How to Stop a Dog’s Nails From Clicking on the Floor

Dog claws grow at a consistent rate, much like human nails. Dog nail trimming requirements are dependent upon a dog’s breed and lifestyle, both of which will vary as the dog grows older, affecting the frequency with which its nails need to be trimmed.

Another major issue for dog parents to consider is a dog’s behavior when it comes to nail clicking. Dogs may click their nails on the floor depending on how quickly they move, the type of floor (such as tile compared to carpet), the dog’s weight, and the length of their nails. Additionally, excessive nail clicking by our dogs can become a concern for many of us.

So, how can you prevent your dog from clicking its nails on the floor?

You can prevent your dog from clicking its nails on the floor by having them wear dog socks or dog boots, using floor coverings or installing carpets, using dog claw coverings, and keeping your canine companion healthy and well-trained. These are all effective methods to avoid this unpleasant noise along with making sure you maintain regular nail trimming and clipping.

Please keep in mind that nails should not be any shorter than the quick of the dog’s nails themselves. Otherwise, trimming your dog’s nails too short will only create more harm. 

Let’s have a detailed look at the ways to stop your dog from clicking its nails on the floor. 

Five Proven Methods for Avoiding This Issue

1. Use canine socks or boots: The best option for dealing with this clicking noise is to have your dog wear dog socks or boots. If you choose to purchase a pair of dog socks or dog boots, be sure to select a pair that is not slippery and will allow your dog to walk safely around the home.

2. Make use of carpets and rugs: If you want to prevent your dog’s claws from clicking against the floor, you can also consider purchasing rugs and carpets to muffle the noise and protect your hard surfaces. When it comes to preventing this irritating noise each day, these soft floor coverings are ideal for use.

Even though purchasing carpets and rugs would require you to spend money, it will be fully worth it because they are a quick fix and will also protect your hardwood floors from scratches, saving you money on repairs later on. However, when it comes to both your comfort and the value of your expensive hard flooring, the cost of rugs and carpets is not a significant investment.

3. Use dog claw covers: If you keep your dog’s nails in good condition but still hear clicking sounds when they walk, you may want to consider having your dog wear claw covers. Besides being effective in noise reduction, these covers also help prevent your furniture and floors from getting scratched, making them a perfect choice for those who are destructive with their paws.

Furthermore, these paw covers can help keep your dog safe by providing an extra layer of grip on slippery surfaces like recently waxed floors or polished hard surfaces. If you decide to purchase some, be sure to choose soft nail caps as these can help lessen the sound of clicking to a certain degree.

4. Keep the dog under control: Although it is difficult to eliminate this noise, it may help to consider training your dogs to be gentle while they are inside the home. Train your dog on how to remain calm and simply walk—rather than jogging, running, or playing around with far too much excitement. Running around and behaving crazily can become very unpleasant and potentially even harmful.

Many dogs receive a good amount of exercise first thing in the morning. As a result, they usually wander around the house peacefully during the day, and they may even sleep until their evening training sessions begin.

Training and exercising your dog regularly is not only good for them, but it will also likely lead to reducing their level of excitement while staying indoors inside the home.

5. Proper trimming: The longer the nails are, the louder the noise becomes. As a general rule, dogs’ nails should be cut or filed once every four weeks. This, however, is entirely dependent upon the breed as well as the individual dog in question. To properly care for your dog’s nails, you must first figure out the most appropriate frequency for trimming your dog’s nails along with selecting the best possible dog clipper/nail trimmer.

Keep in mind that the nails on your dog’s paws should not be in contact with the ground when he or she is standing straight and upright. Strongly consider filing or cutting them if you notice this is the case. Another point to keep in mind is that when the nail filing and trimming job is completed, the dog’s nails also should not be too sharp to not be dangerous.

FAQs

Does the frequency of nail clipping increase or decrease if your dog walks on rough sidewalks?

If your dog is constantly taking walks on rough or uneven sidewalks, the frequency of any necessary nail trimming will be decreased as walking on rough surfaces often acts as a natural nail file for the dog. Less active dogs will tend to have longer nails due to having no natural way of wearing them down at all.

When do you need to get in touch with your veterinarian (in terms of nail trimming)?

If you are uncertain about the proper length of your dog’s nails, consult with your veterinarian and ask for guidance on filing or trimming them appropriately.

Related Reading: Do English Bulldogs Scratch Floors? Tips To Prevent Damage