Things You'll Need:
- Nail Clippers For Dogs
- Cornstarches
- Dog Treats
- Dog Toys
- Styptic Powders
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Step 1
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.
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Step 2
Make sure the clippers are sharp.
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Step 3
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.
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Step 4
Avoid cutting into the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. It is painful and will bleed easily. On white nails, the quick is the pink section.
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Step 5
Be extra careful when cutting dark nails, because the quick is difficult to see.
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Step 6
If the tip of the nail begins to bleed, apply pressure using styptic powder or a substitute such as baby powder or cotton.
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Step 7
Avoid wiping the blood clot off the tip of the nail once the bleeding has stopped.
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Step 8
Remember to trim the dewclaw nail, on the inside of the leg. Since it doesn't touch the ground, it wears down less rapidly than the others.
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Step 9
Trim nails once or twice a month. The quick will lengthen if you don't trim the nail regularly, and long nails can cause traction problems or become ingrown.
Comments
bethweston71 said
on 6/7/2009 Thank you for a great article!
LissaK said
on 4/14/2009 I hate to have to trim my dogs nails because I really don't want to hurt her. My boyfriend has done it twice before and cut too far back each time causing her to bleed. :(
justmesuzanne said
on 2/8/2009 Nice, clear article. I just posted a similar one. I am of the school of thought that, if you keep your dog active enough (as I do) you never need to clip nails (as I don't! ;) But I realize, sometimes people have to clip dog's nails! :D
dtuel said
on 2/1/2009 Try a Pedi Paws. Kinda like the dremel tool mentioned by another pet owner. Battery powered , has a guide for the toenail, very safe for the dog and a little quieter. $20 at Wal-Mart
rtwanta said
on 1/18/2009 I have a 2 yr. old male Akita. We rescued him after he had 5 owners in his first 6 months of life. We got him at 7 months. We've tried every trick in the book to cut his nails and nothing works. He just goes ballistic. I think the only way to do this is to put him under at the vets office. I know this isn't good for him but I don't know what else to do. He's a great dog with everything else. You can play with him, take food away ect.. except cut his nails. He's 110 lbs. and not easy to hold. Thanks.