Sophia Delgado
Shelties, or Shetland Sheepdogs, are cheerful, intelligent dogs that require regular grooming. One important aspect of grooming Shelties is nail trimming, which should be done using either a grinder or clippers. While grinders allow for more precision and gradual trimming, clippers are quicker and more suitable for dogs that are bothered by the noise and vibration of grinders. To determine if your Sheltie's nails need trimming, examine them by standing the dog on a grooming table. If the nails touch the table's surface, they are too long. When trimming, it is important to avoid cutting into the quick, the blood vessel inside the nail, which can be identified by a faint pink line. If you accidentally cut into the quick, you can stop the bleeding with styptic powder or a styptic stick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 2 weeks |
| Tools | Clippers, Guillotine-style clipper, Grinder, Blunt-tipped scissors, Nail scissors, Mat-breaker, Pin brush, Comb, Slicker brush, Detangling comb, Dematting rake, Coat rake, Greyhound-type comb |
| Nail Colour | Clear, Dark, Black |
| Nail Clipper Type | Guillotine-style |
| Grooming Table | Covered with a non-slick pad |
| Shampoo | Lukewarm water |
| Conditioner | Light |
| Blow-dry | Lowest heat and air settings |
| Brushing Frequency | Once a week, more often during their twice yearly "coat blowing" |
| Brushing Direction | Direction of hair growth |
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What You'll Learn
Guillotine-style clippers
Before you start cutting, it is important to get your dog used to the clippers. Hold the clippers in one hand and handle your dog's paws without actually using the clippers. Get a close look at their nails, and after you're done, reward them with a treat. Repeat this for a few days, and your dog will be more comfortable when you use the clippers.
When cutting, place the toenail inside the metal loop and align the upper and lower blades with the area to cut. Squeeze the clipper handles. Be sure not to cut too short, as the nail will bleed. Nails should be cut from underneath at a 45-degree angle. It is important to be careful to not clip into the quick, which can be painful for the animal and cause bleeding.
The quick is the sensitive and vascular tissue right in the nail bed. It is easier to spot in light-coloured nails—it is the light pink bit that extends from the base of each nail. It is harder to see on dark-coloured nails, so you may have to cautiously trim off very small bits at a time. Leave a bit of room for your cut so you don't get too close; about 2mm from the quick is fine.
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Grinders vs clippers
Grinders and clippers are both important tools when it comes to grooming your dog. However, they each serve slightly different purposes.
Dog nail clippers come in two styles: guillotine, which slices up and down, and scissor, which slices sideways. Clippers are generally faster, more ergonomic, and efficient to use. When using clippers, it is important to trim the nail underneath at a 45-degree angle and to avoid cutting the nail too short. The quick, which contains the blood vessels and nerves, can be seen as a little pink thing in the middle of the nail. Cutting the quick is very painful for dogs and causes bleeding. If you do cut the quick, you can use styptic powder or a styptic stick to stop the bleeding.
Dog nail grinders, on the other hand, are tools used to file your dog's nails down. They are generally considered easier and safer to use as you don't run the risk of cutting the quick. However, it can be more challenging to get your dog accustomed to the grinder due to the noise and vibrations. Grinders are also useful for smoothing over any rough edges after using clippers.
When it comes to Shelties specifically, it is recommended to use sharp nail clippers to trim their nails. Shelties tend to have fuzzy feet, so it is important to cut the long hairs that stick out above the top of the foot. If your Sheltie has clear toenails, place the edge of the blade just in front of the dark quick line inside the nail. If your Sheltie has black nails, snip the nail back in small increments, stopping when you see a faint pink line in the middle of the nail.
In summary, both grinders and clippers have their own advantages and disadvantages. Clippers are generally faster and more efficient, while grinders are considered safer and can be used to smooth nail edges. For Shelties, clippers are typically recommended, but it is important to also trim the long hairs on their feet to prevent debris and mud from building up.
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How to identify the quick
The "quick" of a dog's nail is the part that should be avoided when trimming, as cutting it can be painful for the dog and cause bleeding. It is a soft cuticle that contains the blood vessel and nerves that run through the nail. The quick is mainly located above the nail curve and provides nourishment to the nail, allowing it to grow and feel sensations.
