How to Safely Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Trimming the nails is one of the most difficult parts of the dog grooming process. Their nail bed has so-called ” fast ” tissue that grows inside the nail and connects with nerves and blood vessels, and if you cut off too much of the nail, you could cut the nail, injuring your puppy. Plus, not all dogs enjoy being picked up, which can make the process doubly difficult, but it’s necessary, so we’ve put together some expert tips for trimming your dog’s nails without requiring a vet visit.
When to trim your dog’s nails
A dog’s claws will grow at different rates depending on the dog, so there is no set time frame. The Daily Puppy pet site suggests trimming your dog’s nails once a week or every two weeks. Veterinarian Valerie Patton of Campus Commons Pet Hospital in Sacramento, California, says the frequency of clipping is dependent on the wear of the dog’s claws during play, but notes that if you hear the dog’s claws clicking on the floor as they walk , this is a sign that it’s time to clear.
Expose the nail and define the quick
Again (because you don’t want to miss this), a dog’s claws have a hard surface that surrounds an expansion of tissue called swift . This tissue is extremely sensitive and can bleed profusely when punctured. Before pruning, define a swift and make sure you won’t cut it. You also need to leave the nail intact enough to wrap around it, because you also don’t want the fabric to be exposed to the elements.
To get precise access to the nail, according to Dr. Patton, press down on the pad of the dog’s paw, exposing the entire nail to make quick detection easier. If the dog has darker or black nails, it is more difficult to see the nimble one. In this case, look at the bottom of the nail. “You can see a groove in the nail where the hard nail turns into a softer inner tissue,” advises the owner of a standard poodle at the pet site. If you can’t easily pinpoint where the fast starts, Dr. Patton suggests “shooting small pieces over time” to make sure you don’t hit the mark. A fast can also grow into a nail, the longer you willy-nilly allow your dog’s nails to grow; She adds that trimming your dog’s nails weekly should prevent this growth.
Bring suitable tools and treats for dog grooming.
Safe nail clipping starts with the right tools. Dr. Patton offers nail clippers similar to pliers . Clippers should also be sharp to ensure a precise cut and reduce the likelihood of hurting your pet. (She even suggests buying new clippers if the old ones get dull.)
For dogs that feel unwell during grooming sessions, create a comfortable environment for them and “bring treats,” advises Dr. Patton. Remember to cut small pieces at a time, especially if your pet is squeamish or fussy. After all, if you’re uncomfortable with clipping their nails yourself, take them to a veterinarian or professional pet groomer. Because nothing will sting more than accidentally hurting your own dog (although your dog might disagree).