Sophia Delgado
Dachshunds are notoriously difficult when it comes to cutting their nails, often biting and fighting their owners during the process. However, it is very important to keep their nails trimmed to a proper length. Long nails can cause dachshunds pain and joint issues, and may catch on things, causing injury. Typically, you should trim your dachshund's nails when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces, or see them touching the ground. This may be necessary as often as once a week, or every 2-3 weeks, but no less than once a month. If you choose to trim your dachshund's nails yourself, you will need good-quality tools, and it is best to take a little off at a time to avoid cutting into the quick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to trim | About once a month, or when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces |
| Nail colour | Black or dark brown, making it hard to see the quick |
| Tools | Nail scissors for puppies, nail clippers for adults |
| Grooming | Can be done by a groomer or veterinarian |
| At-home trimming | Can be stressful for both dog and owner |
| Overgrown nails | Can cause pain, joint issues, and mobility problems |
| Nail bleeding | Apply pressure with a paper towel and corn starch |
| Positive reinforcement | Use treats, toys, and praise |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut your dachshund's nails at home
Dachshunds need their nails trimmed about once a month. You'll know it's time when you can hear their nails tapping on hard surfaces when they walk, or you can see their nails visibly touching the ground. If a dachshund's nails get too long, they can cause significant pain, joint and mobility issues, and interfere with how they walk. Long nails are also more prone to catching on things, causing injury, or tearing off, which can be very painful.
If you're going to cut your dachshund's nails at home, it's important to have the right tools. For a puppy, you can likely use a good pair of nail scissors to trim their nails. As they grow, you'll need to invest in a strong, good-quality nail clipper. Scissor-style clippers tend to work better than guillotine-style clippers, as they crush the nail less and cause less discomfort for the dog. You should also have some styptic powder or cornflour on hand to stop any bleeding if you cut into the quick.
Before you begin, make sure your dachshund is relaxed and comfortable. You may want to have someone assist you—one person can hold the dog, while the other clips its nails. If your dachshund has dark nails, it will be harder to see the quick, so go slowly and trim a little at a time to avoid cutting into it. If your dachshund is freaked out by being held very tight or upside down, you may want to try a different approach, such as using a grooming table and a nail grinder, or dremel. You can also try counter-conditioning (desensitization), swaddling them in a blanket, using treats, or positive reinforcement training to help them stay calm.
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How often you should trim their nails
It is important to trim your dachshund's nails regularly. Long nails can cause significant pain and joint and mobility issues for your dog, as they interfere with their walking. Nails that are too long are also prone to catching on things, causing injury, or even tearing off, which can be very painful.
Dachshunds typically need their nails trimmed about once a month. You'll know it's time when you can hear their nails tapping on hard surfaces when they walk, or you can see their nails visibly touching the ground.
If you're trimming your dachshund's nails yourself, it's important to invest in some good tools to make the process as easy and painless as possible. When your dog is still a puppy, you can likely use a good pair of nail scissors to trim their nails. As they grow, you'll need to invest in a strong, good-quality nail clipper. Scissor-style clippers tend to work better than guillotine-style clippers, as they cut the nail more cleanly, causing less discomfort for your dog.
If your dog has dark nails, it will be harder to see the quick (the soft cuticle inside the nail that contains the nerves and blood supply). In this case, it's best to go slowly and trim a little at a time to avoid cutting into the quick. If you do accidentally cut the quick, stay calm and take a breath. Apply some gentle pressure to the nail with a thick paper towel or some gauze to slow the bleeding. Press your dog's injured nail into a small bowl of corn starch to help stop the bleeding.
Many dog trainers and groomers recommend getting a dog's nails trimmed more often (about once a week) to help them get used to the process. If your dog is particularly anxious about nail trimming, you may want to leave it to the professionals. Most vets offer nail trimming as a service, and you can also use a dog groomer.
