Puppy Nail Care Tips: Keeping Tiny Paws Healthy & Happy
Keeping your puppy’s nails trimmed isn’t just about looks — it’s an important part of their overall health and comfort. Long nails can cause pain when walking, affect posture, and even lead to joint problems over time. Whether you’re a new puppy parent or an experienced dog lover, here are some simple, stress-free tips to keep those paws in top shape.
Why Nail Care Matters
Puppies grow quickly — and so do their nails! When nails get too long, they can:
Catch on carpets or blankets and tear (ouch!).
Cause toes to splay or twist unnaturally.
Make walking uncomfortable or lead to changes in gait.
Scratch floors, furniture, and even people.
Regular nail care keeps your puppy’s paws healthy, their stance natural, and their playtime pain-free.
Why Nail Length Affects Posture
When a dog’s nails become too long, they begin to hit the ground before the paw pads do. This forces the toes to push upward and alters the entire posture of the leg and spine. Over time, this subtle shift can have serious effects — especially in long-bodied breeds like dachshunds.
These changes create a chain reaction up the body, often resulting in tightness, fatigue, or even spinal misalignment over time. Keeping nails short ensures your puppy walks naturally, distributes weight correctly, and protects their developing joints and posture.
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How Often Should You Trim?
Puppies need a nail trim every 1–2 weeks.
A good rule of thumb: if you can hear nails clicking on the floor, it’s definitely time!
Puppies’ nails grow fast because they’re eating nutrient-rich diets and aren’t wearing them down on rough surfaces yet. Getting your pup used to regular trims early on makes the process smooth and easy later.
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Step-by-Step Nail Trimming Tips
1. Create a calm setting — Work in a quiet room, with good light. Hold your pup on your lap or a soft surface.
2. Use the right tools — Puppy-sized clippers or a pet nail grinder are perfect. Keep styptic powder nearby in case of minor nicks.
3. Look for the quick — The “quick” is the pink section inside light-colored nails or black in dark colored nails. Avoid cutting into it — aim for just the tip of the nail.
4. Reward often — Offer a treat or gentle praise after each paw. Positive associations make future trims much easier!
Some of our favorite tiny training treats are Jinx Training Treats
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Using a Grooming Sling: A Helpful Trick
If your puppy is especially wiggly or nervous, a grooming sling can make nail trims much safer and more comfortable for both of you. It is a good idea to sling train your baby from the time they are young.
A sling supports your pup’s body gently while keeping them secure, allowing you to focus on trimming. It also reduces strain on your back and keeps paws easily accessible.
Many puppies actually find the sling soothing — it mimics the comfort of being held. Always pair the experience with calm praise and a small treat afterward, so they associate grooming time with feeling safe and rewarded.
We found a special sling made for Dachshund’s long bodies!
Pro Grooming Tip from Grateful Dachshunds
We recommend gently filing or grinding nails weekly rather than waiting for long trimming sessions. It keeps nails smooth, prevents splitting, and helps desensitize puppies to the process.
For a full grooming routine, make sure your puppy’s paws are clean and dry before trimming — you can use a damp cloth or mild pet wipe to remove dirt and debris.
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Bonus: Paw Health & Maintenance
Healthy nails go hand in hand with healthy paw pads!
Check between the toes regularly for debris or mats.
Moisturize paw pads with a pet-safe balm if they become dry or rough.
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Making Nail Care a Positive Routine
At Grateful Dachshunds of Oregon, we start introducing puppies to nail care early — gentle handling, paw massages, and a calm tone go a long way. The goal is to make grooming a bonding experience, not a battle.
With consistency, patience, and lots of praise, your puppy will grow into an adult dog who doesn’t just tolerate nail trims — they’ll trust you completely during them.
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Ready to Learn More?
Explore our Puppy Resources for new puppy care tips, feeding advice and more.
Or visit our Available Puppies page to meet our upcoming litters — all raised with gentle handling and love from day one.