Isla Bennett
Keeping your Shih Tzu's nails trimmed is an essential part of maintaining your dog's health and hygiene. While it can be a daunting task, especially if your dog has high anxiety about nail trimming, it is a simple procedure if done correctly. Long nails can cause pain and discomfort for your dog, and in extreme cases, can even lead to injury. By following some simple tips and tricks, you can learn how to trim your Shih Tzu's nails safely and effectively, making the experience positive for both you and your furry friend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to cut | Every two months or more frequently |
| When to start cutting | During the puppy's first months and continue throughout the first year |
| How to get the dog accustomed to nail cutting | Spend some time each day playing with each foot so they get used to someone touching their paws, pads and nails |
| How to cut | Use nail scissors, grinder tools or guillotine types. Hold the paw gently but firmly in one hand and locate the nail. Take off the tip, where the nail begins to curve |
| How to avoid cutting the quick | If the nails are white, the quick appears as a pink line that runs partway up the nail. If the nails are black, you will not be able to see it. |
| What to do if you cut the quick | Apply styptic powder, cornstarch or flour to stop the bleeding |
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What You'll Learn
How to avoid cutting the quick
The quick is a very tender area of your dog's nails. It is a pink vein that supplies blood to the nail and runs through the core of it. If cut, it will cause pain and bleeding. The quick is found near the back of the nail and can be hard to see, especially if your Shih Tzu has black nails.
To avoid cutting the quick, you should only cut the very tip of the nail, straight across. You can find the quick by turning your dog's paw over and looking for the pink area. Then, place the nail clipper at a 45-degree angle ahead of that spot and make your cut. You can also make several tiny cuts to avoid cutting too far.
If your Shih Tzu has white nails, you can easily see the quick as a pink line running partway up the nail. If the nails are black, you will not be able to see it. In this case, you can use a Dremel grinder to trim the nails. This allows you to periodically check the nail to ensure you don't grind too far. Once you see a tiny lighter circle on the nail, you know you've gone as close to the quick as you can, and you should stop grinding.
It is important to start trimming your puppy's nails when they are young so they become accustomed to the process. You can also get them used to the sound and vibration of the nail clipper or grinder by introducing it slowly and giving treats and praise.
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Using a nail grinder
On the first day, gently squeeze the paw pad to extend the nail and apply light pressure to grind down the nail at an even rate. Work the grinder around the edge of the nail to round it off, taking off just the curved tip. Avoid staying on one nail for too long to prevent heat buildup.
If your dog has long hair, keep it away from the grinding tool. Hold the grinder higher up for better control. It is also recommended to trim your dog's nails regularly, taking off a small amount each week, to prevent the quick from growing too long and causing bleeding.
If you are new to nail trimming, consider seeking advice from a veterinarian or groomer. With patience and a positive attitude, your Shih Tzu will become more comfortable with the process.
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Different nail clippers
There are three main types of dog nail clippers: plier, guillotine, and scissor. The guillotine type involves placing the nail between the guillotine blades and squeezing the handles together. The scissor type is used like a pair of scissors, placing the nail between the two blades and squeezing the handle. The plier style has sharp double blades that meet in the middle, providing a clean cut.
Some sources suggest using a grinder or Dremel instead of clippers. A grinder is a motorized nail file that can smooth out any sharp edges on the nail. One user says that a grinder is easier to use because you can periodically check the nail to make sure you don't go too far. Once you see a tiny lighter circle on the nail, you know you've gone as close to the quick as you can get and you should stop grinding.
Human nail clippers can be used on puppies, but they are not recommended for dogs. Human nail clippers are more likely to split the nail, and they do not cut as efficiently as specialized dog clippers.
