Isla Bennett
Long nails can have a negative impact on a dog's health and happiness. They can cause pain, infection, and irreversible damage. If you can hear your dog's nails clicking on hard floors, then it's time for a trim. Trimming your dog's nails can be daunting, but with the right tools, patience, and time, it can be easy. You can use clippers or a grinder, but it's important to be careful and only trim a small amount to avoid hitting the quick, the blood vessels and nerves inside the nail. If you cut the quick, use styptic powder to stop the bleeding. It's also a good idea to start handling your dog's paws and trimming their nails when they're young so they get used to it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to know if dog nails are too long | Clicking on hard floors or the sidewalk, toenails are twisted to one side, toenails are unusually angled |
| How to trim dog nails | Use guillotine-style clippers, scissor clippers, plier-style clippers, or nail grinders |
| How to make dogs comfortable with nail trimming | Start handling their feet from a young age, reward them with treats, let them lick peanut butter off a mat while trimming their nails, use a mat as a signal, let them sniff the nail clippers or grinder |
| How to avoid hurting the dog | Cut approximately 2-3 mm away from the quick, cut only the tip of the nail straight across, cut in a series of small clips, do not cut into the quick, keep the dog's fur away from the tool |
| What to do if you cut the quick | Use styptic powder, clotting powder, or powdered flour to stop the bleeding |
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What You'll Learn
How to know if your dog's nails are too long
It is important to keep your dog's nails trimmed and maintained. Nails that are too long can cause pain and discomfort to your dog. Here are some ways to know if your dog's nails are too long:
Appearance
Your dog's nails should be visible but should not extend past the paw or paw pad. If they do, it's likely that they are too long. This can be harder to see on dogs with long hair, so it's important to regularly check and maintain their nails.
Sound
If you can hear your dog's nails clicking or tapping on hard surfaces, such as floors or pavements, then they are likely too long. This sound indicates that the nails are touching the ground and need to be trimmed.
Posture and Gait
Long nails can affect your dog's posture and gait, causing them to walk gingerly, limp, or "tip-toe". They may also slip or slide on smooth surfaces due to a lack of traction, which can lead to injuries and fractures.
Paw Behaviour
Dogs may lick, bite, or chew their paws more often if they are experiencing pain or discomfort from long nails. Additionally, if your dog scratches you when pawing for attention, it's a sign that their nails are too long.
Quick Exposure
The quick of the nail contains nerves and blood vessels. If the quick has grown out, it may be an indication that the nails are too long. However, it is important to avoid cutting the quick as it can cause pain and bleeding.
It is always good to consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer for advice and guidance on nail trimming. They can provide instructions on proper techniques and help you maintain your dog's nail health.
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What tools to use
There are several tools available to trim your dog's nails, and the best one for your dog will depend on their size and breed. For small dogs, scissor clippers are a great option. These clippers look like scissors and have notches on the blades to hold the nail in place. Frisco® nail clippers are an example of this type of clipper.
Larger dogs with thick nails will need stronger clippers. Pliers-style clippers are a good option for this, as they work like scissor clippers but have a heavy-duty spring that gives them added strength. The Millers Forge® nail clipper is an example of this type of clipper.
Guillotine-style clippers are another option for dog nail trimming. With these clippers, the groomer or pet parent places the nail through a hole, and a sharp blade pushes up to cut the nail. Resco® dog nail clippers are an example of this style.
If your dog has dark nails, it can be difficult to see the quick (the sensitive part inside a dog's nail that contains blood vessels and nerves). In this case, a dog nail grinder may be a better option, as it files down the nail rather than cutting it, making it easier to avoid hitting the quick. The Dremel® rotary nail grinder is a commonly used brand of nail grinder for dogs. However, nail grinders may not be the best option for dogs that are jumpy or not used to the tool's noise. If you choose to use a nail grinder, you will need to introduce it to your dog gradually, just as you would with nail clippers.
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How to handle your dog's anxiety
Handling your dog's anxiety when clipping their nails requires patience, calmness, and lots of treats!
