Tips for Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Trimming your dog’s nails, four words that get you super excited! Said no owner ever. Clipping your furry friend’s nails is a delicate process that can cause both you and your pup anxiety. But clipping Fido’s nails is a necessity for keeping them healthy, so if you’ve decided to take on clipping your dog’s nails here are some things to know.

Make a List and Check it Twice

To ensure clipping your Fido’s nails goes as smooth as possible, you’ll want to invest in the proper tools. You should start with the essential item: nail clippers. Here’s what you need to know to find the perfect pair –

• DO NOT use the “guillotine” style clipper, only use the scissor-type otherwise you could crush your pup’s toe by accident.
• Use small clippers, they may take a bit more time, but they’ll give you more control hopefully preventing any cutting accidents.
• Ensure your clippers are sharp; if they get dull, you should either sharpen or replace them.

One of the most important things to remember is not to cut the quick of your dog’s nail.
The Quick: a soft cuticle that is rich in blood vessels and nerves located in the center of the translucent white nail.
If you happen to nick the quick here are the steps you should take:

1. Either use a bowl or cup your hand and fill it with corn starch or styptic powder.
2. Dip your pup’s bleeding paw into the powder, repeating until the bleeding stops.
3. Don’t wipe away the blood before you dip again or else it will prevent the clotting.
4. Once you’ve successfully stopped the bleeding use a paper towel or a cloth to compress the wound and wrap it up (don’t squeeze though!)

Step by Step Instructions

If you’ve decided clipping your dog’s nails is something you can handle, here is the best way to go about it.

1. Have your dog sit or lay next to you and if necessary, have another person present to help keep them calm and prevent any sudden movements.
2. Introduce the clippers to your pup. Try placing the clippers on their nail as you handle their paw. Allow them to get a bit more acquainted with the situation and the object before you start cutting.
3. Praise them and offer them treats to show them this is not a punishment.
4. Now it’s time for the clipping. Firmly (yet gently) hold your dog’s paw and begin to cut their nail at a 45-degree angle. Be careful not to go too far and cut the quick. This can best be accomplished through slow short cuts.
5. Keep trimming until you see white in their nail with a small circle of black in the middle – go any farther, and you’ll cut the quick.

Repeat this process about every three weeks or at least check on them to ensure they haven’t grown too long.

Tips & Tricks to Keep in Mind

• Make sure you have plenty of reliable lighting in the room or do this outside.
• While you’re handling their paws, don’t forget to trim up any excess toe hair.
• Don’t squeeze their toes! That will only hurt and cause them to squirm and possibly getting hurt.
• Always give your dog treats and praise during and after this process, especially if you accidentally clipped their quick.

If you find clipping your pup’s nails to be hard, there’s no shame in taking them to a groomer. No matter how it’s done – your dog needs their nails clipped, and their paws will thank you greatly.