A Guide to Clipping Dog Nails

Clipping dog nails must be something unheard for most dog owners. While clipping nails is usually related to cat grooming, it may be hard to connect it with dog care as well. Your canine pet may not be posing any danger to you, and it doesn't have sharp claws with harming potential, yet it may be the cause of some other damage. Dog nails are very rigid and are often the cause of damaged floor surface.

Also, when the dog isn't active enough and doesn't have much contact with the outdoors, which would wear out its nails, the rigid tissue grows too long and may take an abnormal shape. Clipping prevents all of these unwanted results. Here is how to do it.

When Is Nail Clipping Necessary

Keeping dog nails trim can be done by a professional by using dog clippers. Those who can't afford it can perform this at home. First of all, find out whether your pet belongs to a dog breed that needs nail cutting or not. Some breeds just wear down their nails naturally. If you can hear the specific nail sound when your dog is walking on the pavement or on the hard floor, then it is a sign that trimming must be done.

Dog Nail Anatomy

These are very different from human nails, not only in shape, but also in structure and tissue. The outer covering is solid and is meant to protect the softer inner side, which is provided with veins and contains nerve endings. This one is called the quick and can be easily distinguished in dogs of light colors, as it appears in a pink shade. Extra care is required, because you must stay away from the quick when clipping. If you reach into that part, blood flow and pain are generated, just like it would happen when human nails are clipped too short.

Tools

You will need a good set of specific clippers – a claw cutter for big dogs or the guillotine type. Rough edges call for a file. Clotting powder may come in handy if you happen to cause a bleeding.

The Clipping Steps

If your dog is still a puppy, now is the best moment to get it used to trimming. As your companion gets accustomed, it will be a much easier job when it's grown up. Also, get it accustomed to having its paws stroked and held, so that it won't feel awkward. Apply a light pressure to the nails and pinch them. If the dog behaves, offer a treat. For the actual nail trimming, place a towel under the paw and have the clotting powder within reach, in case you cut too far. Get the dog to sit on the floor, hold it firmly yet gentle, and pick up a paw. The nail has to be cut from the front on. Help your pet relax by talking softly. Get the dog clippers; slide the opening over the nail. Clip it quickly and with a smooth move. Repeat this for every nail and don't forget the one above the ankle, the dew claw.

Cautions

When your dog has white nails it is easy to see the veins running through it. Clipping then needs to be done right before the vein. More care is required when the nails are black. You may keep the cutting just for the end of the nail – remove only a small bit. If there is a tiny dot in the center, then you have found the vein. You may want to clip only small amounts until the spot becomes obvious. If you happen to cut from the part with blood vessels, you can stop the bleeding if you apply pressure to the nail and also use the clotting powder at hand. When the procedure is finished, it is best to reward your precious pet with a treat. If it hasn’t gone too well, you can opt for the services of a dog care professional.

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