How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

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Nail trimming is crucial for dogs’ grooming, but many owners feel trepidation or dislike it. Dog nails grow like human nails, and some dogs wear them down naturally from walking on surfaces like pavement, gravel, or concrete.

Most dogs live indoors, and not enough time on these surfaces keeps nails short, especially for small dogs.

If left to grow, nails can curl under, leading to painful sores and infections. Long nails can also make walking difficult, especially on slick surfaces, and can be partially torn off or split, causing significant pain for the dog.

Why it’s Important to Keep Your Dogs Nails Trimmed

Regular nail maintenance is crucial for a dog’s well-being and easy maintenance. A dog’s nail consists of a living pink quick and a hard outer shell. The quick supplies blood to the nail and runs through its core, causing bleeding and discomfort when cut.

Consistent nail trimming helps the quick recede from the end. Short quicks are preferred for dog well-being and easy maintenance. Long nails can cause splayed feet, deformed feet, and tendons over time. Some dogs wear their nails down, reducing the need for frequent nail clipping.

How Often Should You Cut Your Dog’s Nails?

To maintain your dog’s health, trim their nails once a month, depending on their activity level. Pavement-run dogs may need less trimming, while indoor or grass-based dogs may need it every couple of weeks.

Overextending nails is not just temporary; the quick vein inside the nail can grow longer, making it difficult to trim them as short the next time.

Getting Your Dog Comfortable With Nail Trimming

In just one week, a dog can become comfortable with nail trimming. However, if it takes longer, be patient, maintain a gentle and positive attitude, and continue to offer praise and treats. Use safe, dog-friendly nail clippers or grinders.

Dogs can be trained to tolerate and enjoy nail trims, often through their stomachs. To make the experience more pleasant, give your dog treats during nail trims or have a helper hold them. In some cases, smearing peanut butter on a wall or door can convince your dog to stand still while you trim his nails alone.

Go at your dog’s pace and don’t set a goal of clipping all of your dog’s nails in one sitting. If your dog hates nail trims, take them to a veterinarian or groomer to start with a clean slate. Gradually acclimate your dog to nail trims, starting with treats and praise to make them comfortable. Gradually work up to trimming one nail at a time, then two or three nails at a time, and eventually an entire paw at one sitting.

This approach may seem time-consuming, but it will save you time in the long run. After a month or two of consistent daily effort, your dog’s nail trims should remain relatively easy and low-stress for the rest of their lifespan.

Types of Nail Grinders and Clippers

Dog Nail Cutting Tools:

Guillotine-style Clippers:

 

 

 

Look for brands Resco, Hertzko Angled Blade Pet Clippers, and Mighty Paw Nail Clipper.

 

Scissor-style Clippers:

Brands like Hertzko Angled Blade Pet Clippers are ideal for small dogs and puppies.

Pliers-style Clippers:

Recommended brands are Mighty Paw Nail Clipper, Mighty Paw Nail Clipper, which are stronger for large, thick nails.

Nail Grinders:

 

Try Dremel brand nail grinders, because they file nails smoothly and avoid quick cuts.

How to Trim Your Dogs Nails

There are various dog nail trimmers, including scissors, grinder tools, and guillotine types. Choose the one that suits your dog best.

Keep styptic powder or clotting powder on hand to prevent bleeding in the event of cutting a nail too short.

If you’re new to clipping a dog’s nails, consult a veterinarian or vet tech for guidance.

Steps:

• Pick up a paw and gently place thumb and forefinger on the toe pad.
• Push thumb slightly up and backward on the pad while forefingering forward to extend nail.
• Clip only the tip of the nail, including dewclaws on the inner side of the paw.
• Avoid clipping past the nail curve to avoid hitting the quick, the pink area containing blood vessels.
• Watch for a chalky white ring for dogs with dark nails.

Dew claws, attached by loose skin, are on the inner side of the paw and can be easily trimmed with scissors-type trimmers. They often grow into the toe pad, causing pain for dogs. Regular trimming is crucial, as they don’t touch the ground.

How to Trim by Nail Grinding

Grind your dog’s nails using a grinder or as a finishing touch after trimming them with another tool.

Hold the grinder toward the top for better control and remove as much hair as possible.

Use light to medium pressure and use short strokes to see the process.

If your dog has long, thick nails and the quick is far back, apply firm pressure, but keep checking the distance to the quick.

What to Do if Your Dog’s Nail Starts Bleeding

If your dog yelps in pain and the nail begins to bleed, it’s likely that the blood vessel and nerve within the nail have been severed. This isn’t an emergency. Use styptic powder, cornstarch, or flour to wipe away the blood and apply it to the nail tip.

Give your dog a break and reward him before moving on to other nails. Although cutting into the quick can cause sharp pain, it’s not long-lasting and shouldn’t affect their ability to walk.

Does Walking My Dog Wear down the Nails?

Dogs naturally wear down their nails by walking and playing on hard surfaces, but daily exercise on rougher surfaces like concrete or pavement can help maintain healthy nails.

Older dogs prefer softer ground, and those exercising in fields and woodlands may not have as much exercise as before.

When Can I Start Trimming My Puppy’s Nails?

Starting nail clipping puppies’ nails at around six weeks old, starting within the first week, and then every week, even if it’s only a tiny amount, is crucial to getting them used to the procedure.

To effectively cut puppy nails, take off a small amount at a time, and once the nails become thicker, use a nail grinder or dog nail scissors, as this will continue into adulthood.

Starting young allows your dog to become accustomed to the process.

Final Thoughts

Overgrown dog nails are crucial for their well-being and safety. Failure to trim them can lead to health risks and behavioral issues. Regular maintenance and learning how to trim them at home can ensure your pet’s comfort and happiness. Proper care and attention can maintain your dog’s health and happiness for years to come.