Isla Bennett
Long nails can be uncomfortable and even painful for dogs, causing potential health issues such as tendon injuries and deformed feet. The good news is that there are several ways to cut your dog's nails at home, including using nail clippers, a Dremel, or a grinder. However, it's important to be cautious when trimming your dog's nails, as cutting too close to the quick (the collection of nerves and blood vessels in the centre of the nail) can cause pain and bleeding. To avoid this, trim a little bit at a time, and only cut the tip of the nail straight across. If you're nervous about cutting your dog's nails, you can always seek the help of a professional groomer or vet.
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What You'll Learn
Use guillotine or scissor-style clippers
There are two main varieties of dog nail clippers: guillotine style and scissor style. Guillotine-style clippers have a hole that you poke the nail through. Once the nail is positioned in the hole, you squeeze the handles together and a blade rises up from the base to cut the nail. Scissor-style clippers are shaped like scissors, with two moving blades that come together when you squeeze the clipper handles together. Scissor-style clippers are best for small dogs and puppies, while pliers-style clippers, which are similar to scissor-style clippers but have a spring, are better for large, thick nails.
You may need to experiment with several clipper styles to find the one that works best for you and your dog. Both styles of nail clippers are effective for dogs, although many people develop a preference for one style. It is easier to trim your dog's nails if you have someone to help by restraining your dog.
If your dog has furry feet, you'll need to trim or push the hair out of the way so you can see what you're doing. This is especially important if you're using a nail grinder, as fur can get tangled in the grinder.
Before you start clipping, you should know how short to trim your dog's nails. Generally, you should cut your dog's nails as short as possible without hitting the quick, the sensitive part inside a dog's nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. The quick continues to grow with the nail, so dogs that have not had their nails trimmed in a while will have longer quicks. Through a series of small clips, removing 1–2 mm of nail with each clip, you can gradually cut the nail to a shorter length without damaging the quick.
Make sure to have some styptic powder or other clotting powder on hand to stop bleeding in case you cut a nail too short.
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Trim nails gradually
Trimming your dog's nails is an essential part of grooming. Long nails can cause your dog pain and discomfort, and can lead to serious health issues. Nails that are left to grow too long can cause joint problems, deformed feet, and injuries to the tendons.
The quick, a collection of nerves and blood vessels inside the nail, can grow out along with the nail, making it difficult to trim the nail back. The key to trimming overgrown nails is to trim them gradually, allowing the quick to recede.
Start by trimming just the tips of the nails. After the initial trim, trim a little bit more off the nails every few days or every week. This will encourage the quick to recede, making it easier to keep your dog's nails short.
When trimming your dog's nails, it's important to avoid cutting the quick, as this can be painful for your dog and cause bleeding. If you do cut the quick, stay calm and apply styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to the nail to stop the bleeding.
It's important to trim your dog's nails regularly, about once a month. Dogs that are walked on hard, rough surfaces may be able to go longer between trims, as this helps to file the nails. Inactive dogs or those that don't spend time on hard surfaces may need trims more frequently, about every three weeks.
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Avoid cutting the quick
The quick is a soft cuticle within a dog's nail. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and a blood artery. Cutting the quick will be painful for your dog and may cause bleeding. It is located roughly at the curve of the nail. In light-colored nails, it is easy to identify as a pink region in the center of the nail. In dark-colored nails, it is harder to identify and trimming can be more challenging.
Before trimming your dog's nails, gently touch their feet with the clippers and give them a treat. Get your dog used to the sound, sight, and feeling of the clippers before cutting their nails. When trimming, hold your dog's paw firmly but gently, and place your thumb under the toe with the nail you will cut. This will make the nail easier to see and will hold the toe steady.
When cutting, make a series of small clips, removing 1-2 mm of the nail with each clip. Aim to make your final cut at or near the point where the nail begins to curve, but always stop before you reach the quick. In some dogs, especially those that have not had regular nail trims, the quick may have grown out to the end of the nail. If this is the case, you will only be able to trim a small amount of the nail.
If you do accidentally cut the quick, stay calm and scoop up some styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch, and press it onto the nail to stop the bleeding.
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Make it a positive experience
Trimming your dog's nails can be stressful for both you and your dog. Here are some tips to make nail trimming a positive experience for your dog:
Start early
If possible, start trimming your dog's nails when they are still a puppy. Puppies are more likely to accept nail trimming as part of their routine and grow accustomed to the process as they age.
