How To Care For Greyhound Nails

By gapnsw.com.au

October 23, 2023 11:35

Like most dogs, greyhound nails require a regular grooming schedule in order to avoid them becoming overgrown and the health and wellbeing issues that come with it.

Due to greyhounds' unique anatomy, keeping the right nail length is important for a few of reasons:

Their nails are thin and delicate and prone to damage if left unkempt
Longer nails can impact their balance and cause uneven weight distribution
Overgrown nails can lead to infection and pain

We know that nail trimming can be a daunting task for both you and your furry friend, so here are some tips that will help you to identify how and when you should be trimming their nails:

The rate at which their nails grow will be unique to your greyhound, generally speaking, you should trim your pooches' nails about once a month.
Ensure you are using a straight-edge clipper that is clean and sharp
Inspect their nails for signs of overgrowth, splitting or damage (consult your vet if you spot any damage)
Ensure the area is well-lit so that you can see the quick (the pinkish area inside the nail)
Ensure you and your dog are in a comfortable position and hold their paw with a firm grip.
Cut the nail back gradually at a 90-degree angle and be sure to avoid the quick which can cause immense pain and bleeding
If you do accidentally cut the quick, apply cornflour to stop the bleeding
The perfect length is achieved when their nails just clear the floor when standing

If it’s been a while since their nails were last trimmed, here are some signs that your pooch may be suffering from the effects of overgrown nails and will need attention asap:

Nails may appear elongated, curving downwards (like a claw) or growing sideways
Your pooch may look uncomfortable while walking
They may limp or favour one side

Please note: we do not recommend trimming your dog’s nails yourself if you notice the dog is tense or defensive when you touch their feet. If your dog has a known aversion to nail trimming, contact your veterinarian for advice and possible treatment.

Considering Adopting a New Best Mate?

At GAP NSW, all of our wonderful greyhounds go through our expert training and rehoming preparation.

We match a greyhound to your lifestyle and requests
All greyhounds undergo assessment and veterinarian care whilst in our program
We have multiple locations in NSW
You can meet and greet a few cool doggos before adopting!

Head on over to our greyhounds for adoption page, and get started meeting your new best mate!

How To Care For Greyhound Nails

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