I went to the home of a lovely little chihuahua patient the other day. We go to visit her monthly as she is elderly and needs a regular nail trim. It got me thinking about how quickly the little things become big things if they are not addressed.

As our beloved pets age, their needs change and their care requires more attention to detail.

Long nails can cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to more severe health issues if left unattended. They can affect the pet's gait, leading to joint pain and arthritis and make it difficult for pets to walk or stand comfortably, which reduces mobility.

The reduction in mobility causes the nails to grow longer and so the problem becomes cyclic. Having too long nails also increases the risk of nail breakage, which can be painful and lead to infections.

We see this with the dew claw, the little one that is higher on the inside of the leg (like our thumb), which often gets forgotten when owners are trimming their pets’ nails. Long nails can become brittle and weak and wear unevenly causing gait changes.

It's not only dogs that are affected by long nails. I have seen many older cats that start to suddenly limp and on closer inspection a nail has grown right into the paw pad causing a sore which must be extremely painful with every step.

If you have an older cat, check their nails every week or so and make sure they are not growing too close to the paw pads.

Regular nail trimming can significantly improve the quality of life for older pets. By keeping their nails trimmed, owners can prevent the pain and discomfort associated with long nails and reduce the risk of nail-related health issues.

Well-trimmed nails improve mobility and reduce the risk of joint pain and enhance their overall comfort and wellbeing.

Trimming an older pet's nails requires care and patience and should always be a two-person job. Consult with a veterinarian or a professional groomer for guidance and support if you are unsure.

Use a nail trimmer specifically designed for pets, taking care not to cut the quick (the sensitive part of the nail) as this is painful and will cause bleeding.

Trim nails regularly, ideally every four to six weeks, to prevent overgrowth and replace your nail trimmers at least every year, depending on how frequently you are using them.

A nice nail trim or “pawdicure” should be a regular part of your pet’s routine, especially in older animals. Keeping older pets' nails trimmed is an essential aspect of their care and will make a big improvement to their quality of life.

Remember that sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference in the world.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog, two cats and two guinea pigs. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda