Isla Bennett
Morkies, a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, require regular grooming. This includes brushing, cleaning their eyes and trimming the hair in front of their eyes, as well as nail trimming. Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming and is important for the health and comfort of your Morkie. It can be an anxiety-laden experience for dogs, so it is important to start handling your puppy's feet and trimming their nails when they are young. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise can help your dog get used to the process. When trimming, it is crucial to avoid cutting into the quick, which is the blood supply to the nail. Cutting the quick can be painful and cause bleeding. To avoid this, trim below the quick, which appears pink in colour. If you do cut the quick, you can use styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to trim | In 1 week, your Morkie can get used to nail trimming. |
| Nail clippers | Use safe, dog-friendly nail clippers or grinders. |
| Dewclaws | Dewclaws are extra toes that don't touch the ground. They need to be trimmed too. |
| Trimming technique | Hold the clippers at a right angle to the nail, with the tip of the nail between the blades. |
| Avoiding the quick | Cut the nail no closer than about 3mm from the quick. |
| Black nails | If your Morkie has black nails, trim one sliver at a time, starting with the tip. |
| Stopping bleeding | Use styptic powder or plain cornstarch to stop bleeding. |
| Trimming hair | Trim hair around the eyes, ears, and private parts. |
| Bathing | Bathe your Morkie once every 3 months. |
| Grooming | Brush your Morkie daily and take it to the groomer every 6-8 weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify the quick
The "quick" of a Morkie's nail is a soft cuticle that contains the blood vessels and nerves that run through the nail. It is important to identify the quick to avoid cutting into it and causing pain, bleeding, or discomfort for your dog. Here are some tips for identifying the quick:
If your Morkie has light-colored or clear nails, the quick will appear as a small pink area in the centre of each nail. This is the easiest case for identifying the quick. Simply hold their paw gently and look for the pinkish region.
For Morkies with black or dark-colored nails, it is more challenging to identify the quick due to the lack of color contrast. In this case, you can try examining the underside of the nail to look for a groove or gap that separates the hard nail from the soft cuticle. The soft cuticle is the quick, and you should avoid trimming into it. Alternatively, you can shine a light, such as a small flashlight or your phone's light, onto the nail to help identify the quick.
If your Morkie's nails are extremely long, it is recommended to trim a small amount at a time and wait about a week before trimming again. This allows the quick to recede, reducing the risk of cutting into it. You can trim a little at a time until you see a grey or pink oval starting to appear, which indicates that you are approaching the quick. Stop trimming once you see this oval to avoid cutting into the quick.
It is important to be cautious and take your time when trimming your Morkie's nails. If you accidentally cut into the quick, it can cause pain and bleeding. Always have styptic powder or plain cornstarch on hand to help stop any bleeding.
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What to do if you cut the quick
If you accidentally cut into the quick of your Morkie's nail, don't panic. There will likely be a lot of bleeding, and it will be painful for your dog. It is important to act quickly. Before you begin trimming your dog's nails, have styptic powder or plain cornstarch on hand. If you cut the quick, immediately dip your dog's paw into the powder. This will help stop the bleeding.
The quick is the dog's cuticle, containing nerve endings and blood vessels that supply blood to the nail bed. It is located roughly at the curve of the nail and appears as a small pink centre. The quick can be easily seen on dogs with light-coloured nails, but it is very difficult to spot on darker nails.
If your Morkie has dark nails, you should trim one small sliver of the nail at a time, starting with the tip. As you cut, look at the exposed edge of the nail. Eventually, you will see a grey or pink oval appear. This is the quick, and you should stop trimming as soon as you see it.
If you accidentally cut the quick, it is important to remain calm and quickly treat the wound. Apply pressure to the nail with styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. You can also use a silver nitrate pencil to cauterise the wound and stop the bleeding.
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How to handle your Morkie's paws
Handling your Morkie's paws is an important part of their overall health and hygiene. Here are some tips on how to handle your Morkie's paws effectively:
Get your Morkie comfortable with paw handling: It is important to get your Morkie puppy used to having its paws handled from an early age. Gently and cheerfully touch and hold their paws frequently to help them get comfortable with the sensation. This will make nail trimming and other paw care routines much easier as they get older.
Start with positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to associate paw handling with pleasant experiences. Offer treats and praise when your puppy allows you to touch and hold their paws. This will create a positive emotional response and make the process less stressful for your Morkie.
Introduce nail clippers gradually: Start by letting your puppy sniff the nail clippers, then touch the clippers to their paws without actually trimming the nails. Gradually work your way up to trimming a tiny bit off one nail, offering treats and praise throughout the process. This will help your Morkie get accustomed to the sight and sound of the clippers.
