The sound of your dog's nails scratching across the kitchen tiles
is the first sign they need a trim. Unfortunately, trimming your dog's
nails can be quite the challenge, especially if you haven't done it
before. The following tips will help you to quickly and easily trim your
dog's nails without causing any emotional or physical harm.
Start Young
First and foremost, it is always advisable to start trimming your dog's nails when he is a puppy. Most dogs do not enjoy having their nails trimmed, so the earlier you start cutting his nails, the more comfortable they will be with the procedure. Ultimately, puppies are easier to train than dogs, and if you trim from when your dog is a puppy, he will be familiar with the process and less likely to feel anxiety or stress. Less stress means that your dog is calmer and easier to handle when cutting his nails.
Maintain a Routine
Not only should you start trimming your dog's nails from a young age, but you should also be sure to maintain a routine. Even if your puppy is comfortable with the procedure, they might grow less cooperative over time if nail trimming is a rare event. Ideally, you'll want to trim your dog's nails around once a month.
The Procedure
At the end of the day, trimming your dog's nails may be an unpleasant experience. It all depends on whether your dog will allow it to happen. Either way, it's a job that needs to be done. If your dog exhibits excessive stress during trimming, you may want to consider hiring a professional. In some cases, dog owners rely on their veterinarians to cut their dog's nails because the dog becomes too agitated or aggressive to safely cut his nails.
Still, if you're planning to do it at home, you can try this procedure. Gently but firmly restrain your dog by placing him on a table and standing behind your dog. Wrap your arm around the dog's upper body and firmly grasp his front paw. With your other forearm placed behind your dog's head, you'll have control over your dog's upper and lower body while trimming his nails. If your dog attempts to stand or move, just lean over the dog and allow your body weight to hold him in place.
Using a sharp pair of nail trimmers, you'll want to carefully cut the nails ensuring not to cut the quick. A dog's nail is composed of the nail and the quick which is a pink area on the nail that provides blood supply. The quick also contains nerve endings, so if you cut it the nail will bleed and your dog will feel pain. If you can't see the quick, you'll likely be able to feel it. When you try to cut the quick, you'll notice that the nail feels spongy rather than hard. Stop immediately, this is the quick. Otherwise, you can trim a small amount of the nail safely.
Finally, if you've never cut your dog's nails before, you might want to ask a groomer or veterinarian to show you the procedure first. This will help you visualize the best procedure for your dog so you can trim his nails safely, quickly, and easily.
Start Young
First and foremost, it is always advisable to start trimming your dog's nails when he is a puppy. Most dogs do not enjoy having their nails trimmed, so the earlier you start cutting his nails, the more comfortable they will be with the procedure. Ultimately, puppies are easier to train than dogs, and if you trim from when your dog is a puppy, he will be familiar with the process and less likely to feel anxiety or stress. Less stress means that your dog is calmer and easier to handle when cutting his nails.
Maintain a Routine
Not only should you start trimming your dog's nails from a young age, but you should also be sure to maintain a routine. Even if your puppy is comfortable with the procedure, they might grow less cooperative over time if nail trimming is a rare event. Ideally, you'll want to trim your dog's nails around once a month.
The Procedure
At the end of the day, trimming your dog's nails may be an unpleasant experience. It all depends on whether your dog will allow it to happen. Either way, it's a job that needs to be done. If your dog exhibits excessive stress during trimming, you may want to consider hiring a professional. In some cases, dog owners rely on their veterinarians to cut their dog's nails because the dog becomes too agitated or aggressive to safely cut his nails.
Still, if you're planning to do it at home, you can try this procedure. Gently but firmly restrain your dog by placing him on a table and standing behind your dog. Wrap your arm around the dog's upper body and firmly grasp his front paw. With your other forearm placed behind your dog's head, you'll have control over your dog's upper and lower body while trimming his nails. If your dog attempts to stand or move, just lean over the dog and allow your body weight to hold him in place.
Using a sharp pair of nail trimmers, you'll want to carefully cut the nails ensuring not to cut the quick. A dog's nail is composed of the nail and the quick which is a pink area on the nail that provides blood supply. The quick also contains nerve endings, so if you cut it the nail will bleed and your dog will feel pain. If you can't see the quick, you'll likely be able to feel it. When you try to cut the quick, you'll notice that the nail feels spongy rather than hard. Stop immediately, this is the quick. Otherwise, you can trim a small amount of the nail safely.
Finally, if you've never cut your dog's nails before, you might want to ask a groomer or veterinarian to show you the procedure first. This will help you visualize the best procedure for your dog so you can trim his nails safely, quickly, and easily.
Please visit Steveston Veterinary Hospital, an animal hospital in Richmond BC, for more tips for your pets.
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