• Home
  • About Us
  • Animal Topics
    • Dogs
No Result
View All Result
Pet Troubles
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Animal Topics
    • Dogs
No Result
View All Result
Pet Troubles
No Result
View All Result
Home Dogs

How To Trim Dog Nails?

Matthew Hodson by Matthew Hodson
October 7, 2021
in Dogs
0
How To Trim Dog Nails?
0
SHARES
16
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

You may find yourself wondering how to trim dog nails when you hear your furry friend’s nails clacking as they walk. The process can seem daunting and nerve-wracking to all involved, but if done properly, you and your dog will have nothing to worry about.

When to Trim Dog Nails

The right time to trim dog nails is going to vary for each dog, but will generally be every 3-4 weeks. Your dog’s nails shouldn’t touch the ground when standing, so if you notice this, it’s time for a trim. You may have to trim your dog’s nails more or less often, as they may or may not naturally wear down their nails.

How Short to Trim Dog Nails

Your dog’s nails shouldn’t touch the ground when you’re done clipping them, but you need to be careful not to trim their wick, which is the nailbed. A safe distance is to stay in front of the natural curve of your dog’s nails.

What to Use to Trim Dog Nails

When it comes to trimming dog nails, there are a few different tools you can use to get the job done, dog nail clippers are going to give you the most visibility of the nail while trimming it.

Regular Nail Clippers

If you’ve got a puppy or small dog and only have human nail clippers on hand, you can safely get the job done. Small dog nails are thin enough for this to work, though you may not feel as comfortable using them.

Guillotine-Style Dog Nail Clippers

Guillotine-style nail clippers are great for small and medium-sized dogs, as it’s similar to a scissor and uses your own strength to cut the nail. It can be tricky to use on a large dog’s thicker nails.

Spring-Loaded Dog Nail Clippers

Spring-loaded nail clippers are favored by vets and professional groomers for their increased strength when it comes to clipping larger dogs’ nails. You can use this clipper with any size dog.

How to Trim Dog Nails

As the time comes for you to trim your dog’s nails, your dog is probably as nervous as you are, but this doesn’t mean the two of you are going to have a bad experience. However, if you feel too nervous or uncomfortable trimming their nails, you can always take them to your vet or a groomer.

Get Your Dog Accustomed to the Clippers

You can ease some of your dog’s tension by getting them used to the clippers before you trim their nails. Bring the clippers out regularly and click them together so your dog gets used to the sight and sound of them. Make sure to let your dog smell them whenever they want, as that’s how dogs explore and learn.

Find a Comfortable Area

Make sure your dog is as comfortable as possible and you’re distraction-free. Your dog will feel better being comfortable and it’s always safer not to have distractions when trimming nails.

Hold Your Dog’s Paw Correctly

Take your dog’s paw in one hand and gently, but firmly, use your thumb and forefinger to press on their paw pad and extend their nails. If you notice fur in the way, you can cut the fur before you trim the nail.

Trim the Nail

While your dog is sitting still, trim straight across the tip of their nail before the curve of your dog’s nail. If your dog has light-colored nails, you will be able to see a whiter area on the nail: this is the quick, or their nail bed. You shouldn’t trim their nail to this point, as you could injure them. If your dog has darker or black nails, you may not be able to see this area at all, making it trickier to trim their nails. It’s always safer to trim less than to risk trimming their quick.

Reward Your Dog with Treats

Once you’ve clipped their nails, make sure to give your dog some treats so they have positive associations with the experience and know they get rewarded.

How to trim dog nails can be a tricky and stressful process for all involved, but if done safely, it can be a regular part of your dog’s life. If you’re uncomfortable, you can take your dog to a groomer or a vet instead.

Previous Post

How Often Do You Walk Your Dog?

Next Post

How Old Is My Dog?

Matthew Hodson

Matthew Hodson

Hi, I'm Matt! I have an immense passion for animals. The reason for creating Pet Troubles was to answer as many questions as physically possible - helping fellow pet lovers find the answers to intriguing topics.

Next Post
how old is my dog?

How Old Is My Dog?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

why does my dog lick me?

Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

1 year ago
why is chocolate bad for dogs

Why Is Chocolate Bad For Dogs?

1 year ago

Trending

No Content Available

Animal Topics

  • Dogs

Recent Articles

why does my dog lick me?

Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

October 12, 2021
why is chocolate bad for dogs

Why Is Chocolate Bad For Dogs?

October 12, 2021

In Memory of Gerrard

Pet Troubles is dedicated to the memory of my best friend & forever good boy, Gerrard, who is now in doggy heaven. I love you, buddy❤️

Copyright 2022. Pet Troubles, Trading as Search Ventures Ltd. | Privacy Policy

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Home 2
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021. PetTroubles.com.