TL;DR: Dog nail overgrowth is generally a low-urgency issue, but nails should be trimmed to prevent joint pain or injury. Seek veterinary care if the nail curls into the paw pad or shows signs of infection.
What is nail overgrowth in dogs?
When you hear a clicking sound as your dog walks on hard floors, it is a sign that their claws have grown long enough to make contact with the ground before their paw pads do. Ideally, a dog's nails should end just above the floor surface. Overgrowth occurs when the rate of nail growth exceeds the natural wear from exercise or regular trimming schedules.
Is my dog's overgrown nail a medical emergency?
- Urgency Level: Low. Generally, clicking nails are not a medical emergency.
- If left unaddressed, long nails can cause the toes to splay, lead to joint pain, or result in a painful broken nail.
- If you notice the nail is curling back into the paw pad, or if the toe is red and swollen, you should contact a veterinarian within 24 to 48 hours.
Why should I take a photo of my dog's paws for triage?
- A clear side-profile photo allows a triage professional to see how far the nail extends past the pad.
- It helps identify the location of the "quick"—the sensitive blood vessel inside the nail.
- This visual information ensures the safest advice on how much to trim without causing pain or bleeding.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Overgrown claws are a common cause of lameness in animals, including goats and potbellied pigs. Regular exercise on abrasive surfaces, such as concrete, helps wear down the hoof ends and maintain appropriate length. In the absence of adequate wear, routine trimming is necessary to prevent overgrown, elongated hooves and associated complications such as hoof cracks. When examining the hooves, any abnormally thickened horn, underrunning of the heel or sole, abnormal wear of one claw, or necrotic smell should be noted. In cattle, overgrown claws can lead to unbalanced weight bearing, thicker heel horn, and compromised posture; therefore, trimming aims to reduce excessive weight on load-bearing claws.
Chapter: Musculoskeletal, Neurology, Podiatry
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1092)