Antifreeze & Allergies

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Dear Andrea:

What is the normal length for claws in dogs? Our shepherd can deliver a bad scratch, even when just playing with us, but we worry about trimming him. What happens if they're trimmed too short?

Andrew Konig
Deerfield, Massachusetts

Dear Andrew:

A dog's nail length should be checked periodically, possibly even once a month. Some dogs, especially those that don't go outside much, fail to wear down their nails naturally. Some can grow so long that they spiral back on themselves or stick into a pad. Such a condition is not only extremely painful but can produce permanent damage if not soon taken care of.

The normal, well groomed nail is about even with the bottom pads of the foot, so that when the dog walks, the nails barely brush the ground. When they begin to develop a hook or become longer than the arc of a 90° angle (1/4 of a circle), then they are too long. A nail trimmer is an inexpensive purchase. Don't use ordinary scissors as they will crack the nail. In the beginning, take only a little off at a time from each nail. Trim carefully, but try to cut quickly to avoid a crushing action with the blade.

There are blood vessels within the nail itself that are easily seen in clear nails, but invisible in pigmented nails. If a nail is clipped too short, it will bleed. Should this occur, you can dab it with a styptic pencil, apply a poultice of corn starch and water, press the nail into a bar of soap, or apply pressure with a cloth for a few moments to stop the bleeding.

DON'T LET THE TASTE FOOL THEM!
The flavor of antifreeze can be appealing to animals, but it is a lethal poison.

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