How to Safely Trim Your Dog's Toe Nails At Home

Paying a groomer or taking your dog to the veterinarian for a toe nail trim is
not necessary. It's very easy to do at home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your dog
• Toe nail trimmers
• Dog treats

1. Have your dog sit or lay down. If your dog is not used to having his/her nails trimmed, a second person providing gentle restraint will probably be necessary.

2. 
    

   Identify the quick or bloodline on the toe nail. If the toe nail is white the bloodline can be visualized. If the toe nail is black imagine a straight line drawn up from the line of the pad to the toe nail. Do not trim above this line.

3. 
    

   Firmly hold the toe. If the toe is not held the trimmers can twist the toe causing discomfort.

4. 
    

   Apply firm pressure to nail trimmers and remove the tip of the nail.

5. After trimming all the nails give your dog lots of praise and a treat or two. Remember a toe nail trim can be stressful.

Tips & Warnings

• Dogs are more accepting of situations where they are comfortable and understand what is happening. Make sure that when you get your puppy you spend time teaching basic manners. This includes not only basic commands like sit and stay, but also touching and massaging the feet and looking in the ears and mouth.
• Safety is always a prime concern both for you and your pet. If you are at all concerned about being bitten use a muzzle. Remember, dogs bite when they are afraid. A muzzle protects you from a possibly serious emergency room visit and your dog from the guilt of biting his/her master.
• Most dogs will require a person providing restraint.
• If a nail is cut too short, don't panic. The bleeding can be stopped with a small amount of flour or cornstarch packed into the end of the nail. A bandage is usually not needed. While this is painful, a few extra minutes of attention should take care of it!