Clipping a dog’s nails is something most dog owners fear. There are a lot of reasons for this: They’ve either heard stories about clipping too far and causing the nail to bleed, they feel like they don’t know enough about what they’re doing to do it properly, or their lack of confidence makes them worry they are going to hurt their dog.
While those fears are valid and the outcomes are all possible, clipping a dog’s nails doesn’t need to be a terrifying thing. It’s also not the only way to shorten a dog’s nails – grinding is also a viable option, and in some cases, can be easier to do.
Regardless of the method employed, nail maintenance should start when the dog is young so they get used to having their feet handled. Many dogs develop an aversion to having their feet touched, which can make it almost impossible for non-professionals to clip the dog’s nails. Establishing a sense of safety when their feet are touched also generally benefits them throughout life when it comes to grooming, veterinary visits, and general behavior.
If you are going to clip your dog’s nails, there are a few things to have:
- Get a special pair of dog nail clippers. Don’t attempt to use human clippers or scissors. These can tear a dog’s nail and cause extreme damage and pain.
- Get the correct size and shape of clipper. You can usually check the clipper’s packaging or product description for this information – or you can ask a vet or groomer which style is right for your dog.
- Invest in a clotting agent like Kwik Stop. This is a simple powder that can be applied to the nail if you do accidentally cut too much or do it incorrectly. The powder instantly clots the wound and numbs the nerve endings to quickly ease pain.
(All of these things can be purchased at a pet supply like www.affordablevet.net)
When it comes to the actual clipping of the nail, keep these things in mind:
- Do the clipping in a quiet place with little distraction, especially if it’s the first time. Having a helper isn’t a bad idea. It’s important to help keep the dog comfortable and not stressed.
- Massage the dog’s paws a little before clipping so they can get used to being handled before you start.
Dog nails are not like human nails. Dog nails contain a cluster of veins called “quick.” Cutting too far into the nail results in cutting the quick, which is what causes the profuse bleeding that creates most peoples’ fears. Before you trim anything, you’ll want to try to identify the quick so you can avoid it.
If the dog has white nails, the quick is pretty easy to recognize, since you can somewhat see through them. You’ll see a darker-shaded area down the nail from the tip. You don’t want to trim the entire way to that darkness, but it serves as a guideline. Do little bits at a time until it starts to look pink at the trimmed end, and then stop.
For black nails, you’ll want to trim very small bits off at a time, keeping an eye on the center of the trimmed area for the quick. When you start to see a small, circular area appear, you’ve found it. The quick may also appear slightly moist.
Trimming the nails bit by bit over a long period of time causes the quick to retreat, making it easier in the future. Clipping every 3-4 weeks should be suitable, and is the best way to maintain the dog’s nails.
Hold the paw firmly while trimming at a 90-degree angle for the best results.
If you do cut too far – don’t freak out! Quickly apply the powder and stop the bleeding. The nail may bleed a lot at first, but the dog likely isn’t hurt as badly as it looks like they are. It should slow down and stop pretty rapidly.
There is an alternative to clipping your dog’s nails, and that is grinding them. Many pet salons and veterinary offices offer this service in addition to clipping. The procedure is done using a small electric grinder. Many companies (such as Oster and FURminator) sell nail grinders, or a regular small Dremel tool can be used.
You approach the procedure the same way as clipping, but instead use the tool to grind away the dog’s nail until it has reached the desired length. It’s harder to cut into the quick this way, and also makes the nail rounded and smooth on the end. For that reason, many pet owners prefer grinding over clipping. The dog’s nail won’t be as sharp and you won’t have to wait for it to file itself down.
Grinding still has some cautions – you don’t want to go too far, and you want to constantly move the grinder while using it or it can heat the nail and cause pain. Utilizing a smooth movement is the best practice for grinding down the nail.
Remember – trimming a dog’s nails is a necessary and important routine. Letting them get too long can cause them to curl into the paw pad and cause incredible pain. And the more often they are trimmed, the easier it will be, and the more receptive to the process the dog will become.
If you have any concerns about trimming or grinding, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian’s advice before trying either one.