By eHow Pets Editor
Use trimmers designed for pets. Ask your veterinarian or a groomer for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use them properly.
Start at the tip of the nail and snip a little at a time. Look at the cut edge of the nail. When you start to see pale pink tissue near the top of the cut edge, stop. You can use a nail file to smooth the edges further.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 4/12/2008 With black claws, clipping too much happens easily. Be prepared with styptic powder or a substitute, such as baby powder or cotton, and a towel before you start clipping.
It's frightening, especially to you, to see the amount of blood and length of time it may take to stop the flow. This is no time to run around looking for a towel. There is a pet product which is powered and antiseptic that works well.
Anonymous said
on 4/12/2008 In addition to using quality, sharp nail trimmers, I use this little trick:
Grasp the individual nail very firmly above the clipper before clipping. In other words, don't let the clipper support the nail while cutting.
Holding the nail in this manner keeps the trimmer from transmitting any vibrations/feelings to the toe. Try it, you'll be surprised.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I clip our three large dogs regularly. This is the one time they get to eat the cat's kibble without being scolded. Because the kibble is very small, the dogs get one kibble per clip. Along with praise of course. This has turned one very uncooperative patient into a cream puff.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 My dog hates having his nails trimmed. First, I make sure to pull his toe hair back and gently grasp each toe, avoiding any twisting of the toe or foot. I give him a treat after each nail, along with lots of praise. As we go along, each nail gets easier. That works for my 105 pound wolf hybrid!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 when i was triming my goldens nails using a dremal tool, he started crying because it was becoming very hot. so make sure you dont over do the filing!