Why regular baths and nail trims matter for your dog

Baths and nail trims are the two parts of grooming people put off the longest. Neither looks urgent until it is. Here's why I'd rather see both on a regular schedule.

Nails are not just cosmetic

Long nails change how a dog stands. When the nail hits the floor before the pad does, it pushes back into the toe, and your dog shifts weight to compensate. Over time that can strain the toes, feet and joints. Long nails also catch on carpet and rugs, and a snagged nail can split or tear. That hurts.

How often to trim

• Most dogs do well with a trim about every 3 to 4 weeks.
• If you hear clicking on hard floors, the nails are already too long.
• Dogs that walk on pavement wear their nails down a little, but most still need trims.
• Don't forget dewclaws, the thumb-like nails higher up the leg. They never touch the ground and can curl into the skin.

Why little and often works better

Inside every nail is the quick, a small blood vessel and nerve. The longer the nail grows, the longer the quick grows with it, which makes it harder to cut a nail back later. Regular small trims let the quick pull back, so nails can stay short and comfortable. Dark nails make the quick hard to see, so I take a little at a time.

Baths: regular beats rare

Many dogs do best with a bath every 4 to 8 weeks. Curly and fluffy coats lean toward the shorter end, and short coats can stretch longer. My coat-by-coat guide has the ranges. A bath clears dirt, dander, loose hair and pollen, and Triangle humidity and spring pollen give a coat plenty to hold onto. It is also a chance to check the whole dog for lumps, dry patches and ticks, which are common here in the warm months.

Doing a bath right

• Brush before the bath. Water tightens mats, so a matted dog should not be bathed until the mats are dealt with.
• Use shampoo made for dogs and rinse until the water runs clear. Leftover soap itches.
• Dry all the way to the skin. A damp coat holds moisture against the skin and can lead to skin trouble.

Can you bathe too often? Washing every week with harsh products can dry the skin. A gentle, dog-safe bath on a regular schedule is fine. If your dog has a skin condition, ask your vet how often is right.

Why I do them together

A Bath & Brush visit includes nails and ears, so a regular bath keeps nails in check without a separate trip. Between full visits, our Express Service can cover a quick nail trim only. It is $30, arranged in advance and subject to availability.

If a nail is bleeding or cracked, or your dog is limping or licking a paw, call your vet. That's their department, not mine.