Caleb Foster
Keeping your Shih Tzu's nails neatly trimmed is an essential part of maintaining your dog's health and hygiene. While it can be a stressful experience for both owner and dog, it's a simple procedure if done correctly and regularly. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and, in extreme cases, can pierce the dog's pads or soft tissue, leading to injury and bleeding. To avoid this, it's important to establish a nail-trimming routine from a young age, using positive reinforcement and treats to help your Shih Tzu feel comfortable with the process. When trimming, it's crucial to avoid cutting into the quick, the blood vessel that supplies blood to the nail, as this can cause pain and bleeding. With practice and patience, you can master the art of nail trimming and ensure your Shih Tzu's nails are healthy and well-groomed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to cut | Every few weeks or every two months |
| Who can cut | Vets, groomers, or owners can cut the nails |
| How to cut | Using nail scissors, grinder tools, or guillotine types |
| What to cut | Only cut the white part of the nail |
| What not to cut | Avoid cutting the pink part of the nail, which is called the quick |
| How to train | Touch and hold the puppy's paws gently and cheerfully from the first day |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut Shih Tzu nails without hurting them
Cutting your Shih Tzu's nails can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog, but it is necessary to keep them healthy and happy. Here are some tips on how to cut your Shih Tzu's nails without hurting them:
Prepare Your Dog
It is important to start handling your puppy's feet and trimming their nails from a young age so they become accustomed to the process. Make sure to frequently touch and hold their paws gently and cheerfully so they won't be sensitive about having their feet handled. You can also make the process more enjoyable by letting them lick peanut butter off a silicone wall mat while you trim their nails.
Choose the Right Tools
There are several styles of nail trimmers available, including nail scissors, guillotine types, and grinder tools specifically designed for dogs. Choose the one that you are most comfortable with or that works best for your dog. Make sure to use safe, dog-friendly nail clippers or grinders.
Know the Anatomy of the Nail
Each nail has a vein running through it called the "quick." This vein appears as a pink line in white nails and is not visible in black nails. Cutting the quick will cause pain and bleeding, making your dog more resistant to nail trimming in the future. If your dog has black nails, look for a chalky white or blackish circle to know when you're close to the quick.
Trim the Nails Correctly
Firmly but gently hold your dog's paw and extend the nail by pushing your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad while pushing your forefinger forward. Clip only the tip of the nail straight across, avoiding clipping past the curve. Be sure to include the dewclaws, located on the inner side of the paw. If using a nail grinder, only grind a small part of the nail at a time and support the dog's toe firmly but gently.
Have Everything You Need
It is helpful to have styptic powder or another clotting powder on hand to stop bleeding in case you accidentally cut the nail too short. If your dog is uncooperative or wiggly, consider using a sling to keep them still and suspended during the trimming process.
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How to know if you've cut their nails too short
How to know if you've cut your Shih Tzu's nails too short
If you cut your Shih Tzu's nails too short, you will know because they will start bleeding. This is because you will have cut into a blood vessel that supplies the nail bed, so you can expect more bleeding than an average cut. If the quick, which is the blood/nerve part of the nail, is exposed, it will be painful for your dog.
If you cut your dog's nails too short, it can take up to two weeks for the nail to regrow and protect the quick again. If the bleeding doesn't stop, you must take your dog to the vet immediately. It can take 2-4 minutes for the bleeding to stop, so you may need to hold a clean cloth on the nail for that long. If your dog will tolerate it, you can also use styptic powder, cornstarch, or flour to stop the bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the nail while holding the powder in place for a few minutes to help the blood clot.
If the injury was small and stopped bleeding quickly, you can walk your dog about an hour afterward. However, if the cut was deep, you should be extra cautious when walking your dog. If your dog is limping or seems uncomfortable, you may need to limit their exercise until their wound heals.
To avoid cutting your dog's nails too short, look for a pink line running partway up the nail—this is the quick. If your dog has white nails, this will be easy to spot. If your dog has black nails, you won't be able to see the quick, so only trim the very tip of the nail.
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How often to cut Shih Tzu nails
Cutting your Shih Tzu's nails at the correct frequency and length is crucial for their comfort and health. The quick, or the blood vessel and nerve endings in each nail, should be avoided when trimming to prevent pain and bleeding. The quick appears as a pink line in white nails and is challenging to detect in black nails.
