Table of Content
For example an older dog that sleeps most of the day will need its nails done more frequently than a young energetic dog. The energetic dog is more likely to wear their nails down themselves from just walking, running and jumping, especially on pavement. Many dog parents have zero interest in learning to clip their own dog’s nails, and this is totally okay.
(Don't let the names scare you.) Ask your groomer or vet for their opinion as to what clipper they recommend for your particular dog. Guillotine clippers tend to work best on small dogs, and plier- and scissor-style nail trimmers are helpful for big dogs. However, the tool you are most comfortable using is the one that will do the best job. Learning how to clip dog nails is actually quite easy if you're using the right tools. The best part is that you need very little to be successful.
How Often Should You Cut Your Dog's Nails?
When trimming the front claws, keep your left forearm over the neck to keep the dog from lifting its head. If the dog tries to stand, lean your upper body over its shoulders to prevent it from rising. If your dog is too wiggly, try laying it on its side. Grip each individual toe firmly with your thumb and forefinger.
Since only a small portion of nail comes off at a time with a grinder, it may be safer than clippers to avoid nicking the dog's quick . However, grinders are often loud, leading some dogs to feel anxious or fearful around this tool. They also take much longer to finish the trim, so your pet must be patient.
About This Article
If your dog has black nails that need cutting, your job is slightly harder. You can also try trimming small amounts from the nail until you see the pulp, which tells you where the quick is. If your dog has black nails, you can talk to your vet about purchasing a styptic pen.
Only about 15% of veterinary hospitals meet the evaluation’s high standards and carry this accreditation. Trauma or health conditions like diabetes and low thyroid levels can lead to bacterial infection in the nail. Bacterial infections usually cause swelling, pain, and discharge around the nails. Include the dewclaws, located on the inner side of the paw.
Tips for Cutting Your Dog’s Nails at Home
The veterinarian did it in a shape easy for us to maintain afterward. Most pet owners start cutting dogs' nails on the floor, which is generally fine but some dogs may not be efficient enough. Dog nail clipper are like guards for cutting nails of your dog.
It’s best to start trimming nails in young dogs so that they get used to the process. Just like human nails, dog nails can be rough and abrasive when they're freshly cut. But, if you're worried about your floors or furniture, you can choose to file the nails immediately to round them off. If your dog has dark nails you won't be able to see the quick. Carefully trim the nails back a little at a time to avoid cutting into it.
The brand I prefer isMillers Forge, in the pliers style, with red handles. I prefer these because they work for any dog in any stage, except for very large dogs with extremely thick nails. They are very sharp, so they cut easier and more quietly – which is a lot less troublesome on your dog. Cutting them to short can cut into the vein that is in their nail called the quick. This is will make for a bad experience and cause bleeding.
Listen to your puppy’s body language to see what they’re saying. If they walk away or step off their mat, let them go, we need to make sure that having their nails clipped is a positive experience. “This is not tragic, and it stops bleeding after a while,” says Dr. Pashmakova. You can apply a bit of styptic powder or cornstarch to help stop the bleeding faster. Using your clippers, cut off the tip of each nail at a slight angle, just before the point where it begins to curl. You know you need to do it, but do you know how to make it quick and pain-free?
Jo started writing about pet health in 2017, realising that it meant she could help even more pet parents. Since then, she has written for countless online and print publications and is a regular contributor for Edition Dog Magazine. Jo now lives in the Channel Islands with her husband Ian and terrier Pixie, and they are expecting their first child very soon. If you have a small dog, hold your dog in your lap or place them on a steady surface. If you have a large dog, it’s helpful to have another person hold your dog while you cut their nails. Try bringing the nail clippers out, clicking them, and letting your dog smell them on different occasions so they get used to them.
Lancy Woo is a Certified Pet Groomer and the Owner of VIP Grooming, a pet grooming salon based in San Francisco, California. VIP Grooming has served San Francisco for over 35 years. Lancy received her pet grooming certification from the WWPSA . VIP Grooming has been voted "Best in the Bay" in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and won Bay Woof’s "Beast of Bay" in 2014.
Long nails can also split, causing pain for your pet. Plus, split nails aren't always fixed by simply trimming them. Cutting them more may cause them to splinter even farther, and you may need to get your veterinarian involved.
No comments:
Post a Comment