Dogs
Jun 28, 2024
Taking care of your dog’s health and happiness includes getting their nails trimmed. In fact, nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming. It’s not just about your dog’s nails looking bad. Excessively long nails can actually affect your dog’s happiness and overall health. It can cause pain and discomfort and lead to arthritis.
To protect your dog from health issues and keep them happy, you should cut your dog’s nails when needed. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about cutting your dog’s nails.
Why It’s Important to Cut Your Dog’s Nails
Long nails can have negative impacts on your dog’s health. If your dog’s nails get too long, they can split, which would cause infections. When the nails grow long enough, they can also curl towards the paw pad, which can be painful for your dog. This can also lead to infection.
Additionally, excessively long nails can affect your dog’s posture and the way they walk, which can lead to joint problems. Your dog may slip and injure themselves if their paw pads are not touching the ground properly. Long nails can also lead to arthritis and are painful when they hit a hard surface, such as pavement.
To avoid all these things, you should not skip cutting your dog’s nails. To prevent arthritis and mobility issues in the future, don’t forget nail trimming.
Signs Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long
There are signs that will tell you your dog’s nails are too long, and if you notice any of the signs, it’s time to cut your dog’s nails. The signs include the following:
You can hear your dog’s nails clicking on hard floors.
You are getting scratched each time your dog touches you.
Your dog’s nails curve toward the paw pads.
Your dog is limping.
Your dog slips on the floor.
Your dog excessively licks their paws (and this is because of pain or discomfort).
How to Cut Your Dog’s Nails
Here’s a guide on how to cut your dog’s nails:
Gather Your Supplies and Prepare the Right Equipment
You should use clippers that are specifically made for dogs, as human clippers can squish their nails, which would cause pain or injury. The types of dog nail clippers include guillotine style and scissor style. The guillotine-style clippers have a hole that you poke your dog’s nail through.
On the other hand, the scissors-style clippers are shaped similar to scissors and have two moving blades that come together when you squeeze the handles. This type of dog nail clipper is great for puppies and small dogs.
Additionally, don’t forget to prepare treats for your dog as you will be needing dog treats during the nail trimming process and after. You may also want to prepare styptic powder just in case you accidentally cut the quick.
Choose the Right Time to Cut Your Dog’s Nails
Most dogs do not like nail trimming, so it’s important to choose a time when your dog is relaxed. Pick a good time to cut your dog’s nails and don’t pressure or force them into cooperating. Additionally, it’s also important to pick a comfortable spot. Choose a place in your home with less noise and where your dog won’t get distracted easily.
Ease into Paw Handling and Get Your Dog Comfortable with the Tools
Start by gently touching your dog’s paws, and then massage and gently press on the nails. Days or weeks before you trim your dog’s nails, you can let your dog get used to having their paws held and handled. It will help if you frequently touch and hold your dog’s paws gently, as this will make the clipping process less stressful.
Before you begin cutting the nails, let your dog get comfortable with the tools first. Let them sniff the nail trimmer and then give them a treat. Gently touch the nail clippers to your dog’s paws and then reward them again.
Begin with the Back Paws
The nails on your dog’s back paws are usually shorter and easier to trim, so you can start with the back and then proceed with the front paws.
Isolate the Nail You Want to Cut
Choose which toe to start with and then expose the nail you want to cut. Place your thumb on the pad of the toe and then your forefinger on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail. Then, push your thumb up and backward on the pad, while pushing your forefinger forward. This will extend your dog’s nail.
Clip the Tip of the Nail and Avoid the Quick
Make sure to clip only the tip of your dog’s nail, straight across. Be careful not to clip beyond the curve of the nail or you might hit the quick. The quick is the pink area of the nail that contains the blood vessels, and you should make sure not to cut it as it can cause pain and bleeding.
If you do accidentally cut the quick, stop the bleeding with styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch and press it to the nail for a few seconds. Additionally, do not forget the dewclaws.
One at a Time: Don’t Be in a Hurry
Cut one nail at a time and give your dog rewards and praises after every nail. Don’t feel you need to do all the nails in one sitting. You can start with a few nails first until your dog gets used to it. You can gradually start doing more nails at each sitting until you can complete it all in one sitting.
Additionally, it’s important not to be in a hurry when cutting your dog’s nails, or you might cause injury. Your dog can also pick up on your stress. Take breaks in between so that your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed and give treats.
Treat Your Dog
Remember that you will have to cut your dog’s nails on a regular basis, so aim to make nail trimming a positive experience for them. Offer praise and treats during the nail trimming session and after. Reward your dog for behaving while you were cutting their nails.
Professional Dog Grooming Services: Nail Trimming and More
Dog grooming is important for your dog’s overall health, and it comes with a lot of benefits. To keep your dog happy and healthy, consider doing more than just cutting their nails. Go for professional dog grooming services.
At The Barking Lot, basic grooming services include bathing, brushing, and nail trimming (our professional groomers know how to cut your dog’s nails the right way and have all the necessary tools for doing so.)
Specialised treatments include ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and paw pad moisturizing, all of which can help keep your dog clean and healthy. Contact us today!
