If your pup is anxious about nail trimming, there are ways to make the experience less stressful for both of you. Start by placing them in a quiet room and gradually introduce them to the activity with lots of treats and positive reinforcement. With time, he should become used to having their nails clipped without feeling anxious or fearful afterward.
To begin, get yourself a good pair of clippers and an appropriate file. Next, find an area in your home with adequate lighting so you can see what you’re doing, then place your pup on either a chair or a small table. If he/she is particularly wriggly, consider working with someone to hold his paws for you.
Before trimming real nails, cut some test ones to determine the ideal clipping range – where the blood supply stops on each nail – so that you don’t cut into it accidentally. Testing out colors makes spotting blood supplies on clear or light-colored nails much easier, while dark nails require extra precision and skill to identify.
Once you’ve selected the ideal range, it’s time to actually trim your dog’s nails. Oliver suggests making several small nips with the clippers instead of one large cut which could cause significant damage to the quick if not done correctly.
When trimming your dog’s nails, be careful to avoid cutting into the quick. This vein runs into each toe of your pup and can bleed heavily if cut.
If your pup gets a quick scratch on his nose, apply some styptic powder such as Kwik-Stop or ClotIt (a blood clotting accelerator) to stop the bleeding. If you don’t have access to these products, cornstarch may also work.
Be mindful that your dog’s nails may grow with time, so frequent trimmings will help them to recede and look normal again. If you must trim your dog’s nails often, consider taking them to a groomer or veterinarian for assistance.
This process is relatively straightforward, but it can be painful for your pet if you make a mistake. Furthermore, be mindful not to cut too close too quickly; this could result in serious pain and bleeding.
Once your dog’s nails have been trimmed, you can use a nail file to round them out and eliminate any sharp edges. However, before doing this it’s essential that you thoroughly inspect both paws and nails for abnormalities like sore spots, breaks, swelling or redness, lameness, or odd-colored nails.
You can inspect your dog’s paws and nails by running your fingers over them. If you notice any sores, breaks, or other signs of trauma, be sure to bring them directly to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Once your vet certifies it is safe for you to trim your pet’s nails, proceed with the same process as any other form of cutting. Be mindful not to cut into the quick; if you do manage to nick it, apply some styptic powder or use a clean bar of soap to stop any bleeding.
