How to Trim and Cut Your Dog’s Nails Safely?
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If you own a dog, you’re probably adept at nail trimming and cutting. Most dogs have long, thin nails that can irritate and infect. You don’t want to come home every day to find your dog’s long sharp nails scratching on every surface. Having too many nails can cause skin issues, so trim them regularly to keep their skin healthy.
Continue reading to find out more about the ways and means to cut a dog’s toenails and how to care for your pet partner properly.
Why Is It Essential to Trim Dog Nails?
Most dog owners assume that it is not too crucial to clip dog nails. However, they are unaware that clipping their pets’ toenails is a healthy habit and, in some situations, prevents the dog from breaking its claws. It would be best if you trimmed their nails at regular intervals to avoid nail infections.
Also, long and sharp nails can scratch and injure people. In addition, as they continue to grow and touch the ground, they spread the dog’s toes. Toe spreading can, in turn, cause painful deformities to your dog’s feet.
Nails that become twisted between the nail bed and the cuticles are more prone to breaking. When you cut your dog’s nails again, he won’t be able to walk freely due to the lengthened nails.
Furthermore, if you’re unsure where to start when it comes to clipping your dog’s nails, try hiring a veterinary technician or a dog groomer to show you how to do it without hurting your furry buddy.
When Should You Trim Your Dog’s Nails?
After six weeks of your pup, you may begin clipping its toenails, and you must do so as early as possible. Even if there isn’t much to trim and cut, this will help them become used to the activity. And it will ensure that by the time you need to give them a complete trim, they are accustomed to staying still while you work on them.
When you bring your fuzzy bundle of joy home, expect to trim their nails every four weeks to avoid accidents. The amount of time your dog spends outside and the breed will affect how fast its nails grow. Puppies who walk on the pavement daily, for example, grind dog nails gradually and require minor clipping than those who do not.
Consider your pet’s toenails tapping and clicking on the floor as a signal. Huge! When the dog stands up, the toenail should either be soft or not touch the base. They stretch their toes as soon as they feel the ground— this is when you know it is time to clip and trim your dog’s nails.
How Can You Get Your Dog Comfortable and Ready for Nail Trimming?
Make sure your furry friend is okay with you stroking her paws when you first take up the dog-grooming clipper. The most severe problem would be, unlike people, these innocent pooches may have itchy feet. Constant petting of it desensitizes it and is what all dog lovers ought to do.
One may use an incentive, such as kibble, every time you pick up your pet’s paws. Begin doing it daily. And indeed, the canine has to be compensated for having to put up with that as well.
Begin as soon as possible, but gently. Once the pups are six weeks old, begin cutting their toenails. Begin by caressing your puppy’s paws once each day, subsequently multiple times per day, before initiating the activity.
Next, for the often burning question: when’s the next suitable time to clip your dog’s overgrown toenails or how to cut dog nails? Once you can hold the dog’s paws within your hands even without the dog responding, then you have a decent indicator to trim the nails.
Begin by cutting one nail each day. You will get an idea of how short to cut dog nails. If you’ve got a mate who can assist you, let them cuddle your puppy while you are doing this. One can indeed entice the pet with yogurt or peanut butter cookies. Keep them preoccupied as you do your job.
How to Perfectly Trim Your Dog’s Nails?
Taking care of your puppy’s toenails does not have to be a difficult or time-consuming task. In contrast, if you follow the detailed instructions, it will become a part of your regular activity that is accomplished quickly and with the least fuss.
- Recognize Your Canine Pal’s Toenails: When deciding how and when to cut a pet’s toenails, you need to consider how they’ve been built. Aside from human fingernails, a pet’s nails have cells and tissues that form in a section of the claws known as the ‘quick.’ When you accidentally clip the quick, it causes hemorrhage, causing profuse bleeding and injuring your dog. When your dog’s toenails are lighter in color, you should be able to see the quick if you look closely. However, it turns out to be much more difficult when you cut the nails of a black dog. If you, by chance, hurt your pet’s quick, be sure to hug and comfort it. Using styptic powder can also reduce the possibility of bleeding.
- Gather the Dog-Grooming Supplies: Get ready to clip the pet’s nails only when you have all you need. In particular, keep a good set of dog grooming nail clippers, a file tool, and some styptic talc on hand.
- Nail Trimming for the Dog: Grip your pet’s paws carefully but tightly, then trim the tips of each claw one at a time. Keep your pet calm at all times, move slowly, and talk to them gently. If you can see the quick through your puppy’s toenails, cut just under the pink line. Unless it is visible, the general rule is to cut slightly below where the nail begins to flex. If you’re worried, start by cutting a small amount at a time at first.
- Finish With a Nail-filer Safely: If you choose, you can finish your furry buddy’s manicure with a quick nail file to ensure that the nail is clean and clear of rough corners that could snag. If the dog is afraid of clippings or is dissatisfied with the treatment, many dog owners prefer to use regular nail files instead of cutting. However, relying solely on files is significantly more time-consuming.
- Be Sure to Lavish Them With Compliments: After you’ve finished trimming their toes, lavish your furry child with praise and a treat as a reward for sitting through the ordeal.
To cut and trim your pet’s toenails at your leisure, you’ll need some practice and patience. And the benefit is being able to keep the dog secure and tidy at home with at-home personal care. However, if you follow these step-by-step directions for nail cutting and trimming, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Also Read:
How to Bathe Your Dog
How to Groom Your Dog at Home
Basic Dog Commands To Teach Your Pup
