Nail clipping should be part of your dog's regular grooming practice.
Trimming your dog and cat's nails is not an easy undertaking for any brave pet owner who has attempted it.
There are, however, certain methods for making dog nail trimming easier and safer for both you and your pet.
Here are 11 tips for trimming your dog's nails:
Related Articles:
Nail Trimming: Best Angle For Cutting Dog Nails? [Answered]
Cutting Black Dog Nails (Tips For Trimming Dark Dog Nails)
How do I get my dog to sit still long enough for me to clip his nails?
While softly rubbing her paws, use a soothing voice to keep her quiet.
Then concentrate on your toes, gently squeezing each one.
After that, gently press down on the nail.
If your dog becomes frightened or pulls her paw back, take a break and resume only when she has calmed down.
Nail Care for Dogs
1. Maintain Calm in Your Pet
Is it time to have your hair cut?
Do their nails make contact with the ground?
It's simpler to keep your dog calm during nail trimming if he's in a good mood.
Do not attempt to trim your dog's nails during a tense situation.
Ensure that your pet's immediate needs are met first. Is your dog famished?
Have you recently returned home?
Perhaps your pet requires a food or a snuggle before he is at ease.
To avoid mistakenly cutting into the fast, a happy and open mindset begins with comfort.
2. First, give your dog a bath.
Make an effort for your dog's nail trimming.
Bathing your dog's nails before clipping can softens them, making them easier to clip.
Cleaning your pet's fur will relax her and make her more docile for a nail clipping.
Some dogs get overly thrilled when they get a bath.
It is not a good idea to clip your dog's nails after a bath if this is your dog.
You are the expert on your dog. Clip your dog's nails at a time when he is naturally quiet.
3. Make use of a file
Dog nail files should be included in your pet's nail care kit and used on a regular basis.
After trimming your dog's nails, use a nail file to smooth down any rough edges.
Use them to keep your dog from scratching your arms or snagging your clothes, furniture, or carpet.
Pick up a human nail file or fine-grit sandpaper to save money.
Your cat is also at risk from rough nails.
Nail splits can be uncomfortable, and a caught nail might result in a serious injury.
File your dog's nails for your own and your pet's safety.
If your dog's nails are still rough after clipping, try using a nail cap like Soft Claws Nail Caps for Dogs.
4. Consider the Quick.
Do you clip your dog's nails short or long?
Look to the immediate.
The quick, a pink blood vessel under the tip of the nail, should be visible on clear and light-colored dog nails.
The quick should serve as a guide for how short your pet's nails should be clipped.
To avoid clipping the nail too short, leave at least a quarter of an inch above the quick – especially if you have hardwood floors.
Sharp nails can harm wood flooring, and cutting your dog's nail too short can cause suffering.
Do you need to clip your dog's black nails? Trim a sliver at a time, going very gently.
A grayish-white portion of the nail should be visible when you clip.
As you approach closer to the quick, a black patch in the center of the nail will appear.
Stop right there!
5. Keep a supply of styptic powder on hand.
Even the most meticulous nail cutter is capable of making a mistake.
Always have some pet styptic powder on hand to prevent nail trimming mishaps.
If your dog's nails are bleeding, apply a liberal amount of styptic powder to the bleeding end right away.
It swiftly brings an end to the bleeding.
6. Praise others.
Clipping a dog's nails isn't always a pleasant experience. Make your pet's experience the best it can be by lavishing praise and comfort on her during the process. Encouragement goes a long way, from the first front paw nail to the last hind paw. A particular treat at the end of the process can also be beneficial.
7. Please take your time.
While both you and your dog may be eager to have the nail clipping done as soon as possible, it's critical to take your time.
Even for professionals, trimming a dog's nails can be difficult.
Slow down and be cautious to avoid accidents.
If your pet becomes very stressed, take a break and resume when he has calmed down.
8. Properly secure
Hold your dog firmly yet gently to avoid frightening him. Wrap your free arm around his body and leg, and secure his footpad with your other hand while clipping. This should give you a lot of flexibility.
9. Choose a Dog Nail Clipper that You Like
On the market, there are a few different models and types of dog nail clippers.
It's possible that you'll have to try a few before you locate the one that works best for you.
Claw placement is made easier using guillotine nail clippers (such as the Le Salon Essentials Dog Guillotine Nail Cutter), although they aren't necessarily the best for medium and big dog breed.
These clippers' form might crush the nail as they cut, resulting in splintering at the edges.
If you choose this clipper style, be sure to cut or file the sides of your pet's nails to prevent the sharp edges from being a hazard to both you and your cat.
All canines benefit from scissor-style dog nail trimmers, such as Furminator Nail Clippers.
When using this style of nail trimmer, take it slowly.
Nail guidelines are included with many of these, however they can be deceiving.
Always go by your pet's instincts rather than a predetermined “guide.”
A modern sort of pet nail trimmer is the nail grinder.
For new pet owner and hyperactive dogs, this type of dog nail clipper may be the most convenient.
Accidents are less likely with grinders because they only remove a small amount at a time.
10. Claws in Bad Shape
Did you know that your dog's nail condition is closely tied to the food he eats?
Healthy skin and hair, as well as your dog's nails, result from a well-balanced diet.
Unsaturated fats, such as salmon oil, are abundant and contribute to overall health.
Try adding a fish oil supplement, such as salmon oil, straight on your dog's food if your pet has dry skin and brittle nails that are prone to splitting.
Dog foods aren't all made equal.
Check the quality of your dog's food with our Dog Food Comparison Chart to see if it has all of the nutrients he needs to keep his nails healthy and strong.
11. When Should You Leave Nail Clipping to the Professionals?
You may wish to take your pet to a pet store, groomer, veterinarian, or another pet specialist if your pet is fidgety, afraid of nail trimming, or if you are too worried about dog nail clipping.
You can pass on your fear to your pet if you are afraid.
And a bad experience can make future nail cuttings much more difficult.
While many pet owners clip their dogs' nails themselves to save time and money, if you are unsure, it is preferable to leave the job to someone more skilled.
It doesn't have to be tough to cut your dog's nails.
To make the job safer, faster, cheaper, and more enjoyable for you and your dog, use these dog nail trimming techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How short should a dogs nails be?
Because the blood vessels and nerves that supply the claw, known as the quick, are easier to view, light colored claws are easier to cut than black claws.
Cut the claw down to about 2 millimeters from the quick. The claw will bleed and the dog will be in pain if you cut into the quick.
Should dog's nails touch the ground?
Long toenails are one of the most prevalent foot problems in domestic dogs.
When standing on a firm, level surface, the nails should not touch the ground, but they should be long enough to give traction when ascending a hill or digging.
When toenails become overly long, the quick follows suit.
Can u soften dog's nails before clipping?
Bathing your dog's nails before clipping them softens them, making them easier to clip and less likely to splinter.
Cleaning your pet's fur with a massaging stroke will relax her and make her more docile for a nail clipping.