Trimming nails is an important part of dog grooming. Regular nail care is a must for dog parents. And this guide will introduce the safe way to cut the dog’s nails at home.
Why do we need to trim the dog's nails?
Long toenails will affect your pup's health and happiness. It will make your dog feel uncomfortable and in pain while they walk.
There may even be serious problems requiring veterinary care. Also, longship nails can easily scratch floors and tear carpets.
In fact, dog nail trimming is a simple process when done right. To avoid unnecessary trouble, learning to trim nails is the best option.
How do you get dogs to cooperate with trimming their nails?
The dog's non-cooperation is a major headache. It's best to get them used to trim their nails from a young age.
Help the dog become familiar with the tool:
- Open the clipper in front of the dog
- Run the clipper and let the dog hear the sound
- Let the dog smell
- Let the dog touch the tool with its paw
- Simulate the process of trimming their nails
Then try trimming the small tip of a forepaw nail and rewarding it a few times until the pet responds flatly and allows you to touch its paw.
Don't forget to praise and reward all the way.
How to trim a dog’s nails?
- Have a clipper, hemostatic powder, nail files, and snacks ready.
- Find a quiet and comfortable place to put the dog on your lap or a table. Larger dogs may need some restraint.
- Separate your dog’s fur and nails when trimming to prevent blocking in the way.
- Hold the clipper at 45 degrees and carefully trim the tips of the nails.
- Don't cut to the pink area of the white nail or the whitish area of the dark nail, so as not to cut the quick (area of the nail that contains the blood vessels).
- This means accidentally cutting the quick will be very painful and bleeding. Please use hemostatic powder to stop the bleeding.
- Smooth rough or sharp edges with a nail file after trimming.
- Offer rewards before, during, and after nail trimming, which will make pets fall in love with nail trimming.
How often to trim the dog’s nails?
Usually trimmed once every 3-4 weeks. But the specific time depends on the growth rate and wear of the dog's toenails.
The nails should be trimmed when they reach the floor. You can listen to the sound of walking and tap the floor or check the claws directly.
Keeping an eye on your dog's mood at all times, putting in more patience and lots of treats, will make your task run more smoothly. This will save a lot.
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