Your dog’s nails, just like human nail, need to be trimmed. Unfortunately, some dogs don’t like to have their feet touched, much less their nails trimmed. If you have trouble performing this action yourself, consider making an appointment with your vet or groomer. If your dog will allow you touch his nails, you can trim them at home. When left untrimmed, they can grow into the dog’s feet, break, and bleed.
Quick Note: Get your dog the best Dog Supplies and put a smile on their faces. If your doggy deserves to look as great as they are then give them their own Small Dog Dress and Dog Coats and show them that you really care about them.
Once you’ve been granted access to your dog’s nails, the trick is not to cause any pain. This means avoiding the quick which can cause both pain and bleeding. Study the nail before you begin. It’s easier to see in clear or white nails, but the quick is just above the excess nail that you want to remove. Remember, you don’t want to go too short. You just want to remove the excess.
Begin with some nail trimmers made especially for dogs and some styptic powder like Kwik-Stop or CutStop. These products will help stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick. Next, find a comfortable position for both you and the dog. You may put the dog in your lap or you may both lie on the floor. If your dog isn’t too sure about the process, you may need someone to help hold the dog. Next, hold the dog’s paw in your hand and push on his pad so that the nail extends.
Once the nail is extended, cut the nail at a 45 degree angle. Make sure you’re cutting below the quick. If you can’t see the quick because the nail is dark, it’s better to make a couple of small cuts than one big, painful one. If you see a dark spot appear at the end of the cut nail, you’ve done your job. The spot is the beginning of the quick.
If your dog has brittle nails that splinter when you cut them, you may have to file them a few times to remove cracks and smooth the nail. If your dog will let you, do all four paws including the dew claw. If he won’t, don’t force it. Take a break and come back later. If you do happen to trim into the quick, apply the styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
Finally, remember this should be a pleasant activity. If your dog can’t stand it, take him for walks on pavement and asphalt. This will work as an emery board and naturally file his nails.
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