Shih Tzu nails should be trimmed approximately every two months or more frequently. Regular trimming, ideally weekly or biweekly, helps the quick recede, allowing for shorter nail lengths. This frequency also reduces stress for both the dog and the owner.
When trimming, it is essential to cut the nail at the correct angle to prevent cutting the quick. Trimming to create a "rollover," or a rounded nail shape, is important to achieve the shortest nail length without causing discomfort. Using a Dremel or a nail file can help round the nail after trimming.
To ensure a positive experience for your Shih Tzu, it is recommended to train them to enjoy grooming from an early age. This can include desensitizing them to the sound of a grinder by associating it with treats. Additionally, clipping their nails when they are tired and right before bed can make the process easier.
In terms of nail clippers, the guillotine and scissors types are the most common. The guillotine clippers work by placing the nail between the blades and squeezing the handles, while the scissor type functions similarly to regular scissors. Both are effective, and the choice depends on personal preference and comfort.
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What type of nail clippers to use
When it comes to nail clippers for your Shih Tzu, there are a few different types to choose from. The most common styles are the guillotine type and the scissors type. The guillotine clippers have been around the longest and typically feature a sharp cutter that doesn't splinter the nail. They work by placing the nail between the guillotine blades and squeezing the handles together. The scissor type, as the name suggests, works just like a pair of scissors, with the nail placed between the two blades before you squeeze the handle. Both types are easy to use, and the choice between them comes down to personal preference and comfort.
For puppies, a small human nail clipper or a cat nail clipper can also be used. You'll know when your Shih Tzu has outgrown these when the nail doesn't fit well in the clipper. Puppy nails are hard to grind, so a nail file can be useful to smooth out any ragged edges left by the clipper.
When selecting a nail clipper, it's important to choose one that's small enough to manoeuvre around your Shih Tzu's delicate paw pads and locks of fur. The blade should be thin and sharp to ensure a clean, precise cut. Sharp blades are especially important if your Shih Tzu's nails are prone to breaking or splintering. Additionally, look for clippers with comfortable, non-slip handles to reduce stress on your hand and prevent accidents. Some clippers feature ergonomic rubber handles, which can be a good option.
You can find nail clippers specifically designed for small dogs, which will be lightweight and ideal for trimming a Shih Tzu's nails. The Andis Nail Scissors, for example, are slightly larger than other brands, while still being lightweight and suitable for small dogs. The Poodle Nail Scissors are another option, although they may be awkward for those prone to joint pains or hand cramping due to the positioning of the rings for your fingers.
Some clippers also come with safety features to prevent over-cutting, such as a built-in adjustable safety guard. This can give you added peace of mind when trimming your Shih Tzu's nails.
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How to get your Shih Tzu comfortable with nail cutting
Shih Tzus with darker nails can be more challenging to cut, as it's harder to see the quick, the blood vessel that runs through the nail. If you cut into the quick, it will bleed and cause pain for your dog, making them less willing to have their nails cut in the future.
Training
Training your Shih Tzu to enjoy grooming is the first step towards comfortable nail clipping. This training starts during your puppy's first months and continues throughout the first year. It's also a good idea to get them used to the clippers by letting them inspect them and giving them treats.
Timing
Try to clip their nails when they are tired, such as after a walk or a game of fetch, and right before bed. This will make them more relaxed and mellow, which is easier to work with.
Holding
It may help to have another person hold the dog for you, but this may not be necessary if your Shih Tzu is cooperative.
Clippers
There are several styles of nail trimmers, but the most common are the guillotine type and the scissors type. Choose a clipper that feels comfortable in your hand. An alternative is a nail grinder, an electric device that sands down the nails. This may be a safer option, but it takes longer, and some dogs may not like the sound.
The Quick
If your Shih Tzu has white nails, the quick will appear as a pink line running partway up the nail. If the nails are black, shine a flashlight underneath to help make out the quick. When trimming, look for a blackish circle to know when you're close to the quick.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to trim your dog's nails every few weeks. It is more effective to trim a small amount off weekly, rather than waiting until the nail is really long and trying to take off a large portion.
You should avoid cutting the quick, which is the pink part of the nail that contains live tissue and will bleed if cut. When trimmed properly, the dog’s nails should not touch the floor when the dog steps down.
You can use nail clippers or a nail grinder. If using clippers, place the nail between the blades and squeeze the handles together. Make a swift, clean cut to reduce fraying. If using a grinder, buff back the nails.
