A Full Guide on Trimming Your Dog’s Nails
Nail trims are a massive responsibility for pet parents. Dogs with long nails can cause damage to floors, walls, or whatever they jump on! Sharp nails can lead to scratches on other dogs or human friends, so pet parents must maintain their dog’s nails monthly.
If you’re squeamish about cutting your dog’s nails, we recommend taking a trip to the groomer instead. Dog nails can be tricky and overwhelming for some owners because of the “quick” (a blood vessel inside their nails). Taking energetic dogs to a professional is much safer to avoid injuries.
Familiarize Fido with the Nail Tools
The American Kennel Club has a week-long familiarity guide to help puppies feel more comfortable around the clippers or grinder’s noise. For seven days before the nail appointment, familiarize Fido by letting them sniff, touch, and inspect the tools. Give them treats and praise when they positively respond to the devices.
Trimming Fido’s Nails
Whether using a nail grinder or clipper, the essential part of nail trimming is ensuring your dog is calm and comfortable. Following the AKC’s guide to nail trimming, here are the five steps to successfully cutting your dog’s nails! Have Fido lay in a comfy, safe spot to ensure they’re relaxed for the grooming treatment.
- Examine Fido’s paws for foreign objects or debris. Clean off their paws if any dirt or injuries are present.
- Pick up one paw, firmly but gently placing your thumb on the pad of the toe and your forefinger on top of the toe on the skin above the nail. Make sure all of Fido’s fur is out of the way.
- Push your thumb up and backward on the pad while pushing your forefinger forward; this extends the nail, so you have ample space to cut without worrying about the “quick.”
- Clip only the tip of the nail straight across. Clipping too much of the curve can cause bleeding and a painful nick.
- Repeat on all nails, and give lots of love and treats when all done!
Helpful Tools
Our Top Recommendation for Nail Trimmers: Boshel Dog Nail Clippers
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Our Top Recommendation for Nail Grinders: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Amazon with over 79,000 positive reviews!