Choose the right tools: Select dog-friendly nail clippers or grinders that are specifically designed for small dogs like Morkies. Avoid using "guillotine" style clippers, as they can be too harsh for a Morkie's delicate nails. Always have styptic powder or cornstarch on hand to stop bleeding in case you accidentally cut into the quick of the nail.
Know where to trim: The quick is the pink, living part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Cutting the quick can be painful and cause bleeding. If your Morkie has light-coloured nails, the quick will appear as a pink or red triangle. For dark nails, look for a curve in the nail, as this indicates the end of the quick. Always cut at least 3 millimetres away from the quick to avoid injury.
Keep nails well-maintained: Regular nail trimming is essential for your Morkie's comfort and health. Long nails can affect your dog's gait and cause issues with their feet and legs over time. Aim to trim your Morkie's nails before they start clicking on the floor, as this indicates they are too long.
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How to get your Morkie used to nail trimming
Morkies need their nails to be kept short for their health and comfort. However, the process of nail trimming can be stressful for both you and your dog. Here are some tips to get your Morkie used to nail trimming:
Firstly, it is important to get your Morkie used to having its paws handled. Start by gently touching and holding its paws for a few seconds at a time, gradually increasing the duration. Reward your dog with treats and praise throughout this process.
Next, introduce the nail clippers by letting your dog see, sniff, and hear them. You can give treats during this process to create a positive association with the clippers. Practice holding your dog's paw in one hand and the clippers in the other, without actually cutting the nails.
Once your Morkie is comfortable with this, you can begin trimming a small amount from the tips of the nails. It is important to go slowly and not force the process. Always have styptic powder or cornstarch on hand in case you accidentally cut into the quick, which can cause bleeding.
If your Morkie has dark nails, it may be difficult to see the quick. In this case, trim one little sliver at a time, looking at the exposed edge of the nail after each cut. Stop trimming when you see a grey or pink oval, as this indicates the quick is close.
By taking it slow, offering rewards, and being careful to avoid the quick, you can help your Morkie become comfortable with the nail-trimming process.
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How to choose the right nail clippers
Choosing the right nail clippers for your dog is essential to ensure a smooth and safe trimming experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the appropriate nail clippers:
Size of the Clippers
The size of the clippers should correspond to the size of your dog. Smaller dogs generally require smaller clippers, while larger breeds need bigger clippers. If your dog weighs less than 20 pounds, opt for a smaller clipper that is more manoeuvrable. For dogs over 60 pounds, choose a large clipper with extra cutting power. However, keep in mind that a small clipper might be challenging to use on thicker nails, and a medium-sized clipper may not be ideal for tiny paws.
Type of Clippers
There are three main types of dog nail clippers: pliers, guillotine, and scissors. Pliers-style clippers have two spring-loaded handles and a dual-sided blade that cuts through the nail. They are usually ambidextrous, accommodating both right and left-handed users. Guillotine clippers have a hole at the end of the handles where you place the nail, and an internal blade slices the nail when the handles are squeezed. Scissor clippers have two curved blades that move against each other like regular scissors. Each type has its pros and cons, so choose the one that suits your preference and provides a comfortable grip.
Blade Quality
Look for clippers with sharp, high-quality blades made of stainless steel or carbonated steel. Stainless steel blades are durable, resist rusting, and provide a clean cut. Sharp blades are essential for a quick and precise trimming experience, reducing the stress on both you and your dog.
Safety Features
Trimming dog nails can be tricky, as you want to avoid cutting the quick, which is the vein inside the nail. Choose clippers with safety features such as nail guides or safety stops that allow you to control the amount of nail you're trimming. These features help prevent over-cutting and minimise the risk of injuring your dog.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Select clippers that are easy to hold and comfortable to use. Look for non-slip or rubber-coated handles that provide a secure grip and prevent accidental slips during the trimming process. Additionally, consider the overall design of the clippers and choose a style that feels natural and comfortable in your hand.
By considering these factors and selecting the right nail clippers, you can make the nail trimming experience safer and more pleasant for both you and your furry friend.
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Frequently asked questions
If you can hear your Morkie's nails clicking on the floor, they're too long.
It's important to get your Morkie accustomed to the trimming process. You can do this by handling your puppy's paws gently and cheerfully from the first day. Let your puppy sniff the nail clippers, get them used to the sound of the clippers, and gradually work your way up to trimming additional nails each day.
Hold the clippers at a right angle to the nail, with the tip of the nail between the blades. Firmly squeeze the handles to close the scissors and cut the nail. Make sure to cut below the quick to avoid causing pain and bleeding.
If you accidentally cut into the quick, don't panic. Apply styptic powder or plain cornstarch to the nail to help stop the bleeding.
