How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Trimming your dog’s nails is an important part of dog grooming. If you allow your dog’s nails to grow too long they can accidentally scratch you or your children, as well as damage your flooring and carpeting. Easily trim your dog’s nails by following these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Pet trimmer tool

   Purchase the supplies. Make a trip to your local pet supplies store and buy a pet nail trimmer. This device is necessary and should cost around $20.

2. Restrain your pet. You may need some help from a friend or family member. Make sure that your pet is comfortably restrained so they do not squirm or shake free during the process.

3. 
   Make sure your pet's nails are exposed

   Expose your dog’s nails. Once your pet is restrained take firmly hold the paw you wish to trim the nails on. Press your thumb underneath the middle of the paw pads and press up; this will expose all of your dog’s nails.

4. 
   Properly using the dog nail trimmer

   Using the dog nail trimmer. Dog nail trimmers have curved tips which have two small circular holes in the blade. Slide these holes over the curved tip of your dog’s nails and gently trim. Make sure to only cut near the end of the claw; your dog has nerve endings and important veins in the cuticles of their nails.

5. Discard the waste. Once you have completed this process discard the nail trimmings. Otherwise your pet may try to eat the trimmings, which could cause their stomach to become upset.

6. Repeat this process every three months. Depending on how quickly your dog’s nails grow back you will want to trim their nails at least once every three or four months.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend or family member to help you restrain your pet when trimming their nails. This will make the process easier and help avoid injuring your pet.
• Never use a human nail trimmer when trimming your dog’s nails. This could cause serious injury to your pet.
• If you accidentally hit the cuticle or a nerve your pet may yelp. Apply an icepack and comfort your pet. Make sure to keep on eye on the bleeding, anything more than a few drops of blood afterwards should warrant an immediate visit to the veterinarian.