Chesapeake Bay retrievers are primarily hunting dogs, which means, like other dog breeds, their nails can break during active hunting sessions.
Broken toenails can further injure paws and take several weeks to recover. Whether you are keeping the Chessie dog breed as a pet or are utilizing their primal instincts to retrieve game birds, trimming their toenails is essential.
Knowing how to trim and maintain your Chesapeake Bay retrievers’ nails can save you unexpected visits to the vet.
Let’s dive right in to know all about your pet’s nails, including their length, the proper way to cut their nails safely, nail maintenance tips, and much more.
What’s The Perfect Nail Length For a Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
This curly-coated retriever should have nails long enough to provide traction on uneven terrain but should not have overly long nails that touch the ground when the pet is standing.
If your dog has long nails, frequent touching of the nails to the earth triggers a brain signal that perceives the terrain as inclined.
Due to this constant brain signal, the dog shifts its body weight to the hind legs, which further puts pressure on the joints. Long toenails in dogs are also associated with postural issues and joint-related diseases like arthritis.
The goal here is to trim the nails enough, so the constant contact of the nails with the ground doesn’t sensitize the nail bed.
How Often Should You Trim Your Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s Nails?
When it comes to safe grooming requirements, most vets and pet groomers suggest trimming the nails every other week to maintain their length. The dog’s toenail consists of a hard keratin-based core and a soft tissue called “quick.”
Think of the quick as the nail bed, which contains blood vessels and nerve endings. When nails grow too long, the quick also starts growing.
In a situation like this, slowly trim the sides of the toenail while avoiding the soft tissue. Long nails can’t be cut in a single session.
You might need multiple sessions to get the perfect length where their nails don’t protrude from the paws.
What If You Cut The Nails Too Short?
If you cut nails too short, your pet can bleed profusely. The bleeding occurs when you accidentally cut off the soft tissue alongside the hard nail. As mentioned earlier, the soft tissue contains blood vessels and nerve endings, leading to bleeding when severed.
If you have accidentally trimmed the nail too short, don’t panic and apply constant pressure on the paw to stop the bleeding.
Other remedies to stop blood perfusion include using silver nitrate sticks or using a bandage. Still, if you can’t stop bleeding after a while, it is best to take them to a certified veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
How To Trim Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s Nails Safely
Since the process of nail trimming makes most dogs uncomfortable, pet trainers and enthusiasts suggest trimming their nails when they are puppies. Don’t worry if your pet is not trained, as it’s possible to teach them when the proper steps are followed.
Even if they are not prepared to comply, trimming their nails is crucial for their health and well-being.
Some dog owners are hesitant about trimming nails on their own. Pet groomers and vets provide nail trimming services, but here’s a step-by-step guide for those who want to groom their pets on their own.
Getting Your Pet In The Comfort Zone
Your dog will remain anxious, confused, and agitated if they are unfamiliar with the nail-trimming routine. Be patient and offer them treats, so they stay comfortable. Always use dog-friendly clippers, and never rush in too quickly when trimming nails.
Handling your pet’s paws more often makes them get comfortable with nail clipping. It might take a week before your pet allows you to clip nails safely. Here’s a quick rundown for the week.
- On the first day, let your Chesapeake Bay retriever check out the trimming tools you will use.
- The next day, take the nail clipper and touch it to their paws, making them realize the tools you are using won’t hurt them (Tip: Always praise your pet and give them a treat when they follow an order).
- Moving to the third day, squeeze the nail clipper, making a click so your pet can register the sound.
- If you use a grinder, turn it on and make them feel its vibration.
- Start trimming a tiny portion on day four and stick to only one nail. If the dog allows you, give them a treat and continue to cut until you are done.
- Keep working on the nails during the rest of the week and adjust your pace according to your pet’s willingness to comply.
Tools And Ways To Trim Your Dog’s Nails
There are plenty of dog-friendly scissors, nail clippers, and grinders available in the market. You can take advice from your local pet groomer or the vet to make the right pick.
Consider purchasing a blood clotting powder when purchasing nail clippers for your Chesapeake Bay retriever. The powder will come in handy if you accidentally clip the soft nail bed.
Clipping nails on your own for the first time is risky. Your veterinarian can give you a few lessons on trimming nails yourself if you ask. Make notes, so you don’t miss a step. Below is an overview of how to do your Chessie’s nails.
- Select a space where you and your dog can sit comfortably.
- Gently pick up your dog’s paw and place your thumb on one of the toe pads and your index finger on the top of the nail. Make sure to trim excess hair if you cannot see the nails.
- Push your thumb upwards while pushing the index finger down to extend the toe.
- Now that the nail is visible. Start by clipping the tip.
- Clip the sides and avoid clipping past the nail curve, as it can damage the nail bed.
- The soft tissue on the nail is visible as a chalky ring which can easily be avoided.
Grinding The Nails
- Only use a dog-friendly grinder for the best and pain-free results.
- After trimming, grind the nails from the bottom and slowly move to the tip. This will make the rough nail edges smooth.
- Long hairs on paws and nail grinders don’t go well. You can trim off excess hair using scissors.
How To Tell Your Dog’s Nails Are Long
Dog Scratches
When seeking attention, dogs often use their paws. If you feel scratches each time you interact, it’s a clear sign your Chessie’s nails have grown long.
Nails Clicking
If your dog has long nails, it will click every time they walk on hardwood floors. You will also see them tip-toeing while their paws remain elevated.
Curling Nails
Extremely overgrown nails can be seen curling over the paws. Trimming the nails at this point is crucial as they can break, leading to an injury.
The Nail Bed Turns Red
Dogs develop redness on their nail beds when nails are not trimmed. In severe cases, they can even bleed, signaling the need for some grooming.
Leaving your Chesapeake Bay retriever’s nails unattended will increase the chances of nail injury.
These injuries range from broken nails to ripping the nail from the bed. Whether it’s a cracked nail or another injury, visit the nearest vet in situations like these.
Final Thoughts
As a pet owner, you’re responsible for grooming them, especially when it comes to clipping nails, bathing, and related stuff. Chesapeake Bay retrievers don’t require too many visits to the groomer.
With a bit of know-how and the right tools, it’s easy to groom them. After all, grooming on your own fosters an unbreakable bond of trust that helps strengthen the relationship.
