Neglecting a dog's toenails is not unusual, but if dog owner were aware of the implications of doing so, they could be more motivated to trim them on a more frequent basis.
Overly-long nails can cause uncomfortable feet (if you can hear them clicking on a hard surface, they're too long), which can lead to the foot twisting when the dog is moving.
Overuse of joints and muscles occurs as a result of the twisting, resulting in long-term illnesses that diminish your dog's enjoyment of life.
It's not rocket science to trim your dog's nails, but it does require patience, consistency, and the correct tools.
Begin early and gradually
The sooner you start acclimating your dog to having their dog nail clipped using dog nail clipper, the less dreadful it will be for both you and your dog.
Start slowly when trimming your dog nail or grinding using nail grinder to get them acclimated to being around clippers and having their feet and toes touched.
For a few days preceding up to their initial clipping session, introduce the clippers on a daily basis.
Throughout the process, give lots of praise and treats.
Obtain the Required Equipment
Now that you've devised a strategy, it's time to acquire the necessary equipment:
Dog nail Clippers for your puppy's nails.
Guillotine-style, scissors-style, and pliers-style are the three basic varieties.
Unless your dog toenail is exceptionally huge, it's better to use a small pair of clippers because they're easier to operate and thus safer for your dog's nail.
To avoid mistakenly cutting into the quick, we recommend using one with a guide (the sensitive inner part of the nail which contains blood vessels and nerve endings).
What Angle To Cut Dog Nails?
There's no need to hurry; simply cut a little at a time.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind in cutting dog's toenail:
- Trim your nails in a well-lit environment.
- Separate the toes with your fingers while holding the dog's paw firmly but softly.
- Do not pinch the toes as this can be uncomfortable.
- At a 45-degree angle, nail trim the dog nail.
- Stop cutting the quick as soon as the white inner section of the nail is visible.
- Stop trimming your nails if they start to feel mushy or spongy. You're slicing into the flesh.
- If your dog has dewclaws, don't forget to clip those as well.
- They can grow back towards your dog's leg and penetrate the flesh if you don't clip them on a regular basis—ouch!
Utilizing Black Nails
If your dog's nails are black, you'll see that the bottom of the nail divides into a triangular shape with two outside ‘walls' as it approaches the tip.
There is no quick fix at this point, and it is safe to cut the tip off.
Otherwise, instead of attempting to cut up at a 45° angle, simply cut straight across from the pad.
Another tip is to use light pressure with the nail trimmers instead of actually cutting where you think you need to cut.
If your dog reacts to the pressure, you're probably too close to the quick, and you'll have to move the clippers down the nail.
What Happens If I Make It Bleed?
If you cut your nails too short by accident, you can use styptic powder or a clean bar of soap to run beneath the injured nail.
The soap will halt the bleeding by plugging the vessel.
If you make your dog bleed, they will be afraid the next time, so make sure you have plenty of rewards on hand and go slowly.
Additional Tips!
Remember that trimming a small amount on a regular basis is preferable to attempting to eliminate significant sections.
Even if your dog's nails are naturally short due to long walks, try to cut them once a week using nail trimmer.
The quick, a soft cuticle that runs along the center of your dog's nails and contains nerves and blood vessels.
It grows with the nail, so if you wait a long period between trims, the quick will be closer to the end of the nail.
This indicates there's a higher chance of bleeding during the nail trimming process.
Trim the dog's nails so that they don't contact the floor when he walks down.
Purchase a decent pair of nail trimmers that are the right size for your dog.
They have the potential to endure a lifetime.
Trimming time should be enjoyable rather than a chore.
It doesn't have to be a chore or an unpleasant experience to trim your dog's overgrown nail.
Start carefully and eventually work up to merely gripping your dog's toes firmly for 15-30 seconds if he isn't used to having his nails clipped.
Do not allow him to bite or mouth you.
Some dogs may require daily handling for a week or more to become accustomed to this.
If your dog tolerates having pet's nails feet held, cut one nail and praise him and give him a small treat if he is good.
Wait, and then do another nail at a later time.
Continue until all of your nails are clipped.
Gradually, you'll be able to trim multiple nails in one sitting, and eventually all of them in one sitting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you cut dog nails sideways?
Position the trimmers under your dog's paw and parallel to the bottom of the pad while you're cutting the hook.
Your dog's nails will be chopped horizontally, which may result in a sharp point at the top of each nail.
You may go back and take that little point off by trimming vertically.
What happens if you clip your dog's nails too short?
You should just trim the tip of your dog's nails; if you cut them too short, they may yip in agony and begin bleeding.
You don't want your dog to be in agony, even if it isn't usually life-threatening.
Furthermore, if the bleeding is not stopped soon, blood can stain furniture, clothing, and carpet.
Can I use flour to stop my dogs nail from bleeding?
If you regularly clip your dog's nails, you should have this on available during those sessions.
If you don't have any styptic powder on hand, dip the tip of your nail in a bar of soap or a small amount of flour or cornstarch.
Call your veterinarian if the bleeding lasts more than a few minutes.