The short answer is no. Trimming your dog’s nails is a job that mustn’t be ignored.
Here are a few reasons why you need to take a deep breath and get it done.
1. Dogs can’t trim their own nails
As recently as a couple of centuries back, dogs were rarely kept as pets. Canines were workers first and foremost, and because they were out rounding up cattle and guarding flocks of sheep and racing after vermin all day, their nails were worn down naturally and didn’t need trimming.
These days however, the majority of dogs spend most of their time indoors. For many, their only exercise is a leisurely stroll around the block each day — if they’re lucky. Activity-induced pedicures are a thing of the past, which means it’s up to us to keep those nails in check.
2. Long nails are a health hazard for dogs
If your dog’s nails get too long, they’re more likely to break. This can leave the sensitive quick — which contains nerves and blood vessels — open to painful infections.
Dewclaws (aka the dog’s “thumbs”) can be hazardous, because they never come into contact with the ground and so don’t get worn down. This makes them prone to catching on things and being torn off. Be sure to take extra care to also maintain these nails too.
3. Unruly nails can cause pain for your dog
Excessively long nails can cause joint pain, arthritis and even skeletal damage, because they can make the bones in the feet flatten and change the way a dog walks. Trimming your dog’s nails helps avoid this.
4. Long nails can damage your floors and furniture
A few decades ago, everyone had carpet. These days, however, exposed floorboards are all the rage. While they may look great, they’re not compatible with long dog nails. Regular nail clipping will avoid nail divots and scratch marks on wooden floors, not to mention leather sofas, limestone tiles and other soft surfaces.