How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

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By DenimDragonfly
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Dog Paws

For many dogs it’s a challenge trimming their nails, they squirm, fight and might even nip. How can you trim the nails of a dog like that? I’ve found that the best way requires two people, patience, a kind voice and healthy dog treats!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

2 people
Dog nail clippers
Patience
Healthy dog treats

Step 1

Grab two chairs and have the strongest person hold the dog. Talk gently to the dog, giving praise and affection.
Step 2

Take the paw nearest you, look at the claw you’re about to clip to determine where the quick is. Trim a little bit off of nail making sure not to cut into the quick. If your dog starts to fight, talk soothingly and gently until she calms down and continue.
Step 3

Once all of the claws are clipped on the first paw be sure not to forget the dew claw! This nail doesn’t get worn down the same as the others, and will often grow in a circular fashion, becoming ingrown. Clip this nail with care, being careful of the quick and mindful of your pet’s skin.
Step 4

Repeat the above steps three more times.

After your dog’s claws have been trimmed praise her and give a healthy snack! If you keep up with rewarding your dog after nail trimming it will go a long way to behavior improvement since dog’s are very good at anticipating treats!

Tips & Warnings

If your dog is still a puppy, hold and touch your dog’s paws regularly so she learns its okay for you to handle her paws. This greatly reduces the stress of nail clipping in adulthood.
Trim your dog’s nails holding the clippers from the underside of the dog’s paws.
Make sure your clippers are sharp!
If you nick the quick put some talcum powder on the claw to help stop the bleeding.
Regularly trimming your dog’s nails will help the quick recede allowing you to trim them shorter.
If you are uncomfortable clipping your dog’s nails you can have the vet or groomer do it for you.
If you’re new to clipping nails on your dog it’s a good idea to have a groomer or vet show you how the first time.
If you should accidentally clip the quick don’t wipe off the scab, or it may start to bleed again.
I don’t recommend guillotine style nail clippers as these can be difficult to use on a squirming animal and they often crush or splinter the nail while cutting.