Senior yellow Labrador walking comfortably on a terracotta floor with short trimmed nails

Do Long Nails Affect Your Dog's Joints? What the Science Says

You may have read that long nails can hurt your dog's joints. It's one of the most repeated claims in pet care, so we looked at what veterinary organizations and the latest research actually say. The honest answer is more nuanced, and more useful, than most blog posts suggest.

Key takeaways
• Veterinary organizations warn that nails long enough to splay or twist the toes can cause discomfort and orthopedic issues.
• A 2026 study found that a small study found no immediate change in overall gait after trimming.
• The goal isn't "perfect" nails, but never letting them get long enough to push the toes out of position.

What veterinary organizations say

The American Kennel Club explains that dogs can suffer orthopedic issues when they're unable to stand or walk without their toes splaying or curving because of overly long nails. When a long nail hits the ground first, it pushes the toe upward and to the side, changing how the paw meets the floor. Over time, overgrown nails can also split, break or curl into the paw pad, which is painful in itself.

What the latest research found

In 2026, researchers published a small retrospective study on this question in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Using a pressure-sensing treadmill, they compared the gait of clinically healthy dogs before and after a nail trim (Häusler & Söhnel, 2026).

  • No significant differences were found in stride length, stance time or vertical forces after trimming.
  • The front paws measured about 2 mm longer before trimming, and there was a small change in how pressure moved across the paw.

In other words, in the seven clinically healthy dogs studied, a routine trim did not measurably change how they walked. The sample was small and the assessment was immediate. The findings should not be treated as proof that long nails can never cause problems.

So, do long nails affect the joints?

The evidence points to a clear, practical conclusion:

  • Evidence is limited. A seven-dog study found no immediate overall gait change after trimming; it does not settle the long-term effects of overgrown nails.
  • Very long nails that splay or twist the toes can affect comfort and, according to veterinary guidance, lead to orthopedic problems over time.
  • Seniors and dogs with arthritis have less margin for error: good traction and comfortable paws matter more for them.

That's why regular maintenance, not occasional big trims, is the goal. Ask your veterinarian or groomer to assess a suitable nail length, especially if your dog has mobility problems.

How to keep nails at a healthy length

  1. Check paws every week or two, and listen for clicking on hard floors.
  2. File a little at a time so the quick can gradually recede.
  3. Choose a suitable tool with your groomer or veterinarian, and pause if your dog seems uncomfortable.
  4. Ask your veterinarian if your dog's toes look twisted, swollen or painful.

Sources

This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. If your dog is limping, has swollen toes or seems in pain, see your veterinarian.

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