Overgrown nails are one of those problems that creep up quietly. Nobody wakes up one day and decides to let their dog's nails get too long — it just happens between grooming appointments, especially with dogs who spend most of their time on soft grass or carpet rather than concrete.
The clearest sign: listen for clicking
If you can hear your dog's nails clicking against hardwood or tile floors as they walk, they're overdue for a trim. Nails that touch the ground when your dog is standing normally are too long. Left unchecked, overgrown nails can force the paw into an unnatural angle, alter gait, and eventually become genuinely painful.
Most dogs need a trim every 3 to 4 weeks, but this varies a lot. Dogs that walk regularly on pavement wear their nails down naturally and may need trims less often. Small breeds, senior dogs, and dogs who mostly walk on soft surfaces tend to need more frequent attention.
What you'll need
A proper dog nail clipper (guillotine-style or scissor-style — both work, it's personal preference) or a grinder tool. Human nail clippers aren't built for the shape or thickness of a dog's nail and can cause splitting.
The basics of a safe trim
The part to avoid is the quick — the blood vessel and nerve running through the centre of the nail. On light-coloured nails it's usually visible as a pinkish area; on dark nails it's much harder to see, which is why cautious, small cuts matter more than one confident slice.
Trim a small amount at a time, at a slight angle following the natural curve of the nail. If you're ever unsure where the quick is, stop and take off less than you think you need to. It's far easier to trim a bit more next time than to deal with a nicked quick, which bleeds more than people expect (though it looks worse than it usually is — styptic powder or cornstarch will stop it).
When to leave it to a professional
If your dog has dark nails you genuinely can't read, is extremely nervous about having paws handled, or you've had a bad experience before, there's no shame in booking a groomer or vet nurse for regular trims. It's a normal, inexpensive service, and a professional can also check for other paw issues while they're at it.
Regular walks help wear nails down between trims, and a nail trim is a good moment to check paw pads too — see our dog essentials range for grooming tools if you're setting up an at-home routine.