How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

It’s easy to forget about a dog’s nails until you notice a scratch while playing. Poor nail care can cause cracking, breaking, or splitting. American Kennel Club explains that any of these scenarios can cause discomfort to your dog.

How to Trim Dog Nails

If you hear your dog clicking on a tile or wood floor, it’s an indication that their nails are too short.

How to Trim Your Dog’s Toenails:

1. Gently extend the nail by placing your thumb and forefinger together on the pad.
2. The blade should be parallel to the bottom of the pad. The blade of the trimmer should be parallel to the bottom pad. Cut the nail by rotating the blade of the trimmer up 30-45 degrees.
3. Avoid damaging the quick by making several small cuts. When you get close to the quick, you’ll see a small circular area in the middle of the nail. This is the time you should stop cutting.

Tips for a Smooth Process

It can be difficult to trim nails, especially for young dogs who are active and don’t like to stay still. Preparing for the nail trimming will ensure a smooth experience. A bad experience with the trimmers can only make the process more difficult in the future.

How To Trim Black Dog Nails Safely

1. Early on, teach your pet how to remain still so that they will respond when you ask them to.
2. Trim your dog’s nails after it has been out for a long walk or played with.
3. Choose a nail clipper that is comfortable for you. The most common clippers have an extended grip which leverages the force of your hand to cut the nail. The Guillotine Clipper is another option. It has a hole that you insert your dog’s nails into and then a blade that cuts the nail using manual force. Groomers believe guillotine clips are more dangerous because it is difficult to know how many nails you are trimming.
4. Do not attempt to clip the nail until your dog is completely still.
5. The “quick,” which is the vascular portion of the nail, begins at this point. If you accidentally cut the quick, it will bleed.

Grinding Versus Trimming

Some dog owners prefer grinding over trimming. The rotating head of the nail grinder grinds down the nail. It is considered a less stressful alternative for dogs, as it is subtle and files down the nail instead of a sudden clip. The end of the nail is also smoothed, eliminating the jaggedness that clippers are known for. A nail grinder’s downside is its noise. This can be frightening to some dogs.

Consider your dog’s personality when deciding whether to use a nail grinder or a trimmer. A dog that is afraid of loud noises won’t be able to handle a grinder. On the other hand, a dog that is mellow and doesn’t react well to loud sounds will likely prefer a nail grinder.

Do Not Panic if They Bleed

When the quick of the nail is cut, it can cause bleeding. The bleeding is not severe and can be stopped in several ways.

To Stop Accidental Nail Bleeding During Nail Trimming:

1. Press down on the nail for 30 seconds at least.
2. Use a styptic pen or powder with a cotton ball or Q tip.
3. Cornstarch can be applied to the nail end that is affected.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition provides more information on styptic, including how to remove it and safety measures.

Groomers can trim your dog’s nails for you. Many do this automatically as part of their grooming service. If you are interested in learning more about how to trim your dog’s nails at home, contact us.