Loki had short claws to begin with when we adopted him. In the past few days when we go running, or out to Petsmart he pulls /really hard/ on the leash, until he's grinding his claws into the pavement, further shortening them.

After our jog today when I was cleaning up his feet, I noticed that his claws are worn down ALL THE WAY to the quick. It's actually exposed- I can feel the hole there. There's no bleeding however.

My questions are: Doesn't that HURT?! It seems like it would be really painful. Also, how can I stop it from getting worse? I can't really just go along when he pulls, because I don't want to reinforce his pulling habit- but I don't want him to be in pain, either!

We're going to the vet tomorrow anyway, but I figured I'd post this (and potentially answer it myself after the vet) for information's sake.

My thought is maybe to get some boots for Loki to wear until the nails can grow out to a more substantial length and that way he wont be grinding them down when he walks, and you'll still be able to work with him on leash and not have to worry so much about his nails being rubbed by the cement.

If they aren't bleeding, and he is moving around like normal, then it probably doesn't hurt at all. I wish I had that problem! My dogs are a pain to keep trimmed.

darbear - I'll give those a try and see if he likes them/ it improves! Thanks

Eresh- He's moving around just fine, and when I touched the nail itself he didn't seem bothered by it. He's still a little uncomfortable with us touching/playing with his paws too much in general, but I think that's just because he isn't used to us doing that yet. And yes- there is definitely a plus side to it.

OMG we practically have to sit on top of Balon to trim his nails--what does your vet say?

Balonsmom wrote:

OMG we practically have to sit on top of Balon to trim his nails--what does your vet say?

She said it was nothing to really worry about, and that they should grow back as he learns not to pull on the leash, until then try to walk on the grass or dirt instead of concrete areas.

You could try the opposite! Try walking on concrete areas.

lol Yes I should do that!