Trimming Your Dogs Nails

This is a task that many owners dread and their dogs, sensing the lack of confidence, learn to hate it. For some dogs the restraint of a foot can be traumatic and it’s a delicate balance to be firm without being abusive.

There are several types of clippers to do this – the most commonly used by owners are the small “guillotine” ones developed for pets or a heavy pair of toenail clippers, depending on the size of the dog – and his nails. Keeping his nails short reduces the chances a nail catches on something or breaks, which can mean more blood than you can imagine would come from a nail.

Before you pick up the clippers handle your dog’s feet. This is good practice anyway, checking for debris between his toes and in his pads. If he has light toenails you can clearly see the nail and within the nail the quick – a blood network that runs inside the nail. The object of proper trimming is getting as close to this as you can without cutting into the quick. Dark toenails are harder to see but in good light it’s often still possible.

As you get confident in handling his feet carefully and quickly clip the nail without getting into the quick. If you can get 2-3 nails trimmed without a fuss the first time, stop, reward your dog and finish that paw. By breaking the initial trim into a few sessions, perhaps while resting in the evening, it’s less stressful on you and the dog doesn’t pick up on negative energy and misbehave. Some people use a small file and smooth the edges of a nail

There is a product called Quick Stop that is good to have on hand…if a toenail is cut close enough to bleed dip the nail into the powder, letting it cover the nail. Old timers have recommended flour or even spider webs, but the sterile powder is an inexpensive product to have on hand.

Keeping the feet and toenails in good condition greatly increases the comfort for your pet. Shorter nails also reduce scratches to people, furniture and floors, and it is an easy thing you can learn to do to take care of your pet.