by Ussama Qadri

Created on: January 25, 2010   Last Updated: January 26, 2010

Majority of dogs hate to get their nails trimmed. Start trimming your dog’s nails when it is young, so that when it grows up it is used to obeying your orders by cooperation. Most of the dogs must be restrained while some may readily sit in y our lap for their weekly nail trimming. The nails of a dog should be only this long that they should touch the ground when it walks. Clicking sound of the nails on the floor or snagging into the carpet are sings that your dog needs a pedicure bad. If you have never done it before and do not know how to do it, follow our simple guide to trimming a dog’s nails and become an expert in no time.

Things Required for Trimming a Dog’s Nails:

First you need to collect the tools you will be requiring for trimming your dog’s nails efficiently and the right way. In the usual circumstances, the equipments required are:

·         Dog nail clippers

·         Cornstarches

·         Dog toys

·         Dog treats

·         Styptic powders                

How to Trim the Nails:

Select a set of trimmers for trimming your dog’s nails. Select from the available variety of trimmers designed especially for pets. You can also consult a dog groomer or vet on how to choose the best trimmers and how to use them in a proper manner. You can also attend a practical show of the trimmers you have chosen. 

The clippers you are using should be sharp and clean. 

Start from the tip of a nail and snip off bit by bit. Always keep a sharp eye on the cut edge after snipping. Once the pale pink tissue becomes visible around the top of the edge you have cut, it is time to stop. Smooth the edge with a nail filer now. Remember be slow, steady and watchful. 

Be careful not to cut into the quick as it contains the blood vessels and nerves. It will be extremely painful for your dog and will lead to bleeding. The pink section is the quick if your dog has white nails. If you happen to cut the quick it will lead to not only bleeding but a bad memory of nail trimming for the dog which will make your future nail trimming sessions more difficult to handle.

If your dog has dark nails, take extra care as the quick is not easily visible. There are more chances of you cutting the quick. If while trimming your dog’s nails, the tip of a nail starts bleeding, use styptic powder to apply pressure. You can also use cotton or baby powder as they are good substitutes of styptic powder. As soon as the bleeding stops, do not wipe the blood clot off nail’s tip. Do not forget to trim the dewclaw nail that lies within the leg. As it does not touch the ground, it does not wear out as rapidly as the other nails. Always trim your dog’s nails on time. If you do not trim the nails of your dog, the quick will get long. It can get your dog many diseases. Long nails can get traction problems too.

Tips on Trimming a Dog’s Nails:

Practical example is always good. Do not shy away from asking a pet groomer to demonstrate to you how to cut a dog’s nail if you have not done it ever. It will ensure your dog’s safety as well as give you confidence of doing the task yourself. You can also perform the task of trimming your dog’s nails in front of a vet or professional groomers so they can correct you when and if you go wrong. Always treat your do with a dog treat after trimming its nails. Never take trimming of a dog’s nails lightly.

Learn more about this author, Ussama Qadri.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.