Dachshund Nail Trimming: How to Keep Those Tiny Toes in Check

One sunny morning in Sutherland, Caitlin and I took Harvey to the Greenhouse Café — great coffee, dog-friendly, and usually the kind of place where Harvey shines as the star of the patio. But that day, as he stretched out under our table, we heard the unmistakable click-click-click of his nails on the concrete. It wasn’t just loud — it was a clear sign we’d been putting off a much-needed trim.

And I’ll be honest — it wasn’t just an aesthetic issue.

Long nails in dachshunds aren’t just uncomfortable; they can actually change the way your dog walks, eventually putting pressure on their joints and spine. According to the American Kennel Club, “when a dog’s nails are too long, they force the foot into an unnatural position, which can lead to long-term joint pain and structural problems.”

Miniature dachshunds, with their long backs and short limbs, are already at higher risk for musculoskeletal issues — so proper nail care is not optional.

This guide will cover everything we’ve learned about trimming Harvey’s nails: how often to do it, the right tools for the job, what to avoid, and when it’s best to call in a groomer or vet nurse instead of going DIY.

Whether you’re a new owner or you’ve just been dodging the nail clippers (no judgment), let’s break it down together.

A good rule of thumb? If you can hear your dachshund’s nails tapping on the floor as they walk, it’s time for a trim.

Most dachshunds, especially those living a relatively indoor lifestyle, need their nails trimmed every 2 to 4 weeks.

But let’s be real — life gets busy. Back when Caitlin and I were living in Cronulla, Harvey was getting long daily walks along the Esplanade and the concrete naturally filed his nails down. These days, with a toddler in tow and fewer outdoor adventures, we’ve had to get back into a more deliberate routine.

Here’s why frequency matters:

• Overgrown nails change your dachshund’s gait and put pressure on their joints — something that’s especially risky for a breed with a long spine and short limbs.
  
  
• Curved or curling nails can begin to dig into the paw pads if neglected, leading to infections, abscesses, or limping.
  
  
• Quicks grow longer if not trimmed regularly, making it more difficult (and stressful) to cut back to a healthy length without bleeding.
  
  

According to the American Kennel Club, “the more frequently you trim your dog’s nails, the more the quick will recede,” which means more comfortable walks and fewer paw problems in the long run (source).

In a study published by the Journal of Small Animal Practice, prolonged nail overgrowth was linked to postural changes in small breeds that could result in long-term orthopedic issues. For dachshunds in particular, this is worth paying attention to.

So how often should you trim?

• For most dachshunds: Every 2–3 weeks
  
  
• For active dogs walking regularly on concrete: Every 3–4 weeks
  
  
• For indoor or older dogs: Every 1–2 weeks may be needed
  
  

Whether you prefer to use a clipper, grinder, or enlist a groomer or vet, the key is consistency. Like brushing their teeth or checking their ears, it’s about making it part of the routine.

It’s easy to miss the signs until it becomes a problem. One minute your dachshund’s zooming around the living room, the next they’re limping or refusing walks — and you’re wondering what went wrong.

Here are the top red flags that your dachshund’s nails need trimming:

When Harvey’s nails get even a little too long, I notice he starts hesitating on hardwood floors — tail low, paws splayed. It’s subtle, but it’s his way of telling me, “Hey, Dad… can we fix this?”

According to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer at the American Kennel Club, “Long nails can cause a dog to lose traction, and even lead to tendon injuries or deformities of the foot.” (source)

Tip: A quick home test? Hold your dachshund’s paw and look at the nail angle. If it touches the surface while standing flat, it’s trimming time.

If you’re anything like me, the first few times you trimmed your dachshund’s nails probably felt like defusing a bomb. Wriggling legs, side-eye glares, and the constant fear of hitting the quick. But with a little structure and the right tools, it becomes a whole lot more manageable — even kind of routine.

Here’s the step-by-step approach that’s worked best for me and countless other dachshund owners:

It took Caitlin and me a few tries (and a few sweat-drenched sessions on the bathroom floor), but now Harvey actually tolerates his trims pretty well. Routine, a calm tone, and lots of positive reinforcement make all the difference.

And don’t just take my word for it. According to Dr. Debra Eldredge, DVM, “The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your dog will be.” (source – PetMD)

If you’ve ever clipped too far and seen that dreaded speck of blood, you know the sinking feeling. It’s one of those rites of passage most dog owners face at least once — and yep, it happened to me. Harvey gave me the look (you know the one), and I felt like the worst dad in the world. But here’s the good news: it’s more common than you think and totally manageable.

What is the quick?

The quick is the soft tissue inside your dachshund’s nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. In light-colored nails, it’s easy to spot — a pink line running through the nail. In dark nails, it’s harder to see, which is why trimming gradually is crucial.

What to do if you cut the quick:

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “Accidents happen, even to professionals. Always have clotting powder on hand and work slowly when trimming nails.” (AKC guide)

If bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes or your dog starts limping or excessively licking the area, it’s worth consulting your vet just to be safe.

Not every dachshund is going to tolerate a home nail trim — and that’s okay.

If your pup squirms, growls, hides at the sight of clippers, or you’ve had a few bad experiences already, it might be worth handing the job over to the pros. Caitlin and I once took Harvey to a local groomer in Caringbah after a failed attempt at home, and it was the best $25 we’ve ever spent. In less than 10 minutes, it was all done — no drama, no guilt.

Here’s when it might be best to call in a groomer or vet nurse:

• You’ve hit the quick before and now your dog is fearful or reactive
  
  
• Your dachshund has dark nails and you can’t confidently see where to cut
  
  
• You don’t have the time or dexterity to manage squirmy paws
  
  
• There’s a history of injury, bleeding, or extreme anxiety
  
  

According to PetMD, “Dogs who have had a painful experience during nail trims may develop a long-lasting aversion. Professional groomers are trained to handle these situations calmly and efficiently.”

Tip: Many vet clinics offer nurse nail trims for a small fee — often under $20. This is a great middle ground if you don’t want to do a full grooming session but want that peace of mind.

Explore the rest of our Dachshund Grooming Collection — everything you need to keep your doxie looking sharp, smelling fresh, and feeling their best:

• Dachshund Shedding Solutions
  Discover why dachshunds shed, how to manage it, and the best brushes and tools for coat care.
  
  
• Dachshund Grooming Tools
  Your go-to guide for the best shampoos, combs, clippers, and brushes — all dachshund-tested.
  
  
• Dachshund Nail Trimming
  Learn how often to trim, how to avoid the quick, and which tools make it stress-free.
  
  
• Long-Haired Dachshund Grooming
  From detangling to managing seasonal blowouts — tailored advice for the fluffier variety.
  
  
• Wire-Haired Dachshund Grooming
  How to hand-strip, maintain texture, and avoid matting in these scruffier sausages.
  
  
• The Ultimate Dachshund Grooming Guide
  Your master guide to all things dachshund grooming — from bath time to ear checks and everything in between.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.