The Best Ways to Safely and Effectively Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Although nail clipping is an essential part of dog grooming, it can be stressful for both you, however, you can make the process lot easier and less unpleasant for your dog with a little bit of knowledge and planning. Here is a guide on how to safely and properly cut your dog’s nails.

I remember the first time I trimmed my dog’s nails, he was so nervous he was so nervous he literally peed a lake on our hardwood floors, I have had dogs that want to bite me and others who are completely relaxed, looking back, the more prepared you are the better the experience for both of you.

Why is it crucial to cut your nails?

Your dog may experience pain and discomfort from having long nails, which may also compromise the health of their paws and legs. Also to making it harder for your dog to run or walk , overgrown nails can also train them to bite their paws or form other negative habits. These issues can be avoided with routine nail clipping, which will also keep your dog comfortable and healthy.

Signs a dogs nails are too long

The nails are probably too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor as the dog walks or if they touch the ground when the dog is standing. If you’re unsure whether your dog’s nails are too long, you should seek advice from a vet or a trained groomer.

The Quick

A dogs nails consist of two parts, a hard outer shell and the quick. The quick is a blood vessel and runs through the core of the nail, If you cut too short and nick the quick it will bleed and may cause discomfort, however regular trimming will cause the quick to recede from the end making trimming easier.

Nail trimming supplies

To trim your dog’s nails, you’ll need a few basic supplies. These include:

• Nail clippers or grinders
• Styptic powder
• Treats or positive reinforceme

Types of nail clippers and grinders

There are two main types of nail clippers and grinders: guillotine clippers and scissor clippers. Guillotine clippers have a small hole where the nail is placed and then a small blade slides across to cut the nail. Scissor clippers are like human nail clippers, where the blades come together to cut the nail. A nail grinder is a tool that uses a spinning file to grind down the nails. This can be a good option for dogs who are particularly sensitive about having their nails trimmed.

Using a grinder

By turning the grinder on and off while giving your dog goodies, you can get them accustomed to the sound. The dog’s nail should be carefully inserted into the grinder while holding it firmly. To prevent hitting the quick, hold the grinder at a slight slant. Avoid overheating the nail or grinding it too quickly by slowly grinding the nail. To make sure you are not grinding too closely to the quick, pause regularly and check the nail.

Cut at a straight angle

If using clippers it’s important to cut them at a straight angle. This will help prevent the nails from splitting or cracking.

Start young

It’s a good idea to start trimming your dog’s nails from a young age, so they get used to the process. This will make it easier for them to tolerate nail trimming as they get older. As a breeder we start trimming puppy nails at two weeks of age!.

Touch paws often

Another way to make your dog more comfortable with the nail trimming process is to touch their paws often. This will help them get used to having their paws handled and make them less likely to pull away when you’re trying to trim their nails.

Go slow

When you first start trimming your dog’s nails, it’s important to take it slow. Only trim a little bit of the nail at a time, maybe even only a nail or two, and stop if your dog seems uncomfortable or agitated.

Avoid the quick

To avoid the quick, you should only trim the tip of the nail. If you’re not sure where the quick is, you can look at the nails of your dog when they’re extended, and you will see the quick.

How to stop nails bleeding

If you accidently cut the quick when clipping your dog’s nails, you can quickly and easily halt the bleeding and relieve the pain by applying styptic powder. As a coagulant, styptic powder aids in clotting the blood and stopping the bleeding. Here is how to stop your dog’s nail from bleeding using styptic powder:

• Apply the styptic powder: Hold your dog’s paw steady and gently apply a small amount of styptic powder to the bleeding nail using a cotton swab or your finger.
• Hold the paw: Hold the paw for a few minutes to allow the styptic powder to work and the bleeding to stop.
• Clean the paw: Once the bleeding has stopped, gently clean the paw with a warm, damp cloth to remove any excess powder.
• Keep an eye on the paw: After the bleeding has stopped, keep an eye on the paw for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for an evaluation.

Still uncomfortable?

If you find that you or your dog still have trouble clipping nails don’t be afraid to book an appointment with a groomer or your veterinarian to get the job done.