How to trim your dog’s nails

How to trim your dog’s nails

Nail trimming is an important part of a regular grooming routine. If your dog’s nails get too long it makes walking difficult or they can break off at the base which is painful.

Despite its importance, many people are hesitant to trim their dog’s nails. How do you know exactly here to cut the nail? What if you trim the nail too close and cut the sensitive quick? What if your dog seems worried? Although it can seem daunting, if you keep a few guidelines in mind and maintain a consistent schedule, nail trimming doesn’t have to become a stressful chore.

Tips:

• Teach your dog to associate nail trimming with things he loves.
• Take it slow and easy.  Trim the nails on one paw at a time and reward your dog for sitting still. If you or they are running out of patience come back to do another paw in a couple of hours or another day.

Getting Started:  Take It Slow and Easy:

If your dog isn’t used to getting his nails trimmed, the last thing you want to do is frighten and overwhelm him by rushing the process. Take a little extra time to slowly introduce the nail clippers, as well as the sensations involved in trimming. Begin by simply playing with his paws, placing your fingers between the toes for a few days.  Then introduce retracting the nails.  Once used to this, introduce the nail clippers.  The first time you use the clippers however, don’t plan on giving your dog a full pedicure. Instead, just clip one or two nails, and remember to give your dog treats or play a game right after trimming.  Then come back in a few hours or a day or so and trim more nails with treats and play as reward each time.

It also helps if you approach him calmly and speak in quiet, soothing tones. And remember, since you want him to relax while you’re trimming his nails, you’ll need to be relaxed, too.

The Process:

Many dogs seem to dislike the sensation of people handling their feet. Trimming can also cause discomfort when the clippers squeeze or slightly twist the nail. It can even cause pain and bleeding if you accidentally cut the nail too short and hit the quick which has a blood supply and nerve ending in it.

• The nail follows a natural curve and if you look on the underside of a dog’s nail you can often see a “hollow” area where the nail has started to grow out.
• Where the hollow meets the solid part of the nail is where you should trim.
• If you are lucky the nails are white and you can easily see the pink quick and avoid it.
• If the nails are black start by shaving small cuts off the nail.
• As you get near the quick the centre of the nail will start to look black.
• Stop if you see black in the centre. 
• If you accidentally hit the quick, apply pressure with a paper towel and keep a supply of Kwik Stop powder on hand (available at pet stores or our online store).
• If you find yourself without Kwik Stop powder, apply some talcum powder or baking soda to help the blood clot quicker. Hold pressure on the nail until it has stopped bleeding.

Of course, if you are still not comfortable trimming their nails, we can help.  Give us a call to set up a demo, or book your pet’s nail trim with us.  We are always happy to help.

Brigitte