Part of responsible pet ownership is seeing that the pet is groomed properly. Grooming benefits appearance and makes the animal feel better. Not grooming can lead to a matted and unhealthy coat that is not only uncomfortable but an irritant to the skin. It can also harbor dangerous pests as well. Grooming does not only mean the washing and brushing of your pet, but pet nail trimming in Arlington VA, as well. Both cats and dogs will feel better if their nails are routinely trimmed. Owners and anyone else in contact with the pet will not run the risk of being injured by overly sharp nails.
Besides the obvious of being scratched by a pet’s nails that have been allowed to grow to an unhealthy length, there are dangers for the pet; especially dogs. It is a must to trim a dog’s nails, especially if the dog leads a sedentary lifestyle where he is not able to walk much. Walking naturally files down the nails. Nails allowed to grow with abandon can grow under the foot. If the nails are allowed to do this, walking becomes difficult and can injure the muscles and skeletal frame. The dewclaw nail can actually grow into the foot, causing intense pain for the dog. Nails also provide traction for your dog. Nails that are too long can cause slipping and, therefore, injury. If a dog’s nails make a loud clicking sound when they are on a hard floor, their nails are too long.
Ideally, a pet’s nails should be trimmed regularly from birth. If they grow up with the practice, they are not fearful of it as an adult. It is not difficult to perform this grooming task, but many pet owners are not comfortable with pet nail trimming in Arlington VA. In that case, there are veterinarian offices that offer it as a service. The pet owner can contact us for an appointment to have the nails trimmed and the pet feeling better. It is a small step in the overall health of the pet, but a very necessary one for their health and safety.
