Why Clip Your Dog’s Nails?
Dog’s nails grow just like your nails. The difference is that your dog can’t clip its own nails when they grow too long. This means you need to know how to use dog nail clippers so you can keep its nails trimmed and keep it from developing “problem nails.”
What Are “Problem Nails”?
When a dog’s nails get out of control, some very nasty things can happen to the dog. For example, the nails can become ingrown and infected. In the very worst of cases, the dog’s nails can grow so long that they grow back into the dog’s skin. We’re sure you can imagine how painful that would be for your dog.
How Often Do You Need To Use Dog Nail Clippers?
Your dog can’t tell you when its nails have grown too long and have become painful. You need to examine your dog's nails regularly so that you will know when it’s time to use the dog nail clippers. If your dog spends most of its time on a hard surface such as tile flooring or concrete, you probably won’t have to trim its nails very often. This is because friction from the flooring or concrete will tend to keep the dog’s nails under control. On the other hand, it it’s outside most of the time – on grass or some other soft surface – you may find you need to trim its nails fairly often – perhaps as often as every four to six weeks.
Start Trimming Early
Most dogs don’t take kindly to having their nails clipped. It’s a foreign concept to them. If you have a very young dog you can start trimming its nails and by the time it becomes an adult, it will be used to the procedure.
However, if you have an older dog, you will need both time and patience to get it used to having its nails trimmed.
Choosing Dog Nail Clippers
Before you start trimming your dog’s nails, you will need to select dog nail clippers. There are basically four types of dog nail clippers – the scissors style, pliers style, guillotine style and Dremel style. Many people who trim their dog's nails prefer the guillotine style as it makes a nice, clean cut and has replaceable blades – eliminating the need to buy a new clipper every time the old one gets dull. On the other hand, as a first-time trimmer, you may want to invest in the Dremel-style trimmer. They are a bit more expensive but have a rotating head that files off the dog’s nails instead of cutting them - so that you will have better control and are less likely to cut into the dog’s quick.
How To Use Dog Nail Clippers
Step 1. If possible, get a helper – someone who trims his or her own dog’s nails. There are two reasons for this. First, you can learn more when you can ask questions, instead of just reading instructions or watching a video. Second, the other person can hold the dog while you use the dog nail clippers to trim the dog's nails.
Step 2: Hold the dog close to your body with one hand. Slowly move your hand down the dog’s body until you’re securely holding a paw. Be sure to start with the nails on a front paw, as these are easier to trim and are often the hardest on you and your furniture. Some dogs may resist at this paw holding – and growl or even snap. If so, you will have your work cut out for you. In either case, talk to the dog in a calm, soothing voice throughout the procedure.
Step 3: If the dog tolerates having its paw held, the next step is to push lightly on the center of the paw which will cause the dog’s nails to move forward. Be sure to praise the dog and reward it with a special treat.
Step 4: Do this for several days so the dog becomes accustomed to the paw holding. When you are ready to start trimming, begin by lightly cutting off the tips of just two or three nails – again to get the dog familiar with the procedure. Use the dog nail clipper to nibble off just a bit of the nail.
Step 5: Cut only where the nail becomes rounded. Check the nail after each cut and look out for a dark spot that shows the start of the quick. When you see a pale, third inner circle, stop trimming or you will cut into the quick and hurt the dog.
Step 6: Trim the dog’s dewclaws. These are the nails that grow on the inside of the dog's legs. Since they never contact the floor, they can become very long and even curl completely over.
Step 7: Check the edges of the nails you’ve trimmed to see if they look ragged or jagged. If so, use a file or Dremel tool to smooth them out.
Step 8: Reward the dog with its favorite treat or take it outside for a good romp. This will teach the dog to associate the nail trimming with a nice reward – which should make the procedure easier for both of you in the future.
Learning how to use dog nail clippers is not technically difficult. It just takes time, patience and, if possible, a good teacher. The important thing is that you will be saving money vs. taking the dog to a professional groomer. After time, the nail trimming can become a nice bonding experience for the two of you.
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