Ava Monroe
Cutting your Yorkie's toenails is an important task to keep their nails short and healthy. Long nails can be uncomfortable for your dog to walk on and can cause bleeding and pain if they grow back into the paw. Yorkies have black toenails, making it difficult to see the quick, the pink-coloured vein inside the nail. It is important to use sharp pet nail clippers and cut only the very ends of the nails to avoid cutting into the quick, which will cause bleeding and pain. Some people prefer to take their Yorkies to a professional groomer for nail trimming, but it can be done at home with the right tools and techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toenail cutting frequency | Frequently and regularly |
| Toenail cutting tools | Dog-specific nail clippers, nail trimmers, nail grinders, scissors |
| Toenail cutting technique | Cut only the very ends, bend the foot back and cut from behind, trim each nail back to within 2-4mm of the quick |
| Toenail cutting tips | Desensitize your dog by touching their feet often and offering treats, bring out the tools ahead of time and let your dog become familiar with them, trim nails after a bath when it's easier to spot long hair |
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What You'll Learn
Use dog-specific trimmers
Using dog-specific trimmers is essential when cutting your Yorkie's toenails. Human nail clippers are designed for flat surfaces, whereas dog nails are cupped, so using human clippers can cause pain or injury by squishing the nail. Dog-specific trimmers are available in a variety of types, including nail scissors, grinder tools, and guillotine types. You can choose the type that you are most comfortable with or that works best for your dog. For example, nail scissors might be easier to use as you don't need to thread the nail through the cutting surface as with the guillotine type.
Dog nail grinders, such as the Dremel® rotary nail grinder, are a good option for dogs with black nails as it is easier to avoid hitting the quick, the blood and nerve-rich area inside the nail that can cause pain and bleeding if cut. However, grinders may not be suitable for dogs that are jumpy or not desensitized to the tool's noise. If you do use a grinder, only grind a small part of the nail at a time, supporting the dog's toe firmly but gently. Grind across the bottom of the nail and then carefully from the tip, smoothing rough edges.
If you use dog-specific nail clippers, it is important to look for the quick inside the nail before you cut. Trim each nail back to within 2-4 millimetres of the quick, which will appear as a pink-coloured vein in lighter-coloured nails. If your dog has black nails, trim a little at a time and look for a black dot in the centre of the nail, which indicates that you have reached the quick.
To help your dog feel comfortable with the trimming process, it is a good idea to get them accustomed to the tools and having their paws handled from a young age. You can do this by touching their feet often and offering treats to desensitize them. It is also recommended to bring out the clipping tools ahead of time and let your dog become familiar with them.
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Avoid cutting into the quick
The quick is the living part of a dog's nail, consisting of blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into the quick is painful for your dog and will result in bleeding. If your dog has light-coloured nails, you will be able to see the quick, which appears as a pink area within the nail. Unfortunately, Yorkies tend to have very dark toenails, making it difficult or even impossible to see the quick.
To avoid cutting into the quick, it is recommended that you only cut a small amount off the nails at first. You can always trim a bit more, but you can never reverse cutting a nail too far. It is also suggested that you cut the nail just in front of the softer inner layer to avoid the quick. If your Yorkie's nails are overgrown, trim off just the very edge at first and do this once a week. If you cut the nails just a bit, but more often, the quick will recede along with the nail, and you will eventually be able to get the nail short again.
If you do cut into the quick, there are products that can help stop the bleeding, such as styptic powder. It is also recommended that you have your veterinarian show you how to trim your dog's nails, especially if you've never done it before.
It is important to remain calm and confident when trimming your dog's nails. If you're nervous, your dog will sense it and associate negative feelings with nail trimming.
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Desensitise your dog to the process
Trimming your Yorkie's nails can be a daunting task, especially if your dog is resistant to the process. Here are some tips to help desensitise your dog to nail trimming:
Start by touching your dog's feet often. This helps to normalise the sensation of having their paws handled, reducing potential stress or anxiety associated with nail trimming. It is important to make this a positive experience for your dog. Offer treats and praise when touching their feet, so they begin to associate the process with rewards.
Next, introduce the nail clippers. Allow your dog to see, smell, and hear the clippers, so they become familiar with the tools. You can do this by bringing out the clippers ahead of time and leaving them in the same room as your dog. This helps to reduce any fear or hesitation your dog may have towards the tools.
When your dog is comfortable with the clippers, you can begin to simulate the trimming process. Hold their paw gently and pretend to clip their nails, continuing to offer treats and praise throughout. This helps your dog to associate the trimming process with positive experiences.
It is important to be patient and go at your dog's pace. If your dog only tolerates trimming one foot at a time, that is okay. End the session on a positive note and try again another time. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will become desensitised to the process, making nail trimming a calmer experience for both you and your Yorkie.
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Trim hair around the foot
Trimming the hair around your Yorkie's foot is an important part of the grooming process. Yorkies are known for their long, flowing hair, and while this contributes to their distinctive appearance, it also requires regular maintenance to keep it neat and tidy.
The hair around their feet, in particular, can become matted and tangled, especially after walks where they may encounter dirt, mud, or moisture. To prevent this, you should trim the hair around their feet regularly. Aim to do this every 4 to 6 weeks, or more frequently if their hair tends to grow quickly or if they spend a lot of time outdoors.
When trimming the hair around your Yorkie's foot, it's important to use the right tools. You can use small scissors designed for dog grooming, or an electric trimmer if you're comfortable with one. Be very careful when using any tools near your dog's feet, and always make sure the tools are clean and sharp to prevent pulling or pinching the skin or fur.
To start trimming, gently lift your Yorkie's paw and place it on your lap or a stable surface. If they are nervous, you may need another person to help hold them securely while you trim. Speak to them in a calm, reassuring tone throughout the process. Begin trimming the hair around the footpad and between the toes, being careful not to cut the skin. Take your time and work slowly, following the natural direction of hair growth.
By regularly trimming the hair around your Yorkie's feet, you'll help keep their coat healthy and well-groomed, ensuring they continue to look and feel their best.
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Get a professional groomer
If you're unsure about cutting your Yorkie's toenails yourself, it's perfectly reasonable to get a professional groomer to do it. Grooming is a critical part of owning a Yorkshire Terrier, and toenail trimming is an important task that keeps your dog's nails short and healthy.
Professional groomers will perform the task for squeamish owners, and it's a simple procedure if done correctly. Nail trimming can be an anxiety-laden experience for dogs, so it's important to get your puppy accustomed to the process from a young age. If you've never clipped a dog's nails before, you can ask your veterinarian or vet tech to give you a lesson. You can also ask a professional groomer for guidance.
Pro groomer Ashleigh Lopez recommends touching your Yorkie's feet often and offering treats to desensitize them. It's a good idea to have some styptic powder or other clotting powder on hand to stop bleeding in case you cut a nail too short.
Yorkies should be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks, either by a professional groomer or by owners themselves. Toenail trimming is something that can be done at home, but it's recommended that first-timers ask for guidance from a vet or professional groomer.
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