Did you know that leaving a dog’s nails unattended for too long could be detrimental? Find out more by reading this article.
If you own a dog, you already know how important it is to keep your dog’s paws in good shape to avoid leg injuries -which means their nails should be trimmed the right way.
There are numerous grooming salons for this service; however, if your pup is fussy about salons and groomers, you can also do it yourself at home. If you want to do it yourself, however, you’ll need the appropriate tools and methods.
Clipping your dog’s nails can be a challenging experience for both you and your dog, especially if it’s your first time. If your dog is anxious and moves around a lot during the procedure, it could result in serious accidents. To avoid this, you will need to learn how to calm your and your pup’s nerves when clipping their nails and how to keep them comfortable.
You’ve come to the right spot because, in this post, we’ll show you how to clip your dog’s nails without terrifying them and without you fretting. Simply follow the procedures to the letter, and you’ll be a pro at dog grooming in no time.
Step 1- Understanding the Importance
Every dog will have to get its nails trimmed at some point. It is critical for their overall foot health as well as their general well-being. They will begin to adapt to weird postures that can lead to serious injuries and not walk properly. It is essential to consider how you can familiarize your dog with the procedure.
To do so, make sure your dog has had a lot of interaction with you, as well as the clippers, and is getting used to the idea of nail clipping. While grooming your pup, you need to ensure that they are relaxed and comfortable with it, and you should learn how to do it properly so that you do not clip into it too rapidly or cut too deep.
Step 2- Know Your Clippers
There are two primary types of nail clippers you’ll find. You can also use a nail grinder instead of clippers, which is a popular choice among many individuals. Let’s look at the two different types of nail trimmers.
Scissor Style Clippers
The operation of these cutters is relatively simple. They’re more adaptable, allowing you to trim your dog’s nails from any angle. This means that scissor-style trimmers will be considerably easier to use if you have trouble grasping the accuracy aspect.
One thing to note is that these trimmers have guides on them that show where the toenail should be. Experts advise against using this guide since it will cut way too much, even if it prevents you from chopping off the entire nail.
Because you’ll be clipping your dog’s nails frequently, make sure the quick (the center of the nail) is nice and short, so they can grow healthy and be ready for the next trim. If you use the guide to trim the nail, you can go too far and remove the quick. Experts recommend ignoring the general guide and relying on your sense of touch and nail-cutting experience instead.
Guillotine Style Clippers
You must be aware of the correct and incorrect ways to hold these clippers when using them. You can tell how much the head moves if you hold it with your palm on the moving edge and line up your dog’s paws. If you trim in this manner, you will wind up with a different amount of cut than you anticipated.
Therefore, you must keep the non-moving edge in your palm. Only the blade will move when you squeeze the clipper this way. You won’t have much room for movement in the head, and you’ll be able to cut exactly the amount you want.
Step 3- Work with Your Dog
If you’ve been getting your dog’s nails cut every week or so, they’re probably used to it by now, even if you aren’t. If you’ve just brought home a new puppy, though, you’ll need to learn how to handle him with and without clippers. A good way to start is by practicing nail trimming either every day or on alternate days.
Now, the practice does not imply that you must clip the toenails daily. All you have to do is make sure your dog is familiar with and comfortable with how you handle them while you clip their nails. This will teach them to be calm and still, be at ease with the clippers being placed on their nails, and be comfortable with the light pressure that trimming provides. The idea is to maintain your dog in a comfortable, quiet frame of mind where they can sit still without moving until the nail is trimmed correctly and safely.
Step 4- The Actual Process
Before you begin, keep in mind that clippers come in various sizes, so choose one that is appropriate for the size of your dog’s nails. Because the quick of a dog’s nail contains blood vessels, you must exercise caution. It will bleed profusely and sting your dog if you cut into it.
The quick can be seen by glancing at the nail in a well-lit area; the nail has a line of pink color that does not extend to the tip. This partition acts as a guide and displays the maximum nail cutting length. Always cut the nails straight or at an angle that follows the natural form of the toenails.
For Beginners
If this is your first time clipping your dog’s nails, make sure your dog is familiar with the new clippers by allowing them to smell them and giving them a reward when they do so. If you have already done that by following our previous steps, you might now need to grab a set of helping hands to hold the dog.
Examine the nail on the dog’s paw to see if there is any living tissue and how far to cut. In a safe motion, clip the nail with clippers. If you take too long, the dog may become nervous and attempt to flee. Stay cool if you cut too much. Stop the bleeding by applying powder made explicitly for this purpose and soothe the dog so that they are also calm.
Keep in mind, the bleeding is not a life-threatening injury for the dog; however, it is painful, and there will be a lot of blood, and hence you need to stay composed to be able to handle your dog.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Black Nails?
Trimming dark or black nails is a problem for many people. As with any other dog nail trimming, you must first locate the quick as it will define your cutting limit. Look on the underside of the paw to find the quick. On the inside, you’ll be able to view the hard outer shell and the softer tissue region on the nail.
From there, you may determine the cutting length by seeing the nail at an angle. It may take some time to grasp the anatomy. Begin by removing the hard shell and work your way up to the desired length while remaining cautious. If you’re hesitant to use clippers for the first time, a nail grinder can be used instead. This will allow you to gradually file your dog’s nails to the length you need.
Signs That Your Dog Needs to Be Taken to a Vet
It’s advisable to take your dog to the veterinarian or a professional groomer to get their nails clipped if they’re uncomfortable being manipulated or showing too much hostility during the trimming. Also, if your dog’s nails are black, you should take them to a specialist rather than risking it by doing the trimming at home as a beginner.
Trimming is a delicate job, so it’s better to leave it to the professionals if you’re unsure or uncomfortable. . You’ll be able to rest assured that your dog is always peaceful and in good hands, and you won’t be engaged in any major mishaps. Dogs are the friendliest of animals, and they love being adored, so if your dog is not comfortable with the way you are handling them, then there must be something that you are doing wrong and need to learn and correct.
Are You Ready To Make The First Cut?
By now, you should be fully prepared to begin grooming your puppy at home using the methods we’ve provided. Just remember not to become agitated, as this will cause your dog to sense your frustration and become flustered as well. Maintaining a positive environment will make the process go more smoothly for both you and your dog.
You will become an expert and say goodbye to professional groomers after weeks of repeating the training procedure and doing the actual cutting unless your dog starts acting up and does not feel comfortable with the way you are handling them. Avoid the quick and make the cut, and watch your dog have healthy feet.
Good luck!
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