How to Clip the Nails of an Upset Dog

Cutting a dog's nails can be a chore.

Clipping a dog's nails is one of the less glamorous and sometimes challenging aspects of animal ownership. It is important to keep a dog's nails trimmed correctly because excessively long nails will interfere with the way the dog walks. Dogs that spend a lot of time indoors or little time on hard surfaces will not naturally wear down the nails. There is a certain process to clipping the nails of an upset dog. If the situation becomes too out of hand, a veterinarian can clip the dog's nails, but going to the clinic every few months will become expensive.

Things You'll Need

• Nail clippers
• Blood stop styptic powder
• Muzzle (if necessary)
• Additional person for assistance
• Dog treats

Instructions

1. Purchase a pair of dog nail clippers as well as some styptic powder. If you already own a pair of clippers, inspect them to ensure that they are working correctly. The Jeffers Pet website has an example of safety clippers that help to prevent too much nail from being trimmed to reduce the likelihood of the dog experiencing pain or discomfort.

2. Analyze the situation and determine if you will need a dog muzzle to ensure the safety of the individuals who are going to trim the dog's nails. Some dogs will only squirm or whine when they are scared, but other dogs can bite and cause serious injuries. The Jeffers Pet website has an example of a nylon dog muzzle that is comfortable for the dog, but will adequately protect the individuals who are trimming the dog's nails.

3. Hold the dog in a secure and supportive position with the help of another individual. Some dogs prefer to stand up or lie down, depending on their personality. The ASPCA Behavior website recommends talking to the dog in a calm voice as the nails are being clipped.

4. Start with the back feet and clip all of the nails before moving to the front feet. Apply styptic powder to the nail if it begins to bleed. The powder will help the bleeding to stop quickly.

5. Ensure that the dog is being held securely in order to limit the amount of movement that takes place while the nails are being trimmed. If a dog can move or jerk around, the likelihood increases that the nail will be cut too short.

6. Make the process as stress-free as possible by talking to the dog and completing the task in a timely manner. The ASPCA website recommends praising the dog and giving it a treat once the procedure is finished.

References

• Jeffers Pet: Dog Nail Safety Clippers
• Jeffers Pet: Nylon Muzzle
• ASPCA Behavior: Trimming Dog Nails