Let’s face it, none of us look forward to trimming our dogs’ nails. But it’s an important factor in our dog’s health. When your dog’s fancy footwork on your hardwood floor sounds like a whole tap dance performance, it’s probably time to clip their nails!
Giulia D'Ignazio, professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming, notes that the best tools and techniques for a stress-free nail-trimming include lots of treats, lots of breaks in between each nail and paw and getting your pup comfortable with nail trimming from a young age.
Untrimmed nails can become cracked and split, leading to pain, bleeding, and infections. It’s a necessary part of your dog’s grooming routine that can prevent a lot of discomfort.
So, grab those clippers, and let us show you how to cut dog nails the easy way!
Why Cutting Your Dog’s Nails Is Important
Regular nail trims are important preventative measures for your dogs’ health. They both save your floors and spare your pup from discomfort (and potential injury).
Health and Comfort
Imagine walking with popsicle sticks glued to your toes all day - that’s how your pup feels when their nails are overgrown! Those long nails hit the floor and push upwards. For dogs with severely overgrown nails, they may even dig into their paw pads.
Overgrown nails can lead to serious health problems, like arthritis. Constantly walking on uneven nails can put extra strain on your dog's joints as they try to compensate for their nail length.
Long nails can also snag on furniture, vines, and even carpets. This can cause the nail to split and potentially get infected.
Behavioral Benefits
Clipping your dog’s nails isn’t just about preventing health problems, though. It can also improve your dog’s behavior.
For instance, discomfort from long nails can lead to dogs chewing on furniture and other objects, they won’t behave their best (just like any of us)!
Long nails can also upset your dog’s balance. They act a bit like ice skates, leading to slipping and sliding. This problem can be frustrating for your dog and they may feel less confident on slippery surfaces.
Tools You Need for Cutting Dog Nails
Okay, now we know dogs need their nails trimmed regularly, so how do you do it? It’s important to have the right equipment. Even if you do everything perfectly, the wrong equipment can make your job much harder than it needs to be!
Nail Clippers and Grinders
There are three main types of nail clippers you can pick:
Additional Supplies
You can cut your dog’s nails with just a pair of nail clippers. But, there are a few other things you can have on hand to make the process easier:
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Dog Nails
Now that you have your kit assembled and ready, it’s time to start clipping!
Preparation
Start with yourself. If you’re feeling nervous, your dog will pick up on it. Take some deep breaths, stay focused, you got this! 💪
Choose a spot your dog feels comfortable and that is free from distractions. You don’t want your dog jumping up to chase your other dogs in the middle of a nail trim! The area should also be well-lit.
Find a position on the floor that you feel comfortable in. Here are two common options:
- Sit beside your dog and with the arm closest to their body, reach under their leg to hold the paw. Then with the other hand, clip the nails.
- Sit slightly behind your dog and hold their paw so that you are looking directly at their paw pads and the underside of their nails. Then with your free hand, you can trim the nails.
A Quick Note On the 'Quick'
The quick is the part of the dog’s nail that contains blood vessels and nerves and runs down the center of the nail. It is this part of the nail that we want to avoid when trimming as cutting the quick can be painful for dogs.
In light-colored dog nails identifying the quick is easier because it's a pink area inside the nail.
- Giulia recommends cutting off the white part of the nail and avoiding the quick.
For black or dark-colored dog nails, spotting the quick is much harder.
- Giulia recommends cutting very thin slices of the nail until you see a black dot in the middle of the white area - that's the end of the quick.
As the dog's nail grows, so too does the quick so keep this in mind when trimming your dog’s nails.
The Trimming Process
Trimming itself is pretty straightforward:
- Hold on tightly, but gently.
- Expose the nail (if necessary). Use doggie wipes if the nail is too dirty for you to see the quick.
- Identify the quick so you know what to avoid.
- Snip, snip.
That’s it! If you have a helper, let them distract your pup with treats or attention while you focus on the nail clipping.
If you’re not feeling too confident, it’s best to trim small parts of the nail at a time to avoid cutting the quick.
Post-Trimming Care
If you accidentally trim your dog’s quick, don’t panic. Mistakes happen!
In this case, use styptic powder and pressure to stop the bleeding.
When you’re done, be sure to praise and affectionately shower your dog with love and treats. Always end the session on a positive note.
Tips for a Stress-Free Nail Trimming Experience
Even with the best tools and techniques, some pups might still find nail trimming stressful (and who can blame them). Here are some additional tips to keep in mind.
Training Your Dog
The younger you introduce your dog to nail trimming, the more likely they are to accept it as routine. Start by gently handling their paws and rewarding them with treats when they stay calm. Next, gently introduce the nail clippers and get them used to the sounds that go along with trimming!
Use treats, praise, and petting throughout the entire process to keep your dog happy, and associate nail trimming with something positive. Positive reinforcement is vital! You want your dog to see it as a good thing.
Don’t try to tackle all the paws in one sitting, especially on a fearful dog. Start with just one or two nails at a time.
Frequency of Trimming
How often your dog needs a nail trim depends on their activity level and breed. Giulia explains that heavier dogs grind their nails on asphalt more due to their weight, so they may need to be trimmed less often.
“During winter months we suggest once a month for all dogs,” explains Giulia.
In many cases, you won’t be trimming your dog’s nails as much as you’re performing other grooming tasks, like brushing their teeth or cleaning their ears.
Signs You Should Seek Professional Help
If your dog is reactive when you attempt to trim their nails, you may want to speak to your vet. Sometimes, dogs may even need medication to help lower their anxiety and make nail trimming possible.
If you notice that your dog’s nail is broken you should also take them to the vet. The vet will be able to trim the fractured part of the nail and treat the wound to avoid an infection.
If you still don’t feel confident cutting your dog’s nails, not to worry! Search online for a local groomer who offers this service by itself and take your pup there.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Giulia explains that the most common mistake dog owners make when trimming their dog’s nails is “forcing them into it.” It’s important to introduce the nail clippers slowly to desensitize them.
Always reward your dog with treats to make it a positive experience.
So, There you Have it...
With a little preparation and patience, trimming your dog’s nails can be much easier. Remember, regular nail trims are an essential part of keeping your pup healthy. Those clickety-clack nails can cause discomfort and even health problems down the road.
Not sure which grooming products to use? Let our grooming quiz guide you to the perfect choice!
