If you're anything like us, the idea of cutting dog nails makes you nervous.
You probably go to the groomer every time your nails need to be cut since you've seen too many photographs of clipped quicks and incessant bleeding.
The issue is that your dog's nails should be cut every month or so. It isn't convenient to pack up and travel to the nearest groomer. Not only that, but the cost adds up as well.
However, cutting your dog's nails does not have to be frightening or nerve-racking.
With the correct expertise and gear, you can take over your groomer's work as an expert nail clipper and maintain your dog's nails clipped at all times.
Let's begin and learn “How to Cut Dog Nails with Clippers.”
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What to Do Before Trimming the Nails?
Some dogs have sensitive feet and dislike having their feet handled. Ideally, you should begin introducing it to your dog when he or she is a puppy.
Before you begin clipping, try touching your dog's leg and pressing on each toe.
Remember to give them a treat as a reward.
You can also aid your dog by exhausting them with a nice run or other sort of exercise.
If you're not comfortable cutting your dog nail yourself, or if your dog is too large to hold down, ask a friend or family member to assist you in keeping the dog in place.
Make nail trim a pleasurable experience
Play with your dog's paws on a daily basis and give him special goodies to get him used to having his feet handled.
Every time your dog approaches the clippers, he should be rewarded.
Clip something hard and crunchy, like pasta, in his presence to accustom him to the sound of the clippers.
How to Use Clippers to Trim Your Dog's Nails
Gather Your Equipment
You'll need guillotine or scissor clippers, styptic powder (to halt bleeding if you cut into the quick), nail files for smoothing edges, and treats to reward your dog for good behavior.
Seek out the Quick
Before you begin, identify the quick; it is the pink area that runs through the center of transparent or light-colored nails.
If your dog's nails are dark, it will be difficult to notice them quick.
To avoid cutting into it, use nail clippers with a safety guard.
Before cutting, use a permanent marker to draw the edge of the quick.
Firmly grip the dog's paw
Face the same direction as your dog to gain more control during cutting.
His paw pad should be resting in the palm of your non-dominant hand.
Place your thumb on top of the paw, pointing in the same direction as your dog's toes.
However, not all dogs are the same.
Some of them respond better if you leave the foot alone, steady the nail you're clipping rather than holding the entire paw.
Make the Initial Cut
While praising your dog, position the clippers so that they cut the nail from top to bottom rather than side to side.
Trim parallel to the nail's bottom.
When trimming, hold the clippers vertically to avoid crushing the nail.
Squeeze the clippers' handles to cut the nail. Recognize and reward your dog for his cooperation.
Defining the Edges
After you've completed clipping your dog's nails, they'll be rough around the edges.
Use an ordinary nail file to smooth them out.
Stay cool and soothe your dog if you cut the quick.
Styptic powder should be applied firmly to the end of the nail until the bleeding stops, which may take a few minutes.
Treats, Recognitions, and Consistency
After you've finished clipping your dog's nails, make sure to reward him with treats and love.
The more consistently you clip your dog's nails, the less tension and discomfort he will associate with nail trimming.
If you find it difficult to cut your dog's nails, consider asking your veterinarian or groomer to assist you through the first few clippings.
A little reassurance and emotional support will help put both you and your dog at peace.
The Nail Trimming Phase: A Step-by-Step Guide
When your dog reacts positively when you pull out the clippers, you're ready to try an actual cut.
However, keep in mind that you will not be able to cut all of your dog's nails on the first session.
Slow down and go at your dog's pace.
Smaller dogs should be placed on a table so you don't have to twist yourself (or your dog) to manage his paws.
Step 1:
Separate your dog's nail by moving the hairs out of the way. Identify the quick, which is the nerve and blood arteries in the dog's nail, for dogs with light nails.
Because the quick isn't apparent in dogs with black nail, cut with caution and just trim a small portion of nail each time.
Cutting the quick by accident is painful and will cause a dog to bleed, so take care not to cut too deeply.
Step 2:
Straight across, cut just the tip of the nail using the dog nail clipper.
Then let go of your dog's paw and reward him with a goodie.
If the pet's nails is still too long, make a little trim, offer another treat, and then call it a day.
Step 3:
Keep trimming your pet's nails in short sessions until you've clipped all of them.
You'll eventually be able to get through all sixteen to twenty nails in a single session, but it's best to take it gently at first.
Don't forget to clip the dew claw, which can become concealed under fur.
This thumb-like nail is most commonly found on the front legs of dogs, although it can also be found on the hind legs of some dogs.
It is likely to be longer and thicker than the others because it does not touch the ground and grows unregulated.
Important Things to Keep in Mind When Trimming Your Dog's Nails
Please do not pin your dog down or hold them so firmly that they are unable to move.
This will only make them fearful. If they are too difficult to handle, hire a professional to do them on a regular basis.
If you don't clip the dog's claws appropriately, he'll be scared of the operation for the rest of his life.
What Should I Do If My Dog's Nails Are Extremely Long?
If you don't clip your dog's nails and they grow so long that they start to go into the pad, I recommend avoiding touching them because this needs to be done by a vet.
They will almost certainly be put on antibiotics after that, which is why regular nail trimming is essential.
FAQ
Can I use human nail clippers on my dog?
Flat clippers for human nails are not only inappropriate form for your dog's nails.
They are also more likely to injure and destroy your dog's nails.
Guillotine clippers are the ideal size and shape for cutting a dog's nail cleanly.
Dull clippers pinch and create unneeded pain, which no dog owner wants.
Can you use human nail clippers on small dogs?
Start with human nail clippers for little puppies, but soon you'll need clippers designed to cut the dog's toenails at the appropriate angle without fracturing or crushing the nail.
Some dogs respond nicely to Dremel-style nail grinder items.
How often should you clip your dog's nails?
The frequency with which your dog's nails should be cut is totally up to her.
However, as a general rule, pruning once a month is a good idea.