How to Trim a Pet's Claws

It is important to trim your pet's claws regularly to keep him healthy and comfortable. Overgrown nails can make it painful for pets to run, play or even walk. Trimming your pet's nails will also protect your furniture and help prevent injury to family members or other pets.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Animal claw clippers
• Treats

1. Purchase claw trimmers tailored for your pet's type and size. Pet clippers should have a safety feature that prevents cuts from being too close to the skin.

2. Be patient with your pet if he seems nervous about having his nails trimmed. For a few days, simply rub your pet's foot without attempting to cut his nails. This will help become comfortable with that interaction.

3. Place your pet in a relaxed environment away from any other pets or loud noises that could cause her to become stressed. Secure your pet before attempting to trim the claws. If necessary, have someone help by holding your pet.

4. Use a towel to cover a nervous cat to help keep him calm. Use soothing words to quell anxiety.

5. Get a firm hold on your pet's paw before starting to trim. In cats, gently push in the center of the palm of the paw to extend the claws.

6. Trim just the tip of each nail. When grooming with pet clippers, utilize the safety feature to determine how much of the claw to trim.

7. Clip each nail slowly while closely observing your pet to make sure she remains comfortable. Give your pet a treat and praise him after completing each paw.

8. Adhere to a schedule. Dogs nails should be trimmed about every 2 weeks.
   Cat nails should be trimmed about once a month. Remember to trim dewclaws (higher claw near the ankle). Some dogs may have had these removed on the hind legs, so do not worry if they are not there.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your pet's claws trimmed by a veterinarian or professional pet groomer initially so that you can watch and copy their techniques.
• If bleeding occurs, use cornstarch to help the blood clot. Apply pressure to the nail until the bleeding stops.
• Always wear protective gloves when trimming a cat's nails to protect your hands from sharp claws.
• While human nail clippers will work for trimming a cat's claws, they do not feature the safety guard found on trimming tools designed for pets. Be careful not to cut too high on the nail as this may cause bleeding and make your pet uncomfortable.