How to Trim Dog and Puppy Toenails

Trimming a dog and puppy's nails can be a frightening experience for both you and the dog. If you trim the nails too far down, it could cause the dog to bleed an excessive amount. Take proper precautions to be sure the dog is under the right care.

Things You'll Need

• Nail Clipper
• Dog or Puppy

Instructions

1. Keep the dog laying on a table or somewhere where you are easily able to access the dog's paws. Laying the dog on their side works the best.

2. Trim only the nails that appear to be too long. Most nails will start to curl around when they get too long. Trimming nails that do not need to be trimmed could be dangerous for your dog or puppy.

3. Hold the trimmer at a 90 degree right angle of the nail. This part is important because if it is not trimmed at the right angle it could create an uneven cut. With an uneven cut the nails can be even more sharp than they originally were.

4. Squeeze the handle on the trimmer to cut the nails down. You will be able to see a dark line on the claw, in which you should be trimming right above that line.

Tips & Warnings

• Claws on the back paws require less trimming and grow slowly than claws in the front.