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How
to Trim a Dog's Nails
Although
dogs are less likely than cats to injure someone with their claws, timely
nail trimmings help ensure that a dog can walk without pain or discomfort.
The nails of very active dogs may not require any trimming, since they're
continually worn down by contact with concrete and other rough surfaces.
But it's still a good idea to check the nails occasionally to make sure
none of them are torn or split.
When you
think about grooming a dog, you probably consider bathing him, brushing
his coat, even cleaning those floppy ears, but it's a good idea to give
dogs a pedicure every few weeks as well. If you've never trimmed a dog's
nails, ask for some help from a more experienced person, and keep these
instructions
nearby.
1: Stay
Sharp
A few different tools are available to help you trim a dog's nails,
including those that resemble miniature pliers and those with replaceable
sliding "guillotine" blades. Use whichever model makes you
and the animal most comfortable, but be sure to replace the blade frequently
to make the job easier and prevent the dog from feeling any discomfort.
2: Pull
Their Legs
Dogs are often pretty cooperative when it comes to having their nails
trimmed, and those who were handled often as puppies are even more likely
to comply. Still, you may need to work a little to keep the animal still.
If you're working alone, have the dog sit or lie down on the floor or
table, then trim the nails, one paw at a time.
3: Pull
Their Legs, Part II
If you're grooming a larger dog or if the animal is apprehensive, have
someone sit him down and hold out his paw, then get to work with the
clippers. Have your helper scratch behind the dog's ears to reassure
the animal and help move things along a little more quickly.
4: Take
the Edge Off
Remember that you should only remove the very end of the dog's nails.
You may be tempted to trim off all of the excess, but that would be
a mistake. In dogs, the quick-the nerve endings and blood vessels inside
the nail-continue to grow as the nail grows. That means long nails must
be trimmed bit by bit, over weeks or months, until the quick gradually
recedes. Because it's so difficult to see the quick in dogs with dark
nails, you'll need to look at the nail straight on and keep trimming
until you see a small dark circle. If you accidentally clip too far
and the nail begins to bleed, apply pressure to the tip of the nail
or dip the nail in a bit of styptic powder, then make sure the animal
is kept inactive for a short time.
5: Thank
Them Very Much
Give the dog a treat or a pat on the tummy to thank him for his cooperation,
and things should go at least as well the next time around.
©1998
The Humane Society of the United States
