How to Cut Dog Nail

Man’s best friend; they are lovable, fun, great for companionship and security, and taking care of them is an essential role.  Some pet owners fear the task of clipping their dog’s nails partly because of the resistance they encounter from their dogs.  Most dogs do not like to have their nails cut, especially if you choose to start when the dog is an adult.  Try these simple steps to grooming your dog’s nails also termed as a pedicure.

Tools Required

• Nail trimmer – guillotine or scissors type
• Claw cutter – used only for large breeds
• Small file

Material Required

• Styptic pencil with silver nitrate – used to stop bleeding.  Alternatively clotting powder can be used.

Know Your Dog Nail

• Dew claw – this is the claw found on the inner paw of the dog and is attached to the leg by loose skin.
• Quick – these are the blood vessels and nerves which supply the toenail.  The quick is easier to see in nails that are lighter in color.

Instructions

1. If your dog shows signs of nervousness or resistance its best to restrain him.
2. Take your trimmers in the palm of your hand – use the guillotines unless your dog’s nails have started to curl.  If they are curled the scissor trimmers are best.
3. Close your hand and squeeze the handles to move the cutting blade, once you’re comfortable with this movement take your pets paw in the opposite hand.
4. Place the tip of a nail through the ring in the trimmer; you will be cutting from top to bottom so make sure the clipper is perpendicular to the nail.
5. Ensure that the cutting blade is facing you and the screws on the handle are facing the dog.
6. Squeeze the handles of the blade to clip the nail
7. Once you’ve cut all the nails (including the dew claw) use a file to smooth the rough surface.
8. If you have cut into the quick and the nail begins to bleed, apply the styptic pen solution or clotting powder to stop the bleeding.

Cutting light colored nails

9. If your dog has light nails the quick will be visible, you can therefore clip each nail in one go steering clear of the quick.
10. Cut the toenail to within 2mm of the quick

Cutting dark colored nails

11. Dark colored nails will have to be cut in stages to avoid cutting into the quick
12. Each time you make a cut examine the edge of the nail – the curved bottom part of the nail has light tissue while the top has a darker mix.
13. If you notice a grayish pink oval shape appearing at the top of the cut surface of the nail its time to stop cutting.  This is an indication that the quick is near.

Tips and Warnings

• For an easier experience, start the nail clipping process at an early age so your dog can become accustomed to it.
• Dog nails that aren’t properly cut may lead to extreme pain and damage, so be very careful.  If you’re unsure take the dog to your vet.
• A bleeding dog nail will stop on its own in a few minutes.