Noah Sinclair
Papillons are small but mighty dogs that were once kept by French royalty. They are known for their butterfly-like ears and feathery tails. While they only require minimal grooming and trimming, their nails should be cut or ground to a proper length. This is because long nails can cause pain and sensitivity in a dog's toes, and can also make them more prone to slipping on slick surfaces. If you hear your dog's nails clicking on hard surfaces as they walk, this is a good indicator that it's time for a trim.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to trim | Once a monthEvery 2 weeks |
| How to determine if nails are too long | If you can hear the dog's nails clicking on hard surfaces when they walk |
| Tools | RESCO nail trimmer/Dremel/Clippers |
| How to use the Dremel | Use the sanding band attachment that comes with the Dremel to grind away the nail until the dog starts to pull away quickly |
| How to use the RESCO nail trimmer | Place the main part in the palm of your hand and control the movable part with your fingersCut the nail from underneath, staying in the whitish part of the nail and avoiding the pink, live part |
| What to do if you cut too far | Use Quick Stop Powder or tissue paper to stop the bleeding |
| How to restrain the dog | Cut holes for its paws, head, and tail in a cloth bag and place the dog inside/Hold the dog in your lap |
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What You'll Learn
How to determine if your Papillon's nails are too long
Papillons' nails should be trimmed regularly to keep them short and neat. Long nails can interfere with a dog's ability to stand, walk, and run normally, and they also carry a greater risk of catching and tearing. If you hear your Papillon's nails clicking on hard surfaces, this is a good indicator that they need a trim.
The anatomy of a dog's nail is important to understand when trimming. The hard outer shell, or "nail", is an extension of the epidermis. Underneath this hard shell is the softer dermis, which is soft, fleshy, and infused with nerve endings and a blood vessel known as "the quick". The portion that is clipped during a nail trim is the excess shell of the nail that has grown beyond the dermis.
The quick is the cuticle full of blood and nerves at the centre of the nail. It is important to never cut into the quick as this can be painful for the dog and cause infection. On lighter nails, the quick will appear pink, and you should only cut the whitish part of the nail. On darker nails, the quick will appear darker, and you can check the end of the nail to identify the dead, whitish area, and then look for the dark area as you cut deeper, which indicates the start of the quick.
If you accidentally cut into the quick, you can place a tiny piece of tissue paper against the nail and hold it for a few minutes, or use a quick-stop powder to stop the bleeding.
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Using a Dremel tool to trim nails
Using a Dremel tool to trim your Papillon's nails can be a safe and stress-free alternative to nail clippers. The quiet motor won't frighten your dog, and the safety guard will protect your dog from the rotating parts.
Before you start, you'll need to get your dog comfortable with the tool. Over a few days, let your dog sniff and touch the tool. Turn it on a few times to familiarise your dog with the sound and vibrations. Work towards touching your dog's paws with the tool. Don't forget to offer lots of praise and treats throughout this process.
When you're ready to start trimming, find a comfortable spot for both you and your dog. Position your dog so you can easily reach all its paws without twisting its legs. Some owners find it easier to face the same direction as their dog, rather than sitting opposite them. Hold your dog's paw firmly with your non-dominant hand and rest the paw pad on the guard. Hold the tool at a 45-degree angle and touch the nail to the sanding disc. Let the tool do the work and don't press the nail down too hard.
Take breaks in between grinding each nail to prevent the sanding disc from heating up and causing discomfort to your dog. During the break, study the nail closely to determine how much more needs to be trimmed. Be careful to avoid the pink, live part of the nail called the "quick", which contains blood vessels and nerve endings. Cutting into this part is painful for your dog and will cause bleeding.
With regular use, your dog will become accustomed to the sound and feel of the Dremel tool, making nail trimming a stress-free experience for both of you.
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How to cut nails with nail clippers
Papillons are known for their delicate features and tiny paws, so it's important to be extra careful when trimming their nails. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut nails with nail clippers:
- Prepare your Papillon: Before attempting to cut your Papillon's nails, it is crucial to get your dog accustomed to the process. Start by frequently touching and holding their paws gently from an early age. This will help them feel comfortable with their feet being handled. You can also introduce them to the nail clippers gradually, letting them sniff and inspect the clippers before actual clipping takes place.
