How to Clip a Shih Tzu's Toenails

If left unattended, a dog's toenails will grow uncomfortably long. In the wild, dogs are often digging which helps to file down the toenails, keeping them manageable. Since domestic dogs don't dig as much, the toenails need to be regularly clipped. You can take your Shih Tzu to the veterinarian or a professional groomer to have his toenails clipped. You can also do it yourself. All you need is a pair of dog toenail clippers and preferably a friend to aid in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Dog toenail clippers

Instructions

1. Use a high-quality pair of dog toenail clippers. The clippers must be sharp. If you use blunt or poor-quality clippers, they can pull on the toenail and hurt your pup.

2. Examine your dog's toenails. In lighter-colored toenails, you should be able to easily spot the quick--the vein which runs through the toenail. It will look like a red or pink line running up the toenail. The quick is more difficult to see in darker-colored toenails. It may appear as a black line in dark toenails.

3. Hold one of your Shih Tzu's paws in your hand. Enlist a friend to hold your pup steady while you trim the nails. If you don't have anyone to help, lie your dog on his side.

4. Push the hair away from the toenails. Hair will clog the clippers, resulting in an unclean cut.

5. Place the clippers over the edge of a toenail. Make sure you keep the clippers above the end of the quick. If you cut the quick, it will bleed and your pup will feel some pain. Position the clippers close to, but not on, the quick.

6. Cut the nail. If you are unsure of the quick's location, cut small bits off at a time. When the end of the nail begins to appear slightly pink, you are close to the quick and should stop cutting. On dark-colored toenails, you should stop when the end begins to appear slightly damp or moist.

7. Repeat the same process on all your Shih Tzu's toenails. The toenails on the back feet generally grow more slowly than the front so you may not have to clip them as often.

8. Sprinkle styptic powder on the toenail if it begins to bleed. This will help to stop the bleeding immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut your Shih Tzu's toenails weekly to keep them healthy.

• Never use old, rusted clippers to trim your pup's toenails.