How to Keep Your Dog's Nails Short Without Clipping

How to keep dog nails short without clipping

Dogs need their nails trimmed like humans. However, nail clipping can be stressful for the dog and its owner. If you have previously cut the quick, your dog might associate nail clipping with pain. Alternating regular walks on hard surfaces and using scratching boards or a nail grinder can help keep the nails short.

If your dog is anxious about nail grinders, try running the tool near your dog for a time so that it can get used to the sound, moving progressively closer.

Keep reading to find more alternative ways to keep your dog's nails short without using a clipper.

My dog won’t let me cut their nails, what can I do?

Start by helping your dog feel comfortable with having its paws touched. Then, try trimming or grinding one nail at a time, rewarding your dog as you go with treats and praise. The secret is to go slowly. If your dog still won't let you, exercise on a rough surface or a visit to the vet may be necessary. 

How do dogs naturally shorten their nails?

Regular walking on hard surfaces

Taking your dogs out for a walk or run on sidewalks, pavement, or concrete driveways can naturally help to file down their nails. The rough texture of these surfaces creates friction against the nails and gradually wears them down.

Scratching rough surfaces

Some dogs enjoy scratching against rough surfaces like tree bark, bricks, or even concrete walls. When they do this, the friction from the rough surface wears down their nails.

If you don’t have a natural rough surface close to your home, you can buy a scratching pad. However, ensure that it’s rough enough to shorten your dog’s nails but not enough to harm them.

Digging

Most dogs have an instinct to dig, whether it's in the garden, at the beach, or around the yard. As they dig, especially if the soil is a bit rocky or firm, the dirt and small stones provide friction against their nails. This resistance naturally files down their nails.

So, the next time you see your dog digging outside your home, it might be worth it to leave your dog alone.

Alternatives to trimming dog nails

Dog nail grinder vs clipper

Both the nail grinder and the clipper have pros and cons. For instance, nail grinders offer more control and precision, allowing you to trim your dog’s nails without cutting into the quick. However, the noise and vibration take some getting used to. 

Also, if your dog doesn’t like having its paws touched, it might be harder to use a grinder.

On the other hand, clippers are more affordable, require less maintenance, are quieter, and are quicker, which makes them a good choice if your dog doesn’t like their paws being touched. However, they come with a higher risk of cutting the nail too short, especially in dogs with dark nails.

At the end of the day, the best tool depends on your dog’s comfort and your trimming skills.

Dissolving dog nails

There is no chemical or natural product that can safely dissolve a dog’s nails without causing harm. The nails are made of keratin, a tough protein, and attempting to dissolve them will result in pain, irritation, or damage to the surrounding skin and tissue. Your best bet is to clip or file your dog’s nails, increase exercise on rough surfaces, or visit your vet.

Can you file a dog’s nails?

Yes, you can file your dog’s nails as an alternative to clipping. To begin, use a dog-specific nail file or emery board, and ensure your dog is calm and comfortable before starting. Hold the paw steady and file the nails in one direction with smooth strokes to remove sharp edges and round the tip. 

Keeping your dog's nails short without clipping

Check your dog’s nails every 1 to 2 weeks to ensure they stay healthy and well-maintained. Look out for any signs of dog nail problems.

One of the easiest alternatives to clipping is taking your dog for regular walks on hard surfaces like concrete or pavement. Your dog’s activity level and environment determine how quickly its nails grow, so adjust your routine accordingly.

If you and your dog don't go out much, you can get a scratching board and encourage them to use it by rewarding them when they do. Meanwhile, if you're using a grinder, a pro tip is to do only one nail per session. But first, start by running the tool near your dog to get it used to the sound of the tool.