- Gather the right tools: Ensure you have the right nail clippers for the job. You can use nail clippers specifically designed for dogs, or sharp human clippers if they are available. Do not use human nail scissors. It is also recommended to have styptic powder or another clotting powder on hand in case you cut the nails too short.
- Position your Papillon: Place your Papillon in a comfortable position. Some dogs may sit in your lap or on a table while you clip their nails. If your dog is particularly nervous or resistant, you may need assistance in restraining them gently.
- Identify the quick: The quick is the sensitive part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. It is light pink in colour and supplies blood to the nail. Cutting the quick can cause bleeding and discomfort. Light-coloured claws make it easier to identify the quick. Avoid cutting within 2 millimetres of the quick.
- Hold the paw firmly but gently: Pick up one of your Papillon's paws and hold it firmly but gently. Place your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe, above the nail. Ensure that 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.
- Cut the nail at an angle: Hold the nail clippers at a 45-degree angle and cut the nail just before the quick. Take extra care not to cut into the quick, especially since Papillons tend to have quick nail growth.
- Reward and repeat: After each successful cut, reward your dog with praise and a treat. This helps build a positive association with the nail-cutting process. Repeat the process for each nail, taking breaks if your dog becomes uncomfortable.
Remember to be patient and keep a positive attitude throughout the process. With time and practice, your Papillon will become more comfortable with nail trimming, ensuring their nails remain healthy and well-groomed.
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What to do if you cut the nail too short
Cutting your dog's nails is a delicate process, and it is common to accidentally trim a dog's nail too short. If this happens, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps to address the situation:
Stop the Bleeding
Use gauze, a paper towel, or a clean, thin cloth to apply firm and gentle pressure to the wound for 2 to 4 minutes. This will help slow the blood flow and allow platelets to stick to the wound edges and initiate the clotting process. If the bleeding does not stop after a few minutes, you can use cauterizing powder, cornstarch, flour, or baking powder to aid in clotting. Dip the nail into the powder or use a cotton swab to apply it, ensuring the entire area is coated.
Prevent Your Dog from Licking the Wound
It is important to prevent your dog from licking the wound, as this can introduce bacteria that could lead to an infection, and licking can also cause the scab to lift and bleeding to resume. You can use an e-collar or a physical barrier, such as a sock or a towel tied around the foot, to prevent licking.
Monitor the Healing Process
Keep an eye on your dog's nail as it heals. It can take up to two weeks for the nail to regrow and protect the quick (the vein in the nail). If the bleeding continues or the nail does not seem to be healing properly, take your dog to the vet for further care.
Take Precautions when Walking Your Dog
If the injury was minor and bleeding stopped quickly, you can walk your dog about an hour afterward. However, if the cut was deeper, be cautious when walking your dog. Limit their exercise if they are limping or seem uncomfortable until the wound has healed.
Prevent Future Accidents
To prevent cutting your dog's nails too short in the future, use nail trimmers with a safety stop, and always trim in small increments. Stop trimming once you see the quick, which is a small black dot at the center of the nail. Consult your vet or a professional groomer if you need guidance on safe trimming techniques.
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How often you should trim your Papillon's nails
Keeping your Papillon's nails at a comfortable length is important. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and may even alter their posture. Long nails can change the positioning of the dog's foot and the overall weight distribution across the paw, causing them to shift their weight to the rear of the foot. This can lead to strained muscles and tendons in the limb and make it challenging for the dog to walk or run normally. Therefore, it is recommended to trim your Papillon's nails once a month.
However, the frequency of nail trimming may vary depending on various factors, such as the rate of nail growth and the dog's activity levels. Some owners choose to trim their Papillon's nails every two weeks or take their dogs to the groomers every 4-6 weeks for a nail clipping. If you are unsure about the trimming process or frequency, it is best to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian for advice.
When trimming your Papillon's nails, it is crucial to use the correct technique. The nail should be cut from underneath, staying within the whitish part of the nail. Avoid cutting into the pink area, known as the "quick," as it contains blood vessels. If you accidentally cut too close and cause bleeding, you can use tissue paper, Quick Stop Powder, or styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
Additionally, some owners find it helpful to use tools like a Dremel or nail grinder, which gradually remove small amounts of the nail and make it easier to avoid the quick. These tools can be useful for dogs who are particularly anxious about nail trimming, as they are less likely to squeeze the dog's nail.
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