Identifying the quick is easier with light-coloured nails. If the toenail is light, you will see the pink interior, or the "quick". When trimming, cut just below the quick, where the nail curves. If you are using guillotine-style clippers or an electric grinder, only trim the hooked tip. Always cut top-down, as sideways cuts can crush and splinter the nail.
If your Sheltie has black nails, it is more difficult to identify the quick. You can try illuminating the nail with a penlight or flashlight to find the quick. If that doesn't work, trim the nail in small increments, stopping when you see a faint pink line in the middle of the nail. This indicates that you are approaching the quick, so stop cutting.
No matter how careful you are, there may be times when you accidentally cut too close to the quick. If this happens, you can stop the bleeding by applying styptic powder or a styptic stick to the affected area. Alternatively, you can press a tissue firmly against the nail until the bleeding stops.
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What to do if you cut too close
If you accidentally cut your Sheltie's nails too short, it can be painful for them and cause bleeding. This is colloquially called "quicking", as you have damaged the nerves and blood vessels in the nail bed.
If quicking occurs, apply firm pressure to the nail with a clean cloth to slow the blood flow and allow platelets to clot. You can also apply styptic powder or a styptic stick (human shaving stick) to the wound to hasten clotting. If you don't have styptic powder, you can use corn starch, flour, or baking soda instead.
Once the bleeding has stopped, bandage the entire paw to protect the wound and prevent your dog from licking it, as this could lead to infection. Keep your dog calm and quiet for the next 48 hours, as excitement and play can raise their blood pressure and cause the wound to start bleeding again.
If the bleeding doesn't stop within 2 to 4 minutes, take your dog to the vet immediately.
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Trimming dew claws
Dew claws are the small, fifth claws located on a dog's front legs, and sometimes also on their hind legs. They are not directly attached to the foot and are higher up on the leg. Trimming dew claws on a Sheltie is similar to trimming their other claws. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- First, locate the dew claw on the front leg. It is usually higher up on the leg and may be harder to spot if the fur is long. Use a brush or comb to gently move the fur out of the way and expose the dew claw.
- Inspect the dew claw to determine if it needs trimming. Dew claws can sometimes be slower to grow and may not need trimming as often as the other claws. Look for signs of overgrowth, such as the claw curling or becoming too long.
- Choose an appropriate trimming tool. Guillotine-style clippers or nail grinders can work well for Shelties. Ensure the tool is clean and sharp to prevent splitting or crushing the claw.
- If your Sheltie has light-coloured dew claws, locate the "quick" inside the nail—the pink interior that contains the blood supply. Avoid cutting into this area, as it can be painful and cause bleeding. Position the clipper or grinder just in front of the quick.
- If the dew claw is dark and you cannot see the quick, proceed with caution. Trim only the very tip of the claw where it begins to curve. Cut small amounts at a time to avoid cutting too close to the quick.
- Apply gentle pressure to the clipper handles to cut the dew claw. For nail grinders, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and avoid overheating the nail.
- After trimming, inspect the dew claw to ensure it is smooth and not too sharp. If you accidentally cut into the quick, remain calm and apply styptic powder or a styptic stick to stop the bleeding.
- Repeat the process for the dew claw on the other front leg, and also for any hind legs if your Sheltie has dew claws there.
Remember to always handle your Sheltie's paws gently and speak to them in a calm, reassuring tone throughout the trimming process. Positive reinforcement and treats can help make the experience more enjoyable for your dog.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to check your Sheltie's nails every 2 weeks and trim them back if necessary.
You can use either a nail grinder or clippers. Guillotine-style clippers work well for Shelties.
Place the grinder against the nail for about 5 seconds at a time. You can apply a small piece of thick plastic with a hole in the centre to keep the hair out of the way.
If your Sheltie has clear toenails, place the edge of the blade just in front of the dark quick line inside the nail. If your Sheltie has black nails, cut the nail back in small increments, stopping when you see a faint pink line.
Stop any bleeding by applying styptic powder or a styptic stick to the nail.
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