Most dog lovers are deathly afraid of cutting their dog’s nails. We often worry about cutting too far, and hurting our dog.
Sometimes, our dogs are so active we don’t even have to worry about cutting their nails. But, in the winter time, even active dogs might need their nails trimmed.
Do I Have to Cut My Dog’s Nails?
Yes, unfortunately. You do.
Eventually, your dog’s nails will become so long it pains him to walk.
When a dog with long nails walks, her nails push against the hard surface forcing pressure on her nail bed.
This could force the toes to be pushed side-to-side. And, result in the paws being sore.
Ok, Let’s Get To It: The Nail Cutting Begins
The guillotine-type nail trimmers are often painful to our dogs, and they crush our dog’s toes. Nail scissors for dogs usually aren’t painful, and they’re easier to use. Either way, if you use the guillotine-type or the scissors, make sure you keep them sharp.
If you really want an easy way to trim your dog’s nails, you might want to try the nail grinder by FURminator.
How to Use the Grinder
Most dog lovers are new to the dog nail grinder. If you want step-by-step directions on how to use the nail grinder, this video is a must-watch.
What If I Hit the Quick?
Of course, this is our biggest worry. We don’t want to hit the quick. If you do hit the quick, you can use corn starch or Qwik Stop to stop the bleeding.
What If My Dog is Afraid of Me Cutting His Nails?
To get your dog comfortable with nail cutting, you should first get her used to you handling her paws.
When you’re petting her, pet her legs. If she’s okay with you petting her legs, move to her paws. Gently petting them. Eventually, she should let you touch her paws comfortably.
You might also need to get him used to the nail trimmer. Slowly introduce the method you chose (guillotine, scissors or grinder) by holding his paw and clipping one nail.
If your dog is okay with you clipping one nail, continue to do the others. If not, give her a treat for being still while you cut one nail, and then give her a break. Try again in an hour or two.
This is a process, and it’s not natural for them. In the wild, their nails would naturally be filed with their ‘wild activities.’ Be sure to be patient. And, remember to praise your dog for doing a good job.
General Tips for Nail Trimming
- Make sure to cut the nails in a well-lit area
- Don’t overtrim the nail
- Don’t squeeze his toes– ouch!
- Associate your dog’s good behavior with nail trimming… with treats, love and praise.
- Check your dog’s nails every 2-3 weeks
Get Started Trimming Your Dog’s Nails
Trimming nails can be worrisome for us. But, our dogs can get used to nail trimming. And, with time and patience, nail trimming can become just another routine task.