How to Cut Your Doggy's Nails At Home

Save some money! In my neck of the woods, a nail clipping runs anywhere from $15 to $20! I don't pay that much for a manicure for myself! Being that I work at a doggy day care center, I tailed a groomer for a couple of days, and picked up some tips to be able to take care of my pup so that I won't have to spend a dime other than the cost of the supplies I need to do it myself. Here are a few steps so that you can hopefully save a few bucks and cut nails yourself...safely!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A proper set of pet nail clippers
• A partner to help hold the doggy and keep him or her calm
• A container of Kwik Stop Styptic Powder (preferably with Benzocaine)
• A muzzle (just in case!)

1. Approach the dog with a loved one, using friendly and soothing voices. The words you use matter too; believe me, they understand the harshness of a syllable the way a baby does. Do not creep toward them either; your pup is either going to think it's playtime or it's going to think that something's wrong.

2. Arrange yourselves so that one of you is holding the dog and one is cutting the nails. For small dogs, hold them the way you would a child, keeping a hand close to the head so that you can cradle the head or even hold their snout downward if it tries to nip or bite. For large dogs, let them stand freely, but keep yourself in front of them, nice and centered, with an arm around his or her neck. Be ready for anything, however don't hold them vice like. Again, dogs react much like children: they react to the adult reaction.

3. Cut the nails. Hold the paw gently, speaking kindly to the dog the whole time. Reward him with a 'Good Boy!' as you gently snip away the nail, bit by bit. Be careful of the quick, the thin vein that runs almost the length of the dogs nail. Avoid cutting too far down. For darker nails, your best bet is to watch the very bottom of the nail. You will actually be able to see a thin core in the center of the nail. That's when you've gone far enough. Repeat with the rest, doing your best to keep your pup calm.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the Kwik Stop close by. You're not a horrible person if you cut the quick; even a groomer or a vet do it once in a while. The Kwik Stop powder applied directly to the nail will stop the bleeding instantly, and the benzocaine in the powder will take care of any discomfort.
• Get your doggy used to having its nails cut by start from when he or she is a puppy. That way the dog will be used to the sensation and the sound of the nail clipper that usually startles other dogs.
• Use the muzzle as a last resort. Alot of times dogs can absolutely be trained not to nip, or may never nip at all, regardless of how frightened he might get. Think of it this way: would you be a bit nervous if someone else were shaving your legs with a nice sharp razor? (smile)
• Treats work well. It will be sort of a positive reinforcement. Every time you clip a nail with little to no resistance, give your buddy a treat. He'll eventually start to think that this may be a good idea.
• For a longer wait between nail clippings: Walk your dog on the sidewalk. It acts as a natural file, and it doesn't hurt! But letting your dogs nails grow and curve certainly does cause them pain, and will lead to your baby having arthritis.
• DO NOT EXPECT THIS TO BE EASY. If you can't handle the experience of clipping your dog's nails, take them to the vet or the groomer. Never, ever, use negative reinforcement. He/She is not a 'bad doggy' because they won't let you cut their nails. It will take patience, but you can totally get it done! :)

Resources

• Shopzilla.Com - A Site To Purchase Kwik Stop and Other Grooming Supplies

[SeventhSibling]

on 9/10/2008 It's great that your article deals with more than just the mechanics of clipping. You've touched on the emotional side for owner and dog when it comes to performing the task of clipping pet nails. Good job!