How to Avoid Cutting Dog's Nails too Short

Nail trimming is an extremely important part of your dog's health. Nails that are not taken care of can crack or break, or even curl to the point that they dig into the skin. Untrimmed nails can become very painful for your dog. Once you learn how to clip the nails, you will realize how easy it really is, and no longer need to depend on the vet for the trimming.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Nail trimmer
• Styptic powder

1. If you start trimming your dog's nails as a puppy, it will be much easier to cut them in adulthood. If he won't sit nice for the trimming, you may need to use some kind of restraining method. You may need to use your body weight to hold him down, or ask a friend for help. If he is terribly opposed to the idea, a muzzle may be needed to avoid being bitten.
2. There are two types of cutting tools. One is shaped like a scissor; the other is guillotine style. Which one you use will depend solely on preference, although the scissor type will be necessary if the nail is extremely curved into the skin.
3. To begin, place your dog's paw in the opposite hand of the trimmer. Firmly press on the pad of the paw to make the nail extend further for cutting. Take notice to the color of the nail. If the nail is black it is almost impossible to see the vein. The vein is very noticeable on a light-colored nail.
4. Awareness of the vein is the most important part of the nail cutting. If you cut your dog's nails too short, you may cut the vein and cause severe bleeding. This could cause serious blood loss if you are not prepared with styptic powder or some kind of clotting powder. It also hurts!
5. When you begin cutting, take little snips instead of big ones. This will allow you to take a good look at the nail in between, to make sure you are not cutting it too short. As you look at the nail head-on, you will be looking for the "quick" of the vein. It is usually black, and when you see it you can cease cutting. You are close enough. That nail is complete and you can move on to the next, continuing in the same fashion as before until all of the nails are trimmed.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have styptic powder on hand in the event that you do cut too close to the vein. This will help control the bleeding.