How To Cut A Dog's Nails At Home

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Updated on the 04/01/2022, 10:31

Click, click, click… that's your canis familiaris's nails borer abroad on the floor! Truthfully, most dogs hate having their paws handled - so having their nails clipped is probably their worst nightmare!

Although cutting dog's nails isn't the almost enjoyable process for all involved, information technology'due south simplygot to be done. Unless your pooch is a super active dog, their nails will probably demand to exist trimmed every 2-4 weeks.

So, armed with some treats, a practiced sometime cuddle and a belly rub, they'll forgive you before you know it. So, let'south talk all about cutting dog'due south nails!

Cutting domestic dog's nails: is it necessary?

cutting dog's nails — Dog'southward don't similar having their paws touched!©Pixabay

Cut dog's nails isn't merely for cosmetic reasons. When your dog'due south nails abound too long, it could lead to uncomfortable pain, postural defects, lameness and even injuries. The hurting happens when hard surfaces push the nail towards the nail bed, putting pressure on the toe joints or disfiguring the toe to 1 side.

If y'all observe your dog's nails are touching the floor, are protruding over the pad or are clicking every bit they toddle around the business firm, they demand a cut - pronto!

Cutting dogs nails: what yous'll demand

Nail clippers. Guillotine-style clippers are good for minor breeds, whilst plier-style may work better for larger breeds.

Treats. This won't be a swell experience for your pooch, so it'southward of import to have some tasty treats on manus to reward them.

Styptic pulverization or cornstarch. In case your dog's nails bleed, these powders volition stop the haemorrhage.

Cut dog'south nails - Avoid the quick!

"A dog's toenail is made upwards of the nail and the quick. The quick is the pink (when it's visible) role of your domestic dog's toenails; information technology's like to the pink part of your own fingernails and toenails. It provides the blood supply to the nail."

explains Margaret H. Bonham in Canis familiaris Training For Dummies.

"When trimming your domestic dog'south nails, you must avoid cutting the quick, considering it bleeds quite a bit and is quite sensitive. If your canis familiaris has white nails, you'll exist able to meet the quick. However, many dogs have black or dark-coloured nails, and no thing what tricks you've heard about, seeing the quick in them is impossible. You have to snip advisedly and await at the boom. If the blast feels spongy, stop immediately!" If you accidentally cut the quick, pack the nail with the styptic pulverization as soon every bit you tin can. Quicking hurts dogs a great deal, and so be as conscientious as yous possibly can - if you're not confident, information technology's probably best to have your vet demonstrate.

Cutting dog's nails - preparation

To make cut dog's nails for both you and your pooch a good experience, it's best to practice a little flake of prep before you brainstorm.

Go your pooch used to the sensation past simply picking up each mitt and belongings information technology. No tools involved hither - this is purely to assistance your dog feel comfortable with their paws being held. Continue doing this over the grade of a few days and advantage them with a treat every fourth dimension.

And so, innovate your pup to your chosen trimming tool. Put it on the floor next to them and allow them to sniff information technology. Again, requite them a treat and lots of praise. Doing this for a further few days will help to brand your pooch experience at ease and relaxed before yous go in for the dreaded trim.

How to cut domestic dog's nails - step-by-step

Find a comfortable spot where your dog is comfortable, give them a pat and ensure they're relaxed.
Hold your pup'due south foot firmly yet gently.
Identify the clippers at a 45-degree angle from the nail.
Trim or prune a very small corporeality off the finish of each toenail. By taking smaller amounts off, you're less probable to accidentally trim too far and end up cutting the quick.
Reward your pup with a treat afterward every cutting.
Proceed cutting very small pieces off the finish of the smash. Keep checking for a faint black dot towards the centre of the smash when looking at it caput-on. As shortly as you meet this, don't cut anymore off - this is the beginning of the quick.
Carry on through the nails, providing plenty of praise and treats.

Cut dog's nails - tips and tricks

Trim one paw at a time

Every bit soon as you begin clipping, you'll probably notice that your pooch isn't having a great time! They may become nervous, stressed and unsettled. In this case, call back that you don't demand to do both paws in one session. Trim the nails of one paw, advantage and praise your dog, and come back at a later time to finish the task.

Trim more often

Aye, this might seem similar a silly advice if your pup doesn't enjoy having their nails cut. However, cutting a very small corporeality off weekly and getting your dog used to the process is much easier than waiting until their nails are much also long. Dog'south like routine - and this will become a part of theirs.

Ask your vet

If yous're unconfident cutting domestic dog'southward nails or your pup only won't comply, it's all-time to head to the vet or a professional groomer and inquire for their advice. They can either demonstrate the all-time way to cut your canis familiaris'south nails or but do it for yous.

Cutting dog's nails isn't something yous or your dog volition wait forrard to. Just with careful preparation, lots of treats and beloved and a regular routine, information technology's sure to become a breeze. expert luck!