March 10, 2022 While most dogs do not like having their nails trimmed, with some patience it is a task you can complete at home. It’s best to start trimming nails in young dogs so that they get used to the process. Some dogs will happily sit in your lap or on a table while you trim their claws, but many require some form of restraint. While this can done at home, it’s recommended owners learn to trim their dog’s nails from a
veterinarian or veterinary technician first. To clip your dog’s nails, drape your arms and upper body over the animal. When trimming the front claws, keep your left forearm over the neck to keep the dog from lifting its head. If the dog tries to stand, lean your upper body over its shoulders to prevent it from rising. If your dog is too wiggly, try laying it on its side. Grip each individual toe firmly with your thumb and forefinger. Place the tip of the nail in the stationary ring of the trimmer with the clipper perpendicular to the nail. Squeeze the handle to move the cutting blade. The cutting blade should be closest to you, not the dog. Be sure not to cut too short, as the nail will bleed. Nails should be cut from underneath at a 45-degree angle. How do you avoid cutting a dog’s nails too short?It is important to be careful to not clip your dog’s nails too short and cut into the quick, which can be painful for the animal and cause bleeding. There are several styles of nail trimmers, including a guillotine type and a scissors type. The guillotine-type is the easiest to use in dogs. The scissors-type is often used to trim the dew claw.  Light colored claws are easier to cut than dark claws, as the blood vessels and nerves that supply the claw, called the quick, are easier to see. Cut dark colored claws in several small cuts to reduce the chance of cutting into the quick. It’s best to not cut within 2 millimeters of the quick. As you cut the nail deeper, a gray to pink oval starts to appear at the top of the cut surface of the nail. Stop cutting the nail at this point as additional cutting will cut into the quick and cause bleeding. Styptic powder stops bleeding when applied. It is recommended to have styptic powder on hand in the event a nail is cut too short. Without styptic powder it may take about 5 minutes for the bleeding to stop. How do I clip a dew claw?Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed prevents them from dealing with unnecessary pain. Cutting or filing your dog’s nails regularly should be a routine part of dog grooming, but for many dogs, having their nails clipped can be extremely stressful. Here’s a guide for dog nail trimming, including how to cut dog nails, how to file dog nails, the tools you’ll need to trim your dog’s nails, and tips for minimizing stress and preventing injury. Jump to a specific section here:
Tools for Trimming Your Dog’s Nails at HomeThankfully, you won’t need an entire toolbox dedicated to your dog’s pedicure—just these handy tools will do the trick:
Types of Dog Nail ClippersThere are a variety of options you can use to trim your dog’s nails. While some people might prefer guillotine-style clippers, the spring-loaded scissor-style or plier-style nail clippers are favored by most veterinary professionals. These are especially helpful for dogs with thick, tough nails. Some brands even have a guard so you don’t accidentally cut the nail too short. Scissor-style or plier-style nail clippers can be used for both small and large dogs, but you may find it easier to use nail clippers specifically made for cats or small dogs if you have a miniature pooch. For very small or very young dogs, you can use human nail clippers, but it’s generally easier to see what you are doing with trimmers made specifically for dogs. Using TreatsKeep some treats nearby for positive reinforcement to help make nail trims less scary for your dog. Styptic PowderA good styptic powder is smart to have on hand for those instances where you accidentally cut a nail too short. Styptic powder will help stop the bleeding so that you can care for your dog’s toe. How to Cut Dog Nails SafelyIt may be helpful to gradually get your dog accustomed to the sight and sound of the nail clippers before you try to cut your dog’s nails. Try bringing the nail clippers out, clicking them, and letting your dog smell them on different occasions (without actually cutting their nails) so they get used to them. Give your dog tasty treats when the clippers come out. Here’s how to cut dog nails safely:
How to File Your Dog’s Nails to Smooth Them After ClippingFiling your dog’s nails is primarily done to remove any sharp tips or fragments left over after clipping your dog’s nails.
How Short Should You Cut Your Dog’s Nails?It is important not to clip behind the natural curve of the nail because this is where the “quick” starts. The quick is the center portion of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you accidentally cut this part of the nail, it will cause bleeding and some pain for your dog. If you are concerned that you may be cutting too close to the quick, it is best to leave that nail a little longer. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with the process, or think you are causing your dog pain, please stop and contact your local veterinarian for further instructions. How to Cut Dog Nails That Are BlackDogs with black nails can present more of a challenge. Since their nail is naturally pigmented, it can be difficult to see where the quick begins. Once you begin cutting, you may see a chalk-like white ring that surrounds the beginning of the quick. If you feel uncomfortable clipping your dog’s black nails, schedule a nail trim appointment at your veterinarian’s office. You can also ask one of the veterinary clinic employees to demonstrate how to cut black nails properly. How Often Should You Trim Your Dog’s Nails?The amount of time between nail trims depends on how quickly your dog’s nails grow and how quickly they are worn down. The average dog should have his nails clipped every three to four weeks, but it should be done as often as needed to keep the nail from touching the ground when your dog is standing. If your dog is a lapdog whose feet rarely touch the ground, you may need to trim their nails more often, whereas dogs that run on pavement or rough surfaces may not need theirs done that often or at all. How to Stop a Dog’s Toenail From BleedingA bleeding toenail can be very distressing for you and your dog. Here’s how to stop the bleeding. Styptic powder can be used to help stop the nail from bleeding by helping the blood to clot. If you don’t have styptic powder, flour or cornstarch can also be used to stop a dog’s nail from bleeding and can be applied the same way as styptic powder.
If the bleeding does not stop after several minutes, call your veterinarian for further recommendations. Dog Nail Trimming AlternativeAs an alternative to cutting their dog’s nails, some people choose to grind them down with a Dremel tool (also called a nail grinder) specifically created for pet nails. The Dremel uses a special sandpaper-type bit and a 30,000 RPM speed to grind the nails down quickly and safely. It’s best to use the nail grinder every 7-10 days for maintenance. For dogs with long hair, trim the hair around the toes prior to filing, and move the Dremel around constantly to avoid friction that can cause an uncomfortable warming sensation. With the right tools, a little patience, and a whole lot of treats, you can save some time and save your pup the stress of traveling to the groomer or the vet clinic. References https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-trim-dogs-nails-safely/ Featured Image: iStock.com/skynesher How do I know how far to cut my dogs toenails?With your furry friend standing in front of you with their front legs under their shoulders, check their nails. Are they touching the ground? If so, then they're too long. And if you hear your dog's nails clicking or see them turn sideways, it's time for a trim.
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How to tell where to cut a dogs nails
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