This is a pretty good example of what can happen when you let your poor dog's toenails grow too long. Luckily this little pooch's nails only grew outward and not back around into the paw pad. That's right: They will often grow all the way around until they are actually piercing the paw pad. Can you imagine walking on that? *shudder* I've pulled many toenails out of the paw pads. If they're lucky there's just a huge indention that will heal with time. If they're unlucky there will be an actual hole pierced through and into the pad with a rip-roaring infection to boot...
Back to this dog: Basically this poor dog can't afford to put too much weight on the front part of his paws because it will feel like he's trying to lift his nails off of their beds. I imagine that he had to walk with a strange "back on the heels" effect. Here are the pictures:
I'm sure you can guess that if his nails were neglected, so was the rest of him! Here are his whole-body before and after grooming pictures:
He was one matted poodle! Luckily I was able to de-mat his ears and pom to save him a little dignity :) He was quite appreciative! I hope I see him again before he gets into that shape again...
A Note to Dog Owners: Overgrown toenails are very easy to prevent! Simply take your pet into your groomer or veterinarian every few weeks (8 at the longest, between 3-6 would be ideal) to have them trimmed, or do them yourself at home!
Here are the two products I recommend that you keep on hand for trimming your pets' nails at home: A simple pair of scissor style nail clippers, and some styptic powder in case you get too close!
