How to Trim a Dog's Nails

Your dog's nails should just touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking on the floor or getting snagged in the carpet, it's time for a pedicure. If you've never done it before this article will provide you with sufficient instructions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Cornstarches
• Dog Treats
• Dog Toys
• Styptic Powders

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.

2. Make sure the clippers are sharp.

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.

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.

5. Be extra careful when cutting dark nails, because the quick is difficult to see.

6. If the tip of the nail begins to bleed, apply pressure using styptic powder or a substitute such as baby powder or cotton.

7. Avoid wiping the blood clot off the tip of the nail once the bleeding has stopped.

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.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have not cut your dog's nails since she was a puppy or you're uncomfortable with the task, ask your veterinarian or groomer to demonstrate proper nail trimming or to do it for you.
• Give your dog a treat after trimming her nails.
• Never attempt to trim your dog's nails with clippers designed for use on humans.

[susansboneyard]

on 8/4/2009 Well outlined article on trimming a dog's nails.

[bethweston71]

on 6/7/2009 Thank you for a great article!

[LissaK]

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]

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]

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