Do you spend a small fortune having your dog's nails trimmed by a groomer?
It's an important aspect of keeping a dog healthy and happy, but many pet owners dread it.
You and your dog don't have to have a bad time when it comes to nail clipping.
We walk you through how to approach the process positively and securely cut dog nails.
Related Articles:
How to Clip Dog Nails Safely [Solved – 4 Easy Steps]
The Best Way on Clipping Dog Nails [Answered]
Nail Clipping : Why Does It Matter?
When a dog's nails grow excessively long, it can cause discomfort as well as more serious issues.
Long nails can cause a loss of traction and make walking difficult.
Too-long nails can lead to misshapen feet and injury to the tendons in your dog's feet over time.
It's time for a nail trim if your dog's nail are touching the floor and you hear a steady clicking sound while he walks.
If they appear to be fragile, turning sideways or it is an overgrown dog nails , they may need to be trimmed.
Your dog's nails are too long if you can't squeeze a sheet of paper between the floor and them.
Trimmers of Different Types
You can use scissor-style clippers or guillotine-style clippers, whichever is more comfortable for you.
The BOSHEL Dog Nail Clippers, which are easy to use and have a safety guard to prevent over-cutting, are what we use and suggest for nail trimmer.
A nail grinder, such as the Dremel , can also be used to trim the nails by filing them down with a rotary emery board.
Grinders are more expensive and electrical, so the spinning head and noise, while little, may cause some dogs to be more apprehensive about the experience.
Many pet parents, on the other hand, find that a grinder is less stressful than clippers.
Getting Your Dog Used To Nail Trimming
Because nail clipping or grinding might make dogs nervous, it's vital to ease your dog into the practice at first.
We recommend taking these steps one at a time over a few days to ensure your dog is ready for the next.
With each step, make sure to reward your dog with food and praise.
- Handle your dog's paws on a frequent basis to get them used to being touched.
- Introduce the clippers a few times without trimming them, allowing them to sniff and inspect the equipment to get used to them.
- Avoid cutting or crushing your dog's foot with the clippers.
- Trim the very tip of one of your front paw nails.
- Once your dog has mastered one nail at a time, on to two nails at a time, and so on.
How to Trim Your Dog's Nails
If you're using clippers, follow these instructions.
Treats should always be available to thank your dog for good behavior.
- Press the nail out of your dog's paw to make it visible.
- Only the thin part of your dog nails should be cut.
- To avoid cutting the quick, don't snip past the curvature of the nail (the pink area that contains blood vessels). With light-colored nails, the quick is more visible. Look for a powdery white ring on dark-nail dogs. (A torch can be useful.)
- Just above the quick, clip down.
- Each nail should be treated in the same way. Remember to cut the dewclaws on the inner side of the paw as well.
If My Dog's Nail Bleeds, What Should I Do?
Don't be alarmed if you accidently cut the quick and your dog's nail begins to bleed.
Your dog is going to be OK.
If this happens, it's a good idea to have some styptic powder on hand.
While styptic powder is the best option, you can also use corn starch or ice to stop the bleeding.
If the bleeding persists or you are concerned, you should seek medical help from a veterinarian, who will be able to advise you on what to do.
What Is The Best Way To Grind Dog Nails?
- Gently press your dog nail out of its paw to make it visible.
- For better control, bring the grinder closer to the revolving head.
- To avoid getting caught, keep your fur away from the grinding instrument.
- Begin by grinding across the base of the nail, then across the tip. Make sure to accurately smooth any rough edges.
- Only grind a small portion of your dog's nail at a time until it reaches just above the quick.
When Should I Trim My Dogs Nails?
It is recommended that your dog's nails be trimmed at least once a month.
However, if your dog's nails are quite overgrown when you begin, you may want to trim them every couple of weeks.
The quicker the fast retreats back into the claw, the more you trim.
As a result, more frequent nail clipping can help your dog's severely overgrown nails return to their proper length faster.
Nail Care for Dogs
If your dog's nails are hard, brittle, or flaky, there could be some underlying reasons affecting their nail health.
The general health of your dog's body has an impact on how healthy or unhealthy their nails are.
Here are some pointers for dog owners to maintain their dog's nails in good shape:
Maintain Your Dog's Hydration
Most dogs, especially those on a dry diet, do not get enough water.
Increasing the moisture content of your dog's food can help them keep hydrated.
This helps your dog's nails, skin, and coat stay healthy by improving digestion and nutrition absorption.
If you want to improve your dog's moisture consumption, raw dog food diets are an excellent option.
Keep your dog's paws safe
If your dog is active, he most likely spends a significant amount of time outside.
Despite the fact that dogs are rugged adventurers, the elements and the environment might have an impact on your dog's nails.
Consider investing in a pair of dog boots if your dog spends a lot of time running on difficult terrain or is exposed to harsh weather.
Everything revolves around your diet
Because food is the source of life, your dog's diet will determine his overall health.
If your dog's nails are unhealthy, you should examine their nutrition to see if they are receiving all of the nutrients they require.
Continue to be active
When dogs walk on rough surfaces like pavement, they naturally file down their nails a little. Your dog's nails are less likely to be smoothed and filed as he walks if you have a lazy couch potato at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proper way to hold dog nail clippers?
You, not the dog, should be facing the cutting blade.
The screws on the trimmer's handle should point toward the dog.
The cutting blade cuts closer to the quick if you turn the trimmer around with the screws facing you than if you hold it with the cutting blade facing you.
How can you tell how short to cut a dog's nails?
Check your furry friend's nails while they're standing in front of you with their front legs behind their shoulders.
Do they have any contact with the ground?
If that's the case, they're far too long.
It's also time to clip your dog's nails if you hear them clicking or see them turn sideways.
Can I cut my dog's nails with scissors?
No. This is something you should never do.
It has the potential to harm and destroy their nails.
Instead, use clippers or a Dremel; you may also use an emery board to file a dog's nails.