Tips For Clipping Your Dog's Nails
When your dog plays on the driveway, runs down the sidewalk or any other hard surface, their nails are naturally filed. However, some dogs' nails grow faster than others or they do not get enough time on your sidewalk or driveway. If this occurs, clipping your dog's nails is the best way to ensure their nails don't hamper their ability to run and play or cause them any discomfort.
Here are a few tips to help you successfully clip your dog's nails.
Get Your Dog Comfortable With Having Their Paws and Nails Handled
Before you try clipping your dog's nails, it is important to get them accustomed to having their paws and nails touched and handled. Sit your dog down in a comfortable spot, grab some dog treats, and gently touch your dog's paws. Every time your dog is relaxed and allows you to touch their paws and nails, give them a treat.
Eventually, your dog will be comfortable with your touching their paws and you can move on to trimming their nails.
Trimming Your Dog's Nails
Gather your tools, including the trimmers, a blanket or towel, and clotting powder, and sit down in a well-lit spot. Choose dog nail trimmers that are appropriate for your dog's size. Using trimmers that are too large can cause you to cut too deep, which can cause severe bleeding and pain.
Gently grab your dog's paw, place the trimmer at an angle, and clip off the end of the first nail. Be careful to avoid clipping too close to the nail's bed to prevent clipping the dog's quick. The quick is a blood vessel at the base of the nail and if it is cut, your dog can bleed severely.
If you do accidentally snip the quick, grab your clotting powder, which is available at most pet supply stores. Apply the powder and let it clot the blood before proceeding to the rest of the nails.
If Your Dog Is Resistant
Finally, if you dog won't let you handle their paws, or you aren't comfortable trimming your dog's nails, contact a pet grooming service for assistance. A pet groomer has the right tools and knowledge to expertly clip your dog's nails. While your dog's nails are getting trimmed, your groomer can look for any damage to their paws, and even give your dog a bath and trim their fur.
From getting your dog accustomed to having its paws handled to knowing when to contact a pet groomer for help, there are several things you need to remember when trimming your dog's nails.