Some popular brands of dog nail clippers include:
- Safari
- Epica
- Fifth & Fido
- Ryan's Pet Supplies Paw Brothers
- Gobeigo
- Boshel
- Millers Forge
- WAHL
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How to restrain your dog
Restraining your dog is an important part of the nail-cutting process. It can be difficult to cut a dog's nails, especially if they are anxious about the procedure. Here are some tips to help restrain your Shih Tzu while cutting their nails:
Firstly, it is crucial to start training your dog from a young age to get accustomed to nail trimming. Spend time each day playing with their feet, so they become comfortable with someone touching their paws and nails. This early training will help them stay calm and still during the nail-cutting process as they get older.
Secondly, always use a soothing and gentle tone of voice when restraining your dog for nail trimming. Speak calmly and positively to your dog throughout the process. It is also helpful to offer praise and treats to reinforce positive associations with nail trimming.
Thirdly, consider using a restraint device such as a sling to keep your dog still. This can help you see what you are doing and prevent your dog from moving around too much. However, some dogs may still kick or try to run, even when restrained in a sling.
Additionally, having another person assist you in restraining the dog can be beneficial. They can help hold the dog gently but firmly, ensuring that the dog's fur does not get in the way of the nail clippers.
Finally, it is important to be patient and take breaks if needed. Do not attempt to trim all the nails in one session, as this can overwhelm your dog. Instead, focus on trimming a few nails at a time, followed by a break and a reward for your dog.
Remember, restraining your dog for nail trimming should be done gently and positively to ensure a safe and stress-free experience for both you and your Shih Tzu.
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How to get your dog accustomed to nail clipping
Nail trimming can be an anxiety-inducing experience for dogs, so it's important to get your dog accustomed to the process. Here are some tips to help you get your dog comfortable with nail clipping:
Start Early
If possible, start handling your puppy's feet and trimming their nails when they are young. Puppies are generally more receptive to new experiences and will be less likely to develop a fear of nail clipping as they get older. If you have an older dog, don't worry; it may take more time and patience, but adult dogs can also learn to accept nail trimming.
Positive Reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to create a positive association with nail clipping. Pair the sight and sound of the nail clippers with treats and praise. Act happy and excited when you grab the clippers, and reward your dog with their favourite treats. Repeat this process daily for a couple of weeks until your dog looks forward to seeing the clippers.
Train Your Dog to Accept Paw Handling
Some dogs may be uncomfortable with having their paws touched. Train your dog to allow paw handling by gently touching their shoulder and working your way down to their paw. Use a soothing voice to keep them calm as you rub their paws and apply gentle pressure to their nails. If your dog becomes scared or pulls away, stop and only continue when they are relaxed again.
Take it Slow
When you start clipping your dog's nails, take it slow. Hold their paw and gently grasp a single toe, trimming only the very tip of the nail. Avoid cutting too much at first to prevent exposing the quick, which can be painful and cause bleeding. Reward your dog with praise and a treat after each nail, and don't feel pressured to complete all nails in one session. Smaller trimming increments may be less stressful for your dog.
Choose the Right Tools
There are various types of nail trimmers available, such as nail scissors, guillotine clippers, or grinder tools. Choose a tool that you are comfortable with and that works best for your dog. If using a grinder, desensitize your dog to the sound by introducing it slowly and rewarding them with treats.
Remember, the key to getting your dog accustomed to nail clipping is patience, positive reinforcement, and creating a calm and stress-free environment. With time and consistent training, your dog can learn to accept and maybe even enjoy nail trimming time!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cut your dog's nails every two months or more frequently. Nail trimming is more effective if a small amount is taken off weekly, rather than waiting until the nail is really long.
There are several types of dog nail trimmers, including nail scissors, grinder tools, and guillotine types. You can use whatever type you’re most comfortable with, or whatever works best for your dog.
It is important to avoid cutting the quick, which is the soft cuticle inside the nail containing a blood vessel and nerve ending. If you cut the quick, it will bleed and hurt your dog. With light-colored nails, you can typically see where the blood supply in the nail starts as a pinkish area.