Firstly, it's important to note that nail trimming can be an anxiety-inducing experience for dogs, so it's a good idea to start handling your puppy's feet and trimming their nails from a young age. This way, they become accustomed to the process. However, if you have an older dog that is anxious about nail clipping, don't despair. You can still train them to be comfortable with the process; it will just take some extra time and patience.
Begin by pairing treats and praise with simply touching and holding your dog's paws. This will help them associate having their feet handled with positive experiences. Once they seem comfortable with this, you can move on to trimming a single nail. Over time, gradually increase the number of nails you trim in each sitting until your dog is calm and relaxed throughout the entire process.
It's also a good idea to get your dog accustomed to the tools you'll be using. Let them sniff the nail clippers or grinder, and then reward them with a treat. If you're using a grinder, turn it on and cut a dry spaghetti noodle to get them used to the sound, again rewarding them with a treat afterward.
If your dog is still struggling with anxiety, you may need to experiment with different clipper styles to find the one that works best for you and your dog. Scissor clippers, for example, are great for small dogs, while larger dogs with thick nails may require stronger plier-style clippers. Alternatively, you can use a nail grinder, which files down the nail rather than cutting it. This option is often better for dogs with black nails as it makes it easier to avoid the quick (the sensitive part inside the nail containing blood vessels and nerves). However, nail grinders may not be suitable for jumpy dogs or those not accustomed to the tool's noise.
Remember, regular nail maintenance is important for your dog's health and well-being. Long nails can cause pain and, in rare cases, irreversible damage. So, if you're unsure about trimming your dog's nails, don't hesitate to seek advice from your veterinarian or a professional groomer.
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How to avoid overgrowth of the quick
The quick is a soft cuticle within a dog's nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. It is the innervated, vascularised core of the nail bed and provides nourishment to the nail, allowing it to grow and aiding sensation. The quick is more visible on light-coloured nails, appearing as a small pink centre of the nail. However, it can be challenging to identify on dark-coloured nails.
To avoid overgrowth of the quick, it is important to establish a regular trimming schedule. Most dogs need their nails trimmed every 3-4 weeks, but this can vary depending on the breed, age, and activity level. Regular trimming keeps the quick short, making future trims easier and safer.
If you are trimming your dog's nails yourself, it is important to be very careful not to cut into the quick, as this will be painful for your dog and may cause bleeding. The rule of thumb is that if their nails are clicking on the floor, they are too long.
If you are unsure about trimming your dog's nails or are unable to identify the quick, it is best to seek the help of a veterinarian or professional groomer. They will be able to show you how to gradually trim the nails to encourage the quick to recede.
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What to do if you cut the quick
Cutting the quick can be extremely painful for your dog and will cause bleeding. The quick is the pink area of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you do accidentally cut it, it is important not to panic. Firstly, you should comfort your dog and try to keep them calm. You can offer them treats and praise to help soothe them.
To stop the bleeding, you can use styptic powder or clotting powder on the nail. If you don't have any clotting powder, you can use powdered flour on the nail bed, which is the area underneath the hard part of the nail. Apply pressure to the nail and call your vet for further advice if the bleeding doesn't stop.
It is best to avoid any activities that could be painful for your dog, such as running or walking, until the nail has healed. You should also avoid bathing your dog, as water can irritate the nail.
If there seems to be any further damage to your dog's nail or foot, contact your vet immediately for advice.
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Frequently asked questions
If you can hear your dog's nails clicking on hard floors or the sidewalk, they are likely too long.
Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once a month. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go longer between nail trims, as the hard, rough surface helps file the nail. Inactive dogs or those that do not spend time on hard surfaces may need trims as often as every three weeks.
You will need nail clippers or a nail grinder. The type of clippers you use will depend on your dog's size and breed. Scissor clippers are a great option for small dogs, while larger dogs need stronger clippers like plier-style clippers. If you opt for a nail grinder, it will take longer and be noisier, so you will need to introduce it to your dog gradually.
First, pick up your dog's paw and place your thumb on the pad of their toe and your forefinger on the top, just above the nail. Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad while pushing your forefinger forward to extend the nail. Clip only the tip of the nail straight across, including the dewclaws. Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail to prevent cutting the quick, the pink area of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves.
If you cut the quick, use styptic powder or powdered flour to stop the bleeding.
