How to Trim Your Dog or Cat's Toenails

Learning how to trim your pet's nails at home can save you money.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A GOOD set of animal nail trimmers. The best kind look like a set of pliers, not the kind with a circular opening at the top!

1. The best place to place your pet is on a counter top or on top of your washer/dryer. Place a mat of some type to prevent your pet from slipping. If your pet has a lot of fur around their nails you can either trim it up a little or get it damp, that way you can see their nails easier.

2. If their nails are white, trim to about a 1/8" from the quick (the pink area inside that contains the nerves and blood supply). If their nails are black, you will need to follow a few more steps.

3. For black nails, look at the end of the nail. If it is hollow (looks like an empty celery stalk), then trim up to where it starts looking full. When there is no hollow area, trim a small sliver (I mean SMALL) and look at the end of the nail. Stop when you see a dark circle in the middle (that's the quick). If it looks greyish or white and kind of flakey -- it's still ok to keep trimming.

4. If you accidentally cut into the quick, and it's bleeding, pack the end of the nail in cornstarch or flour. It will help clot the blood. If you really cut in deep -- consult your veterinarian!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, some veterinary offices will show you how to trim nails if you pay for a nail trim there. It never hurts to ask!
• If your pet won't hold still, or you are afraid they may bite you, use a muzzle for trimming nails and enlist a helper! If your pet really hates nail trims, your veterinary office may be the appropriate place for the pedicures!