Noah Sinclair
Trimming your dog's nails is an important part of their care routine. While most dogs dislike having their nails trimmed, it is a task that can be done at home with patience and practice. It is recommended to start trimming dogs' nails when they are young so they can get used to the process. Dogs' nails should be cut from underneath at a 45-degree angle, and it is important to avoid cutting them too short, as this can cause pain and bleeding. The ideal length to trim a dog's nail is 1-2mm from the quick, or the point where the nail begins to curve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to cut | Approximately once a month |
| How to cut | Nails should be cut from underneath at a 45-degree angle |
| How short to cut | Remove 1-2 mm of the nail with each clip |
| What to do if you cut too short | Apply styptic powder to stop bleeding |
| How to get your dog used to nail cutting | Start trimming nails when dogs are young and reward them with treats |
| Types of nail clippers | Guillotine style and scissor style |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut without damaging the quick
Cutting your dog's nails can be a stressful process, especially if it is your first time. The quick is a soft cuticle within a dog's nail, and it contains blood vessels and nerves. It is very sensitive, so it is important to avoid cutting it to prevent your dog from experiencing pain, discomfort, and bleeding.
If your dog has light-coloured nails, you should be able to see the quick. Your goal is to cut 2-3mm away from the quick to avoid causing your dog pain. If your dog has dark nails, trim just the very tip of the nail. Through a series of small clips, removing 1-2mm of the nail with each clip, you can gradually cut the nail shorter without damaging the quick.
Before trimming your dog's nails, introduce them to the nail clippers. You can do this by gently touching your dog's feet with the clippers and giving them a treat. It is also a good idea to get your dog used to the sound of the clippers before actually cutting their nails.
When trimming, pick up your dog's paw and hold it firmly but gently. Place your thumb under the toe with the nail that you are going to cut. This will extend the toe, making the nail easier to see and hold steady. Avoid cutting the nail too far. Remember, the quick is where the nail curves, so you will want to cut before this point. When in doubt, cut less of the nail. You can always trim a bit more, but you can never reverse a nail that has been cut too far.
If you do accidentally cut the quick, don't panic. Apply a small amount of styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to the end of the nail to stop the bleeding. Give your dog lots of praise and treats for being calm, then take a break.
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How to cut the dew claw
Dew claws are the claws found on the inside edge of a dog's leg, away from the rest of the paw. They are easy for dog owners to overlook, and because they do not touch the ground, they can become overgrown and cause discomfort. For this reason, it is important to trim your dog's dew claws each time you trim their other nails.
If your dog has light-coloured claws, you may be able to see the 'quick'—the centre of nerves and blood vessels inside the claw. In this case, you can position the claw for easy clipping, aiming to cut small amounts off the end of the claw to avoid cutting the quick. If your dog has dark-coloured claws, the quick will not be visible, so you will need to trim in several very small clips, stopping when you see a grey or pink oblong area that indicates the end of the claw.
To trim your dog's dew claws, restrain your dog by placing them on a table and having them harnessed or held by a partner. Alternatively, lie with your dog on the floor, positioning your body over their abdomen and back to keep them still and secure. Gently pull the dew claw away from the leg and cut small amounts off the end of the claw with either scissor trimmers or guillotine trimmers. Be careful not to cut the quick, which will cause pain and bleeding.
Once you have finished trimming, use a nail file to sand down any sharp edges or irregularities on the end of the claw. This step is important to prevent your dog from getting snagged on items in their environment or cutting their skin when they scratch.
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How often to cut
The frequency with which you cut your dog's nails depends on several factors, including the dog's breed, size, age, health, and activity level. Generally, it is recommended to trim a dog's nails about once a month. However, this may vary depending on the individual dog and their lifestyle.
For example, dogs that spend a significant amount of time walking on hard surfaces like pavement or concrete may naturally file down their nails and may not need trimming as frequently. On the other hand, inactive dogs or those that spend most of their time on soft surfaces may require nail trims every three weeks.
Additionally, certain breeds tend to have faster nail growth. For instance, a Corgi may require nail trimming as often as once a week, while a Border Collie may need it once every two weeks. Larger dog breeds, such as Huskies, may not need nail trims as frequently, especially if they are older and less active.
It is important to monitor your dog's nails and trim them before they become too long. A good indicator that a nail trim is needed is when the nails touch the ground when the dog is standing or when you can hear their nails clicking on hard floors as they walk. Trimming the nails regularly helps prevent issues such as torn nails, bacterial and fungal infections, and damage to floors and furniture.
