joints. We're talking toes, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees. Over time, this contributes to arthritis and joint pain. Their muscles and tendons work harder too, leading to strain and fatigue. For senior dogs or dogs already dealing with joint issues, long nails make everything so much harder.

Posture Problems

Long nails change your dog's whole posture. When they can't put their feet down comfortably, they shift their weight backward, straining the back legs and spine. You might notice them having trouble getting up, not wanting to jump anymore, or just looking uncomfortable.

And Yeah, It Hurts

Overgrown nails are painful. They can curl and grow into the paw pad, but even without that, long nails put constant pressure on the nail bed.
If you've ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how much something that small can mess up your whole day.

How Often Should You Trim?

  • Most dogs need trims every 3 to 4 weeks.
    • Easy test: if you hear clicking when your dog walks on hard floors, the nails are too long.

Let Us Help

Some dogs are fine with at-home nail trims. Others absolutely hate it, and forcing it just stresses everyone out. If your dog gets anxious about it, let us handle it. We do nail trims as a standalone service at both locations - no full groom needed. We clip and grind nails, which rounds them out so they're smooth instead of sharp and jagged. Some dogs do better with clipping, others prefer the grinder, and we can figure out what works for yours.

For nervous dogs, we've got options. We can have one team member there for treats and reassurance while another handles the trim. We work at their pace and have plenty of tricks to keep things calm and get the job done without drama.

Bottom Line

Nail trims aren't about looks. They're about keeping your dog comfortable and moving well. Regular trimming prevents pain, protects joints, and helps them walk the way they should.

If it's been a while, swing by either location. We'll check how they're doing and take care of what they need.

St. John Location 8323 Wicker Ave, St John, IN 46373 (219) 365-5543

Valparaiso Location 64 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 286-6393