Cutting Your Dog’s Nails
Most dogs need their nails trimming at least once a week (if you hear a clicking sound when they walk, that’s a sign that their nails are a bit long!). Although you might be tempted to resort to the vet or grooming service to trim your dog’s nails for you, it’s much easier and cheaper to cut them yourself. Here are a few tips on cutting your dog’s nails to make the task a lot less stressful for you and your pooch.
Guillotine Nail Clippers, Nail Grinders, and Scissor Clippers.
Scissor clippers are pretty self-explanatory, but guillotine nail clippers have a ring which you place your dog’s nail into. When you press down on the handle, a blade slices the tip of the nail. Nail grinders grind away at the nail instead of cutting it – kind of like rubbing it against sandpaper!
All these types of clippers are effective so use the one which you prefer most.
How to Cut Your Dog’s Nails
Hold your dog’s foot firmly. Most dogs do not like having their nails trimmed and will try to wriggle/squirm. If your dog is getting too fidgety, try laying them on their side and use your arm (the one that isn’t holding the clipper!) and body to keep their head to the floor. Use a calm, gentle voice to reassure your dog that nothing bad is going to happen.
If your dog has whiteish nails, then you will be able to see the quick quite clearly. It looks like a dark pink/red root. You should never cut beyond or too close to the quick. If your dog has black or dark nails, then the quick can be very hard to see. When cutting a dog with dark-coloured nails, always cut very small amounts off.
When you are ready to start trimming your dog’s nails, hold the toe you want to cut. You should then gently and carefully squeeze the nail between your clippers without cutting down. Watch your dog’s reaction. If they cry or yelp, you may be too close to the quick. If your dog appears fine, then cut a small amount off the nail. Always take very tiny amounts off a nail to avoid any accidents. Additionally, if the nail feels a bit too soft and spongey between your clippers, then you are likely too near the quick.
Make sure you cut all of your dog’s nails, including the dew claw. The nails on your dog’s back feet are generally less long and shorter, which makes them easier to trim.
Styptic Powder
Make sure you have some styptic powder on hand when you are cutting your dog’s nails. Styptic powder controls and helps stop bleeding in minor cuts and wounds. The quick bleeds a lot if you accidentally cut it so you will need to apply a generous amount of styptic powder to the wound to ease the bleeding. Cutting the quick is very painful for dogs so try to avoid it happening. If styptic powder doesn’t appear to be working, then you may need to consult a vet.