When trimming your dog's nails, it is crucial to avoid cutting the quick, the sensitive part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Cutting the quick can be painful for the dog and cause bleeding. To prevent this, trim small portions of the nail at a time, following the angle of the nail, and stop when you see a black dot in the center of the nail, indicating that you are close to the quick.
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Clippers to use
There are two main types of dog nail clippers: guillotine-style and scissor-style. Guillotine-style clippers have a hole that you feed the nail through. Once the nail is in position, you squeeze the handles together, and a blade rises up from the base to cut the nail. Scissor-style nail clippers are shaped like scissors, with two blades that move together when you squeeze the handles. You may need to experiment with different styles to find the one that works best for you and your dog.
If your dog has black nails, it can be hard to see the quick. In this case, you may want to consider using a nail clipper with an LED light, such as the PAKEWAY Pet Nail Clipper or the Allstar Innovations PetiCare LED Light Pet Nail Clipper. These clippers can help you avoid cutting the nail too short and causing discomfort or bleeding.
For dogs that are anxious or sensitive, you may want to consider a quieter clipper option, such as the Best Dog Nail Trimmers for Anxiety Sensitive Dogs or the VIWIK Dog Nail Grinder, which is described as "super quiet."
If you are new to trimming your dog's nails, you may want to consider a clipper with a safety guard, such as the Epica Professional Dog Nail Clipper or the CATPICK 2-in-1 Cat Nail Clippers & Dog Nail Clippers Trimmers. The safety guard can help prevent you from cutting the nail too short.
In addition to the traditional clippers mentioned above, there are also nail grinders available. Nail grinders are electric tools that slowly wear down your dog's nails. They can be a good option if you are nervous about using traditional clippers, as they can reduce the risk of cutting the quick. Some popular nail grinders include the Dremel PawControl 7760-PGK Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer, the IREDOON Dog Nail Grinder, and the Bonve Pet Nail Grinder.
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How to train your dog to accept nail trims
Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming. Untrimmed nails can snag on objects and tear, or even grow so long that they curve back into the foot, causing pain and lameness. Regular nail trimming will cause the quick to recede, and short quicks are preferable for the dog's wellbeing.
Training your dog to accept nail trimming can be done through positive reinforcement, breaking the process down into steps, and going slowly. Here is a suggested step-by-step process:
Day 1: Let your puppy sniff the nail clippers or grinder, and give them a treat and praise.
Day 2: Touch the nail clipper or grinder lightly on each paw, and again, give a treat and praise.
Day 3: Touch the nail clipper to each paw and squeeze, so your puppy hears the sound, or turn on the grinder to let them feel the vibration. Do not trim a nail. Give a treat and praise.
Day 4: Touch the nail clipper or grinder to your puppy's feet again, giving a treat and praise.
Day 5: Try trimming the tiniest tip from one front paw nail.
Day 6: Trim another nail, and continue until all nails are trimmed.
Day 7 and beyond: Keep practicing, even when nails don't need to be clipped. You can pretend to clip their nails to get them used to the process.
If your dog has a negative association with nail clipping, you will need to take it very slowly. You can also try a nail dremel tool instead of clippers. It is best to start when they are puppies, so they become accustomed to the process as they age.
Pair the nail trimming with something positive, such as food. You can place the clippers near their food bowl, or put a treat such as peanut butter on the clipper handles, so they associate the clippers with something good.
Remember to always keep a positive attitude, and continue to offer praise and treats. Make sure to use dog-friendly nail clippers or grinders, and avoid clipping into the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves.
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Frequently asked questions
Most dogs need their nails trimmed about once a month. Dogs that walk frequently on pavement or concrete may not need their nails trimmed as often, while inactive dogs or those that do not spend time on hard surfaces may need trims every three weeks.
Nails should be cut from underneath at a 45-degree angle. Aim to cut 1-2mm of the nail with each clip, stopping before you reach the quick, the blood vessels, and nerves that supply the claw. Avoid cutting within 2mm of the quick.
There are two main types of dog nail clippers: guillotine-style and scissor-style. Scissor-style clippers are often used for the dew claw, the smaller nail on the inside of the paw that doesn't touch the ground and can become overgrown.
It is best to start trimming a dog's nails when they are young. For older dogs, you can gradually acclimate them to nail trimming by starting with treats and praise, working up to touching their feet without causing panic, and eventually trimming one nail at a time.
If you cut into the quick, it may cause pain and bleeding. Apply a small amount of styptic powder to the nail to stop the bleeding.
