Isla Bennett
Regular nail trimming is essential for the well-being of Shih Tzu puppies. Long nails can cause discomfort and injury, so it is important to start trimming their nails as early as six weeks to get them accustomed to the routine. There are several nail trimmer styles, such as guillotine and scissor types, and it is recommended to only cut the white part of the nail, avoiding the pink quick, which contains live tissue and will bleed if cut. To make the process easier, gently distract the puppy with treats and caresses, and handle their paws frequently to make them comfortable with the procedure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age to start trimming | 6 weeks or 2 months |
| Dewclaws | Should be trimmed regularly or surgically removed by a vet |
| Trimming styles | Guillotine type, scissor type, nail grinder |
| Trimming technique | Hold paw firmly but gently, locate the quick, cut the white part of the nail, avoiding the pink quick |
| Tips | Distract with treats, practice daily, trim one nail at a time, praise and reward good behaviour |
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What You'll Learn
Get your puppy used to nail clippers early
Nail trimming can be an anxiety-inducing experience for dogs, so it's important to get your puppy used to the process early on. You can start trimming your puppy's nails from around six weeks old or when they are about 7-8 weeks old and their nails start touching the ground. Even if there isn't much to cut, this will get them accustomed to the routine, and they'll be more likely to sit still for you when it's time for a proper trim.
From the moment you get your puppy, spend some time each day playing with their feet so they get used to having their paws, pads, and nails touched. You can also practice handling their feet and pretending to clip their nails, even when they don't need a trim. This will help your puppy get comfortable with the entire process.
When you're ready to start trimming, work your way up gradually. Start by trimming one nail, and if your puppy behaves, offer praise and a small treat. Then try trimming a second nail, and so on. It may take daily handling for a week or more for your puppy to tolerate nail trimming without squirming or resisting. Be patient, consistent, and gentle, and eventually, nail trimming will become a fun and positive part of your grooming routine.
Remember to use safe, dog-friendly nail clippers or grinders, and always avoid clipping into the nail's quick, which is the pink part containing live tissue that will bleed if cut. Regular nail trimming will cause the quick to recede, making it easier to maintain your puppy's nail health.
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How to hold the clippers
Holding the nail clippers correctly is essential for a swift and clean cut. There are several types of dog nail trimmers, including nail scissors, grinder tools, guillotine types, and regular clippers. You can use whichever type you're most comfortable with.
If you're using a guillotine-type clipper, place the nail between the guillotine blades and squeeze the handles together. Scissor-type clippers are used in the same way, like a pair of scissors. Hold the paw gently but firmly in one hand and locate the nail. You can place your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on top, holding the paw in place. Insert the dog's nail into the hole in the clippers and make a swift cut. This will help reduce fraying on the dog's nails.
It's important to only cut the white part of the nail. The pink part, or the 'quick', contains live tissue and will bleed if cut. Regular nail trimming will cause the quick to recede. Short quicks are preferable for the dog's well-being and easy maintenance.
If you're nervous about trimming your puppy's nails, ask your groomer or vet to show you how. You can also distract your puppy by holding it on your lap, gently caressing it, and talking to it gently.
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How to identify the quick
The quick is a vein that supplies blood to the nail. If it is cut, it will bleed and hurt the dog. The goal is to cut above the quick. This is accomplished by cutting above the pink area.
If your puppy has light-coloured nails, you will be able to see the quick as a pinkish area located at the curve of the nail. If the nail is white, you will see the blood supply under the nail. Shine a flashlight under the nail to make it easier to identify.
If your puppy has dark nails, it can be challenging to identify the quick. In this case, clip a small amount of nail at a time. Stop clipping when you see a black hole in the centre of the nail, as this means you are coming close to the quick.
If you accidentally cut into the quick, you will need to stop the bleeding. Apply styptic powder, cornstarch, or flour to the nail using a Q-tip or tissue and hold it there until the bleeding stops.
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What to do if you cut the quick
The quick is a blood vessel that runs through the core of a dog's nail. Cutting it can cause bleeding and discomfort. If you accidentally cut into the quick, it's important to act quickly to stop the bleeding. Here are some steps you can take:
- Apply styptic powder or another clotting powder to the nail. This will help stop the bleeding.
- Cover the nail: You can use a paper towel or gauze to cover the injured nail. Secure it with a bandage or a small piece of tape to prevent your puppy from licking or biting at it.
- Limit activity: It's important to restrict your puppy's activity for a few hours after the incident to prevent dislodging the clot. Avoid any rough play or running, and keep them calm and comfortable.
- Monitor for continued bleeding: Keep a close eye on the nail. If the bleeding doesn't stop after applying the styptic powder and covering the nail, you may need to consult your veterinarian for further advice.
- Prevent licking: Use a bitter-tasting spray or a cone to prevent your puppy from licking the affected nail. Licking can disrupt the clot and cause continued bleeding.
- Be patient: It may take some time for the nail to heal, and your puppy may be sensitive about having their nails handled for a while. Go slowly and continue to offer praise and treats to help them feel more comfortable.
Remember, it's always important to be very careful when trimming your Shih Tzu puppy's nails. The quick may be more challenging to spot in darker nails, so trim a little at a time to avoid cutting into it.
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How to cut dewclaws
Dewclaws are the claws found on the inside edge of a dog's leg, away from the rest of the paw. They are easy to overlook and can become ingrown or overgrown if ignored, curling back toward the dog's leg and growing into their skin. Dewclaws can be removed by breeders when the puppy is a few days old, but if your Shih Tzu puppy still has its dewclaws, they will need regular trimming.
To trim your puppy's dewclaws, you must first restrain the puppy. This can be done by placing them on a table and having them harnessed or held by a partner. Alternatively, lie with your dog on the floor, positioning your body over their abdomen and back to keep them still.
If your puppy's dew claw is dark in colour, start trimming from the edge and cut very small amounts until you are satisfied with the length. If the dew claw is lighter in colour, the quick may be visible, so you can position the claw for easy clipping. The quick is the blood vessel that runs through the core of the nail, supplying blood to it. Cutting the quick can be painful for your puppy and cause bleeding. If you accidentally cut the quick, use styptic powder or a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding.
Using scissor trimmers or guillotine trimmers, gently clip the end of the dew claw, being careful not to cut the quick. After trimming, use a file to sand down any sharp points or small edges on the claw. Make sure to leave the claw smooth, so that it does not get caught on any surfaces or your puppy's skin.
It is important to get your puppy accustomed to the nail-trimming process from a young age. Spend time each day playing with their feet and paws so that they are comfortable with someone touching them. You can also give them treats and talk to them gently while trimming their nails to help keep them calm and distracted.
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