How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Trimming your dog’s nails is an important part of their grooming routine. Long nails can cause your dog pain, make it difficult for them to walk, cause nail breaks that may require vet help and even damage furniture. If your dog is not used to having their nails trimmed, it can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you trim your dog’s nails safely and easily:

Supplies you will need:

• Nail clippers or grinder
• Styptic powder or cornstarch (in case you cut the quick)
• Treats
• A calm, quiet environment

Steps:

1. Start by choosing a quiet, calm environment where your dog will feel comfortable.
2. Have your dog sit or lie down in front of you.
3. Gently pick up one of your dog’s paws.
4. Place your thumb on the pad of the toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe, just above the nail.
5. Use your other hand to hold the nail clippers or grinder steady.
6. Cut or grind the tip of the nail off in a straight line.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for all four paws.
8. You can rub paw balm on their paw pads when they are done as an additional treat and to keep their paws conditioned

Tips:

• If you are using nail clippers, be careful not to cut too close to the quick. The quick is a pink or red vein that runs through the center of the nail. If you cut into the quick, it will bleed and cause your dog pain. It’s also important to make sure you get the correct nail clippers for your dog’s size.
• If you are using a nail grinder, start with a low speed and gradually increase the speed as you get closer to the quick.
• If you cut the quick, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to the bleeding nail to stop the bleeding.
• Be patient and take your time. If your dog is anxious, stop and try again later.
• Trimming can be done as often as every 5 days to keep nails nice and short and out of the way. This is especially helpful for larger breeds with thick dense nails, the more often, the less work, it becomes. This will help prevent numerous injuries and make nail trims much easier, being part of their regular routine.
• Nail trims should always be done at least once every 4 weeks for your dog’s health and  safety.

Trimming nails for anxious dogs:

If your dog is anxious about having their nails trimmed, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier:

• As soon as you and your dog become family, start touching their paws. The first time is to see how sensitive they are to having their paws touched, to give you an idea how comfortable they will be with you touching their paws for grooming.
• If they do not want you to go near their paws, then you will have some daily work to do. Good touches, massages and paw holding will help them to know that you do not mean them any harm. This is a very important first step. We know they need their nails trimmed, but they do not understand what is going on and these steps will ensure trust between you and your dog.

• Desensitizing your dog to the nail clippers or grinder is important as well. Let them sniff the clippers or grinder for a few minutes each day. Once they are comfortable with the clippers or grinder, you can start touching their paws with them.
• Reward your dog with treats and praise when they are calm and cooperative.
• Some even feed peanut butter or a sticky cheese from a lick pad to distract
• Some anxious dogs take prescription meds, give it to them about 2 hrs before
• You can also use Benadryl to make them more drowsy and relaxed. Note the does is 1 mg per lb
• If your dog is still anxious, you may want to consider having a professional groomer trim their nails.

With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to be comfortable with having their nails trimmed. Regular nail trimming is important for your dog’s health and well-being, so it is worth the effort to make the process as stress-free as possible.  Check back at http://ThePetDomain.net for more!