Train your dog to accept paw handling
Get your dog used to having their paws handled. When your dog is relaxed, gently touch their shoulder and work your way down to their paw. Use a soothing voice to keep them calm as you rub their paws. Then, focus on the toes, giving each one a soft squeeze. Next, apply gentle pressure to the nail itself. If your dog becomes scared or pulls back, stop and continue only when they settle down.
Get your dog acquainted with the nail clippers
Let your dog sniff and investigate the nail clippers. Place them on the floor and open and close them so your dog can hear the noise they make. You can also repeat the paw-handling process while holding the clippers to get your dog used to the sound and sensation together.
Use positive reinforcement
Offer lots of praise and treats throughout the process. This will help create positive associations with nail trimming, making it easier in the future. You can also try counter-conditioning, where you associate nail-clipping with something your dog loves, such as treats or peanut butter on a silicone mat.
Take it slow
If your dog seems uncomfortable, stop and try again another day. You can also divide the trimming into smaller increments, such as trimming one or two nails followed by a break. With patience and persistence, most dogs can learn to accept and even look forward to nail trimming.
Consult a professional
If your dog is particularly anxious or fearful, consider seeking professional grooming services. A trained groomer will have the skills and experience to handle dogs of all temperaments and keep them calm during nail clipping.
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Clean and treat any injuries
If your dog has injured their nail, it can be a painful and scary experience for both you and your furry friend. Here are some detailed steps to help you clean and treat the injury:
Restrain your dog safely:
First, it is important to safely restrain your dog to prevent any accidental bites when you are tending to their injured nail. Have someone assist you by hugging and comforting your dog, which can help immobilize them and make them feel secure. If necessary, a muzzle can be used to avoid injury.
Control the bleeding:
Next, you need to stop the bleeding by gently wrapping your dog's foot in gauze or a towel. Be cautious not to wrap it too tightly, as this can cause swelling. Apply pressure to the injured toe for 5-10 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, you can use a styptic pencil, silver nitrate stick, or cauterizing powder on the nail. These items are available at pet stores or pharmacies. Alternatively, you can use household items like flour, cornstarch, or baking powder, or stick the nail into a bar of soap.
Clean the wound:
Once the bleeding is under control, it is important to clean the area around the torn nail to prevent infection. Use a mild antiseptic solution or warm water with a gentle pet-friendly soap. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel or cotton ball, being careful not to cause further discomfort to your dog.
Trim or smooth sharp edges:
If the broken nail is jagged or sharp, you may need to trim or file it to prevent further injury. Use pet nail clippers or a nail file specifically designed for dog nails. Work slowly and cautiously to avoid cutting into the quick, which can be very painful and cause more bleeding. Consult a veterinarian if you are unsure or uncomfortable doing this yourself.
Protect the nail:
To protect the injured nail and prevent further damage, consider applying a protective covering. You can use a dog-specific bootie or a small, clean sock secured with tape or a vet wrap. Keep the dressing clean and dry, and typically, it can be removed after three days or changed and removed after six days.
Remember, each dog and injury is unique, so it is always best to consult with your veterinarian for specific advice and treatment recommendations. They may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to keep your dog comfortable and prevent infection. With prompt and appropriate care, your dog will be on the road to recovery in no time!
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Frequently asked questions
Use nail clippers specifically designed for dogs. Guillotine-style clippers can crush your dog's toes, and regular human nail clippers may not be strong enough. Scissor-like clippers are best for dogs with short nails, and plier-style clippers work for most dogs.
Dogs' nails should be trimmed approximately once a month or every 3-4 weeks. If your dog spends a lot of time outside on hard ground, their nails may wear down naturally, and you won't need to trim them as often.
You should only cut the very tip of the nail. Aim to cut 2-3 mm away from the quick, a soft cuticle containing nerves and blood vessels. If you cut the quick, it will be painful for your dog and may cause bleeding and infection.
Position your dog so that they won't bite you or twist suddenly. For large or unruly dogs, have them lay on their side, drape your arms and upper body over them, and rest your forearm over their neck to prevent them from lifting their head.
If you cut the quick, apply styptic powder to the nail to stop the bleeding. Give your dog praise and treats to help them stay calm, then take a break.