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What to do if you cut their nails too short
What to do if you cut your Dachshund's nails too short
It is fairly common to accidentally trim a dog's nail a little too short, and it can be upsetting for both the dog and their owner. If you cut your Dachshund's nail too short, it is important to remain calm and follow the steps below to help your dog.
Firstly, safely restrain your dog and use gauze, a paper towel, or a clean, thin cloth to apply firm pressure to the wound for 2 to 4 minutes. If your dog will tolerate it, you can also try cooling the area with cold water or a cold pack, as this can speed up healing time by causing the blood vessels to shrink and slowing blood flow to the area.
If the nail is still bleeding after a few minutes, apply cauterizing powder, cornstarch, cornflour, flour, or baking powder to help the blood clot. You can gently dip the nail into the powder or use a cotton swab to apply it. If the nail is bleeding through the bandage, or if the bandage is too tight and cutting off circulation, you will need to re-bandage the paw.
It can take up to two weeks for the nail to regrow and protect the quick, so be sure to keep the nail covered with a bandage and prevent your dog from licking the wound, as this can cause the scab to lift and the nail to bleed again. If your dog keeps trying to lick their nails, an e-collar can be helpful.
If the bleeding does not stop, or if the nail does not seem to be healing on its own, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
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Why your dachshund might hate getting their nails trimmed
Dachshunds typically need their nails trimmed about once a month. However, some sources suggest that they may need to be trimmed as often as once a fortnight. You will know it is time to trim your dachshund's nails when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces, or when you can see the nails visibly touching the ground.
Dachshunds are known to hate getting their nails trimmed. They may fight and bite to avoid it, and this can be stressful for both the dog and the owner. One reason for this hatred could be that their nails are particularly tough and grow several millimetres every month, so they need to be trimmed regularly. Additionally, most dachshunds have black or dark brown nails, which makes trimming more difficult. The quick, or soft cuticle inside the nail that contains the nerves and blood supply, is harder to see in dark nails. This means that owners may be more hesitant to trim their dog's nails themselves and may opt to leave it to a professional groomer or vet.
Another reason your dachshund might hate getting their nails trimmed is that they have previously had a negative experience, such as accidentally cutting the nail too short and causing it to bleed. If this happens, it is important to stay calm and not panic, as your dog will mirror your reaction with anxiety and stress. Instead, focus on fixing the nail by applying gentle pressure with a thick paper towel or gauze to slow the bleeding.
Some owners have found that using a nail trimming grooming hammock helps to hold their dachshund in place while they trim their nails, making the process easier and less stressful for both the dog and the owner. Others have had success with desensitising their dog to the trimming process by familiarising them with having their paws touched and nails trimmed from an early age.
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Where to get their nails trimmed
As a dachshund owner, you may be wondering where you can get your dog's nails trimmed. Here are some options and considerations to help you make an informed decision:
- Veterinary Clinic: Many vets offer nail trimming as a service. This can be a good option if your dog has anxiety or if you feel more comfortable having a professional handle the task. It is recommended to consult with your vet, especially if your dachshund has any health concerns, such as IVDD, or if you are unsure about the process. They can provide advice and, if necessary, prescribe medication to help calm your dog during the procedure.
- Dog Groomer: Professional dog groomers are another option for nail trimming. They are experienced in handling dogs and can make the process less stressful for your dachshund. Some groomers offer mobile services, coming to your home, which can be convenient and help your dog feel more comfortable in a familiar environment.
- At Home: You can also choose to trim your dachshund's nails at home. This option allows you to do it in a familiar setting, which may help your dog stay calm. However, trimming nails, especially dark-coloured nails, can be challenging. It is important to invest in good-quality nail clippers or grinders designed for dogs. Additionally, you may want to consider using a dog grooming hammock to safely secure your dog during the process. Familiarise your dachshund with handling their paws and offer treats and positive reinforcement to make the experience less stressful.
Regardless of where you choose to get your dachshund's nails trimmed, it is important to prioritise their comfort and safety. Regular nail trimming is essential to maintain their nail health and overall well-being.
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