Many dogs struggle, cry, whine and hide when the nail clippers come out, and this can make it very difficult to cut a dog's nails. But pet nail trimming is a vital part of dog grooming and a dog with long, untrimmed nails will be more prone to foot and toe injuries that can result from long nails and nail breakage. A dog's untrimmed nails can also scratch hardwood floors, leather couches and people.
Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks and tips for clipping a dog's nails that will make the doggy pedicures easy and pain-free for both dog and owner.
Basic Dog Grooming Tips: Trimming a Dog's Nails Without a Struggle
Pet owners should never feel like they have to physically restrain their dog for nail trimming or any other pet grooming procedure. There are easy steps a dog owner can take to help a dog feel comfortable with the pet nail clipping process at home.
These easy steps for clipping a dog's nails will also help dog owners save money, since they won't have to transport their dog to the groomer or veterinarian for regular nail trimmings.
- The first step involves selecting a nail trimming tool for dogs: traditional nail clippers vs. a dremel-type nail file tool for dogs, like the Peticure dog nail trimmer. There are advantages and disadvantages to the two basic nail clipping methods for pets.
- Get the dog used to having his feet and toes handled. While relaxing, hold and manipulate the dog's paw.
- Familiarize the dog with the nail clipper or Peticure tool before attempting to clip the nails. Tap the clippers on the nails or turn on the Peticure tool and hold it against the dog's foot. When familiarizing the dog to the nail clippers or Peticure nail trimmers, do not try to clip the dog's nails.
- While familiarizing the dog with the nail clippers or Peticure nail trimmer, offer praise and treats to build a positive association.
- Continue this familiarization process on a daily basis until the dog gets completely comfortable with the nail clipping tool; this is a vital step, as it will undo any negative associations the dog may hold as a result of bad nail clipping experiences in the past.
- Clip one nail to start. Then clip two nails at a time. A few days later, clip three nails at a time. Do not try to clip all the dog's nails at once, or this will cause fear and a struggle during nail clipping.
- Continue to reward the dog during and after nail cuttings.
- If you accidentally "quick" the dog - cut his dog's nails too short, causing bleeding - apply styptic powder or corn starch to stop the bleeding. Do not react with fright or concern - keep your tone light and happy.
- If using a traditional nail trimmer, file the dog's nails after the nail cutting process. Use a coarse grain nail file (like those sold at drug stores for acrylic nails) to smooth sharp nail edges. You will also need to gradually familiarize the dog with the nail file and the sensation of nail filing.
- If a dog appears uncomfortable or starts to resist nail trimmings or filing, back off and resume the familiarization process.
- Never hold a dog down to clip his nails. Never try to trim a dog's nails while he is asleep either. This will cause the dog to become fearful and the bad experience will cause the dog to develop a negative association with nail trimming. This negative association is what causes feelings of fear to arise in the dog, resulting in resistance and struggles during nail trimmings.
In short, pet owners can get their dog to tolerate nail trimmings by conditioning the dog to associate nail trimmings with good, positive experiences (i.e. treats, attention and praise.) For an extra special touch, finish with a coat of quick-drying pet nail polish, available at most pet stores, at pet boutiques and online.
Treating Dog's Nail Injury and Bleeding Quick After a Nail Cutting Accident
If a dog owner accidentally cuts a dog's nail too short, resulting in bleeding, apply styptic powder or corn starch to stop the nail from bleeding. Apply pressure to the nail until the bleeding stops.
It's also vital to keep the nail clean for several days to prevent infection, which will enter the dog's foot via the exposed nail quick. Dog owners will need to wash and disinfect the injured paw twice a day, in addition to keeping the paw bandaged and clean.
Also check out the Dog Grooming Tips Page for dog grooming tips and advice on how to save money on pet care by skipping that visit from the mobile dog groomer or passing on that trip to the dog groomer's shop.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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