Is there anything more nerve-wracking than the sound of your dog’s nails clicking against the floor? You may not be able to see it, but they’re always on their feet. There you are, trying to enjoy a quiet meal, and all of a sudden, you hear that dreaded sound. It can happen anywhere: in your bedroom while you’re trying to sleep, when you’re at work, or even out on a walk with them! If this is frequently happening for you, then it might be time to trim your dog’s nails.
If you are a dog owner, trimming your pet’s nails is essential for taking care of them. However, it can be hard to know how to do something that seems so simple. Sometimes a simple process becomes problematic if you don’t know the proper steps. That’s why we’ve put together this blog post with tips on what to do and how to trim your dog nails.
Dog Nail Clipping
Your dog’s nails can be a danger to themselves and others if they are allowed to grow too long. The nail may become difficult for your dog to walk on, or it could get caught in something like carpet or fabric. Trimming your dog’s nails reduces this risk significantly as well as prevents injury from scratching due to irritation caused by long nails rubbing against things. With all of these benefits, it is clear that trimming your dog’s nails will keep them happy and safe.
Your dog will be a lot happier and more comfortable if you trim their nails. The most important thing to remember is that it’s best to do this regularly, not just when an issue arises.
How Often To Clip Dog Nails?
Your dog’s nails are essential for so many reasons. They help your pup walk, run, and play without slipping or getting stuck in the flooring. However, trimming their nails can be a tricky task! If you’re not sure when the best time to trim your dog’s nails is, here are some helpful tips that will make it an easier process for both of you.
If you notice that your pup starts to scratch at the ground when they walk or has pinky nails dragging along in dirt, then it’s time for trimming. This is a great tip because it will keep your pup from chewing on their own nails. You can trim them once they start touching the ground, or you could just do this every few weeks, depending on how quickly they grow back in.
Long nails can get in the way of their movement, which makes them uncomfortable to use or even walk on with any kind of frequency, so shortening up those claws will make life better not just for pets but also owners!
Where to start trimming the dogs nails?
When it comes to nail length, there are many different opinions. The proper place for cutting depends on the type and severity of damage done by blunt-force trauma or regular wear over time.
The quick is a dog’s most valuable possession. It’s also inside their nails, which you should never trim when cutting off the tips of paws. Dogs have this particular vein that humans should not access; it would be like trying to remove blood from an open wound with your fingers, after all.
If your dog has white nails, this vein is easily visible, but it would not be possible to see it if your dog has black nails. So it’s best to trim nails little by little, looking not to cut the vein.
How to trim your dogs nails?
If you are a first-time trimmer, then there is no need to be nervous. You will do just fine. It can be a little nerve-wracking. But don’t worry, if you just follow these simple steps and take your time, there’s nothing that will go wrong.
The best way to start trimming is by making sure the end of each nail has been filed down smooth, so they are easier for you clipping them later on in halves or quarters; make small snips at first until you figure out what type works best with theirs particular personality (if any) as this may change depending on its size.
Here are few steps that you should follow to trim your dog nails.
- Hold the paw steady. Don’t hold the foot too tight, or it will hurt. Hold gently, but make sure that you have a firm grip on the paws.
- Identify the quick section. It is the pink visible area, mark that area and don’t cut over that area.
- This is the easiest way to cut their nails! Just make sure you do not do side-to-side cuts but instead cut from top to bottom. If you give a side-to-side cut, it will crush your dog nails.
- You’re all done with trimming your dog’s nails! They should be smooth and shiny. Just make sure to use an extra-fine file for a better finish, or they might grow back too quickly (and we don’t want that).
- If you accidentally cut the quick, then stay calm. Press the styptic powder firmly onto this end of a nail and wait. It’s like magic in reverse bleeding will stop in few seconds.
- Treats are the perfect reward for a job well done. Give your dog some tasty treats after they have had their nails trimmed, and you’ll be sure that they will be happy and ready for the next session.
- A pro tip is, it’s never a good idea to force your dog for nail trimmings. You can cause them unnecessary pain and even make their nails break, which will leave scars on the animal you love so much.
- No dog likes getting his nails done, but if you make sure that your dog is comfortable before the trimming, they’ll usually stay put. You can begin by soothing him with treats and scratching his ears or forehead as he relaxes into position for nail cutting.
- You might be frustrated, but don’t give up on your dog. It may take him some time to get used to having his nails trimmed, and it could even cause injury if you try too hard or without warning when he’s in pain! Give him plenty of cuddles so that the process doesn’t seem so bad.
- Don’t let your dog get a raw deal when it comes to nail trimming. Get them used early on to prevent their sensitive skin from breaking out into hives or cause other issues that may arise later. The best way is by using treats and touching the animal’s feet while they are young so as longs as possible, this becomes comfortable for both parties when you trim their nails or when taken to the vet.
Conclusion
Nail trimming is one of those things that can be quick and easy or long, arduous, and painful for you both. The first step is making sure your dog isn’t too tired or distracted by something else because this will make the trimming process more difficult. Next, it’s important to remember not to cut into the quick because if you do, they’ll bleed a lot which will lead them to be scared of nail trims in the future, so you have to be careful with how close you are getting towards their nails before cutting them off- don’t start from far away! Lastly, once all four paws are done, give them lots of praise!
