by Angie Pollock

Created on: October 29, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2009

Keeping a dog's nails trimmed shouldn't be an intimidating task for either you or your pet. Keeping their nails trimmed keep you and your property safe from unnecessary scratches and it is important for their everyday living to not let the nail grow too long. For most dogs, having overgrown nails can interfere and even be painful when walking.

Trimming the nails of your pet can be as simple as trimming your own nails. Just be aware that dogs have a vein inside the nail called the quick that can bleed when cut into. When grooming the nails you need three basic tools-the clippers, tissue and a styptic product that is used to stop bleeding if you do happen to cut into the quick. Two types of these products include

Kwik Stop Powder and a styptic pencil that contains silver nitrate. Both products work well to stop the bleeding of the quick if you should happen to need them.

There are two types of nail clippers that are commonly used by groomers. The guillotine, which is used most for dogs, and the scissors or claw type. The scissors type will have to be used if the nail has grown so long that it has started to curl. The guillotine clippers have an opening at the end which the nail is placed into. When the handle is squeezed, the blade moves in an upward motion to cut the nail off.

Dogs have two shades of nails, light and dark or sometimes referred to as white and black. White nails are the easiest to trim since the quick is visible through the nail. A black nail will require more precautions because the quick can't be seen. If the black nail isn't too thick, a flashlight can be used from the underneath to make the quick more visible. For the darker nails where the quick can't be seen, it is best to trim in short cuts and looking at the end of the nail before cutting more.

Start nail grooming by getting you and your dog in a comfortable position. Ask for assistance from a friend or family member if needed and have your tools handy. Hold the paw in one hand and pull the hair and skin as far back away from the nail as possible. If you can view the quick of the nail then you are in good form. Place the clippers on the nail and cut the nail no less than two millimeters of the quick. Cut from the bottom of the nail in an upward motion and not from the top to the bottom. Do not try to pull the nail away when clipping. The nail should cut fully and fall away on its own.

Repeat with every nail and don't forget the dew claws. This is the nail that usually hangs by loose skin

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