Why do my old dog's nails grow faster now?

Nail growth rate itself stays fairly consistent throughout a dog's adult life, but the balance between growth and wear shifts significantly once activity decreases noticeably. A dog walking 5 km a day on pavement wears nails down considerably more than the same dog managing only 1 or 2 km, which is why nails that seemed to maintain themselves for years suddenly need regular attention from you instead.

Overly long nails force a dog's toes into an unnatural position, pushing weight backward onto the foot in a way that can affect overall standing posture and even contribute to joint strain further up the leg over time. Long nails clicking audibly on hard flooring are a simple, reliable sign that a trim is overdue.

Rather than sticking to whatever schedule worked when your dog was more active, check nail length every 2 to 3 weeks and trim as needed rather than waiting for a fixed interval. A small, regular trim removing just a few millimeters at a time is genuinely safer and less stressful than letting nails grow long and needing a more significant cut. A professional groomer or vet nurse can also handle trims if your dog resists them from you specifically, without this being any reflection on your handling skills, and many dogs actually settle better for a calm, experienced stranger.