NAIL MAINTENANCE IS A ROUTINE

It’s not reasonable to expect dogs to calmly accept having their nails cut once in a while. For many dogs, nail care is not just unfamiliar — it can be genuinely frightening.

When we hold their paw, restrain their body, and introduce a strange tool that makes unfamiliar noises and sensations, their brain interprets these cues through the lens of survival, not grooming.

From the dog’s perspective, this situation can trigger a fear or stress response. Dogs rely heavily on predictability to feel safe. Sudden handling or restraint can activate the sympathetic nervous system — the body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” mechanism. During this response, adrenaline and cortisol rise, muscles tense, and heart rate increases. The dog’s body prepares to defend itself or escape a perceived threat. The movement of their paw away from your hand, trembling, lip licking, or growling are all involuntary reflexes, not signs of stubbornness, but expressions of anxiety and confusion.

It’s important to remember that a dog doesn’t know we’re trying to help. They cannot rationalize that nail trimming prevents pain later. To them, we’re restricting their movement, touching a sensitive part of their body, and using a tool that sometimes causes discomfort or pain. If a nail has ever been cut too short, that memory compounds their fear — the brain quickly associates the experience with potential harm.

Because of these natural reactions, nail care should never be a sporadic event. Instead, it must become a predictable and routine practice. Routine reduces uncertainty, and uncertainty is what fuels fear. When nail handling becomes a familiar, gentle, and positive experience — ideally introduced in puppyhood — the dog learns there’s nothing to fear. The repeated exposure allows the brain to form a positive emotional association with the activity, and the body’s stress responses begin to diminish over time.

Frequent trimming also has a crucial physical benefit. Inside each nail lies the quick, a blood vessel and nerve that can cause pain and bleeding if cut. If nails are left to grow long, the quick grows longer too, making it difficult to trim safely. Regular nail care helps the quick gradually recede, allowing nails to stay at a healthy length with less risk of injury.

Infrequent or inconsistent nail care, on the other hand, not only increases the risk of painful cuts but can also make each session more stressful. Each time a long gap occurs between trims, the experience feels “new” again to the dog’s nervous system — reigniting their fear response.

In essence, consistent, gentle, and patient nail care isn’t just about grooming. It’s about respecting the dog’s emotional boundaries, teaching them to trust human touch, and protecting their long-term physical comfort. By building this routine with empathy and understanding, we’re not simply trimming nails — we’re reinforcing safety, connection, and trust.

Laura Becker, CBCC-KA

Canine Behavior Consultant