Isla Bennett
Trimming your dog's nails is an important part of their grooming routine. While some dogs are comfortable with the process, others may need patience, coaxing, and treats to get through it. It is important to be cautious and not cut into the quick of the nail, which will cause bleeding. If this does happen, apply a small amount of styptic powder to the wound. To cut your dog's nails, you will need a nail-cutting tool such as a grinder or clippers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to train your dog to let you cut their nails | Tap the clippers near your dog and give them a treat, then touch the clippers to their foot and give them another treat. Repeat this process until they are comfortable with the clippers. |
| How to hold the clippers | Hold one handle with your thumb and the other with your four fingers. |
| How to cut the nails | Position the nail between the two blades and squeeze your hand to cut. Use the bottom blade as a guide to ensure you only cut the part of the nail you want to. Start at the bottom on a 45-degree angle and work your way up. Only cut the very tip of the nail. |
| What to do if you cut the quick | Wipe away the blood with a dry cloth and hold it on the wound. Then, remove the cloth and apply some styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. Reassure your dog so they don't become stressed. |
| How often to cut your dog's nails | About once a month. However, this depends on how often your dog walks on hard surfaces. |
| How to know if your dog's nails are too long | If you can hear your dog's nails clicking against a hard floor when they walk, they are too long. |
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What You'll Learn
How to hold the clippers
Holding the clippers correctly is an important part of the nail-cutting process. It ensures your dog's safety and comfort, and helps to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
Firstly, it's important to choose the right clippers. There are two main types: scissor-style and guillotine-style. Scissor-style clippers are the easiest to use and allow you to see exactly where you are cutting. This style is particularly useful for dark-coloured claws, where it can be hard to spot the quick.
Once you have chosen the right clippers, you should always hold your dog's paw in a position that is comfortable for them, but also easy for you to see their nails. You might need someone to help you if your dog is wriggly!
To hold the clippers, pick up your dog's paw and place your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe, on the skin above the nail. Make sure none of your dog's fur is in the way. Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad, while pushing your forefinger forward. This will give you a stable grip and prevent any sudden movements.
If you are using a grinder, hold it higher up, towards the top, for better control. Always keep your dog's comfort in mind and take note of any sensitivities. If your dog has long hair, make sure to keep it back from the grinding tool so it doesn't get caught.
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How to hold your dog's paw
Holding your dog's paw is an important part of the nail-cutting process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively and safely:
First, pick up your dog's paw and gently but firmly hold it. Make sure all the fur is out of the way by gently squeezing the top and bottom of one of their toes to extend the nail. This will ensure that you do not accidentally cut any fur, which could be painful for your dog.
Next, position the nail clippers at a 45-degree angle to the nail, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Use the bottom blade of the clippers as your guide, holding it against the nail and pulling the top blade down to cut. This will help ensure that you only cut the part of the nail you intend to.
When you are ready to cut, simply position the part of the nail you wish to trim between the two blades of the clippers and gently squeeze your hand to cut. Always cut only a small amount at a time, and be sure to stop and check that you are not cutting into the 'quick' of the nail, which will cause bleeding.
If your dog has light-colored nails, the quick will appear as a pink area towards the base of the nail. For dogs with darker nails, look for a chalky white ring, and be sure to stop cutting before you reach this point.
Remember to go slowly and be patient with your dog. It may take multiple sessions for your dog to get comfortable with the process, so take your time and provide lots of praise and treats along the way.
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How to identify the quick
The quick is a soft cuticle that contains the blood vessel and nerves that run through your dog's nail. It is located above the nail curve, between the nail bed and the nail tip. If you cut the quick, it can be painful for your dog and may cause bleeding.
Identifying the quick is relatively easy if your dog has light-coloured nails. Simply hold their paw and look for a pinkish area at the centre of each nail. This pink region is the quick, and it is visible through the outside of the nail.
However, if your dog has dark nails, it can be more challenging to identify the quick. In this case, you may need to examine the underside of the nail or use a light to identify the quick accurately. Look for a groove on the underside that separates the hard nail from the soft cuticle. The quick is located above this groove, and you should avoid trimming into the soft cuticle.
Another way to identify the quick on dark nails is to shine a flashlight or phone light through the nail. If the nails are thin enough, you will see the quick as a shadowed area. You can also try a test squeeze with the clippers, applying pressure without cutting. If your dog tries to pull away, you are likely pinching the quick.
Remember to trim your dog's nails gradually, especially if they are long. This allows the quick to recede and reduces the risk of cutting into it.
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What to do if you cut the quick
Cutting your dog's nails can be stressful, and it is easy to cut into the quick. If you do, don't panic. Your dog's nail will likely start to bleed, so you must act quickly to stop the bleeding. Firstly, grab a dry cloth or paper towel and apply pressure to the affected area. Hold it there for a few minutes to allow the blood to clot. Then, remove the cloth and apply a small amount of clotting powder, such as styptic powder or corn starch, to the wound. This will help to stop the bleeding.
Make sure to reassure your dog that everything is okay, so they don’t become too stressed. Give them lots of praise and maybe a treat to help them calm down. It is important to then give your dog 24 hours to recover before doing anything that might tear the clot off the end of their nail. Avoid giving them a bath or taking them for a run, as this could irritate the wound.
If there seems to be any further damage to your dog's nail or foot, then it is best to call your vet right away for further advice.
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How to reward your dog
Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming, and keeping your dog's nails trimmed is critical for maintaining paw health. It can be an anxiety-laden experience for dogs, so it is important to train your dog to allow paw handling and get them accustomed to seeing and hearing nail clippers. You can do this by letting your dog sniff and investigate the nail clippers, and repeating this process several times a day. You can also open and close the clippers while talking to your dog and offering treats.
Now, for the main event: how to reward your dog. First things first, make sure you have some treats on hand. You can also use praise and a soothing voice to keep your dog calm. After trimming each nail, reward your dog with verbal praise and a treat. You can also give your dog a treat for remaining calm during the trimming process. This creates positive associations with nail trimming, making future sessions easier. If your dog becomes too stressed, take a break and distract them with a toy or affection.
It is important to note that treats should supplement verbal rewards but are not a substitute for them. Withhold treats when the dog retracts its paw, but do not scold it. You can also give your dog a treat after showing them the clippers, so they associate the clippers with something positive. Overall, rewarding your dog with treats and praise throughout the process will help to reduce stress and make nail trimming a more positive experience for both you and your dog.
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