How to Trim Dog Nails

Before you begin cutting the nails of your dog, there are a few things that you must consider. White or tan nails are easier to trim, especially on young dogs, because the quick is easily visible. Always cut a small amount of nail at a time, and check the side of the nail for the pink surface before reaching the quick. When you see that surface, stop trimming and give your dog a treat. Otherwise, you might risk hurting him.

You and your pup have gone on a lot of walks together. Just you and him leisurely strolling around the neighborhood, enjoying each other’s company. Sure, he may sometimes miss the walk signal while greeting his buddies or start to chase a squirrel, but that’s just part of the adventure when you set out for a walk with your dog. Things aren’t always perfect — for one, his nails don’t always naturally stay trim — but luckily we are here to help! Here are some tips on how you can easily trim your dog’s nails without causing any unnecessary stress between you two or doing any harm to your dog.

Tip

Here’s a quick tip for trimming your dog’s nails. Veterinary technicians are trained to cut the dog’s paws from the bottom up, so they can see the quick and avoid cutting it too short.

Trimming from the top up can lead to cutting the quick and causing the nail to bleed. This tip is particularly important for dark nails. It may be tempting to simply cut off the nail altogether, but don’t.

Tools

One of the most common mistakes people make when trimming dog nails is attempting to use a manual nail clipper. While manual nail clippers are far less dangerous, they are still time- consuming. Before buying a nail clipper, you should ask a veterinarian if a nail grinder is the best choice for your dog. Lastly, never rush yourself. It is important to take your time and make several small cuts instead of attempting to cut the entire nail at once.

Clotting powder

A clotting powder is a substance that is applied to the nail to stop it bleeding. This powder constricts blood vessels and helps to stop bleeding from dog nails. You can find styptic powder at a pet store or online. To use it, simply put a small amount in the palm of your hand and dip it into the bleeding claw. Then, use a cotton swab to wipe it off.

Reward your dog with treats after nail clipping

When your dog doesn’t like nail clipping, you can reward it with treats after you finish. The idea is to make this activity as pleasant as possible for your pet, but it doesn’t have to be as unpleasant as trimming your own nails. Nail clipping is a normal part of grooming for dogs, and some dogs may even look forward to it. If you have a confident and calm attitude, your dog will probably do great.

When to trim dog’s nails

There are several important steps to follow when it comes to cutting a dog’s nails. The first step is to make sure that your dog is comfortable with nail cutting. Start by trimming just one nail at a time. Gradually increase the number of nails to three and then go ahead to trim the entire paw. Make sure to clean up the area around the paw as you go. After you’ve finished trimming the dog’s nails, praise your pet and offer training treats.

As with all at-home guides, there is always room for professional assistance. Even those with a lot of experience trimming their dogs’ nails may find something new in the guide that can improve their dog care skills. As a handy guide to nail trimming, it captures the most important information in a single source and is an easy read. It can easily change how we all interact with our best friends when it comes time to trim their claws.