Cutting your dog's nails is a key task in keeping them short and healthy, as well as protecting floors and furniture from marks and scratches! When they are long, the nails can break and bleed, or they can grow inside the paw and cause pain. They could also make the animal limp if they interfere with normal gait. Regular nail trimming avoids these problems and allows you to keep track of any anomalies.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting the Dog Used to Getting His Paws Touched
Step 1. Choose the right time
Most dogs do not like to have their nails cut, so it is important to choose a time when the animal is relaxed. If you see that he wants to play, wait until he gets tired and relaxes before approaching to do this.
Step 2. Start handling his paw
To approach, gently touch his paws. If you see that he is not retracting or resisting, start massaging his paw with light pressure on his nails. Depending on the age and temperament of the animal, it may take more than one session before getting your furry friend accustomed to having his paws touched. Repeat this exercise a couple of times a day until you notice that he stops reacting and resisting.
Step 3. If necessary, teach your four-legged friend to lie on his side during the treatment
If you have had a bad experience in the past, you will probably be reluctant to get your nails cut. For example, if someone accidentally cut the living part of the dermis - the area of the nail crossed by blood vessels and many nerves - he will surely have suffered and bled quite a bit. In addition, older dogs can suffer from arthritis in the paws and the "pedicure" could create discomfort and pain. If your faithful friend has also suffered from a similar situation, it may be helpful to have him lie down while you carefully handle his nails.
- Have him lie on his side as you practice manipulating these areas of his body.
- Another technique is to cut his nails without lifting his paw, while the dog is standing, but be sure to perform the cut in this position only if you already have experience.
Step 4. Check the paws carefully for any signs of abnormality
Take advantage of the nail trimming to observe their state of health. Report any pain, sore or skinless areas, broken nails, swelling or redness, lameness or different nail colors to your vet before starting the procedure. Trauma, infections, cancers, and immune system diseases are among the most common causes of dog nail changes.
- Traumas generally occur only on one nail and are caused by running on rough surfaces, accidental bumps or an improper cut of the nail itself.
- Trauma or health problems such as diabetes and hypothyroidism can cause a bacterial infection, which generally involves swelling, pain and fluid loss around the nails.
- Fungal and parasitic infections are less common than bacterial ones, but have similar symptoms.
- Tumors can take many forms: lumps, bumps, swelling, redness, or fluid leaks.
- Immune diseases can also affect the nails, making them brittle and prone to flaking.
- Always report these symptoms to your vet as soon as possible, so as to identify the best treatment.
Part 2 of 2: Cut the Nails
Step 1. Use clippers made specifically for dogs
Those for human use are designed to cut a flat surface, but the dog's nails have a rounded shape. If you use an unsuitable tool, you risk crushing the nail, causing pain or injury to the animal. There are different models of nail clippers for dogs, the most common ones are guillotine (U-shaped) or a type of scissors. Which one to use depends on each one's personal choice.
The "scissors" may be easier to use, as it is not necessary to insert the nail into the tool, as is the case with the guillotine model
Step 2. Identify where the living area of the nail is located
This is a part of the nail that has many blood vessels and nerves. Incorrectly cutting this area can be very painful for the dog and cause heavy bleeding. Ideally, you should cut the nail at least 2-4 mm before the living dermis.
- If your dog has white nails, you should be able to easily notice the streaked area as it is pink in color.
- However, if you have dark nails, the living area is not visible. In this case, carefully trim your nails by cutting them a little at a time to avoid touching the blood vessel. You could ask a groomer or vet to show you how to not accidentally cut it.
- If the nails grow too large, the living dermis also extends more than normal, so it is advisable to refine and file the nails often, so that the central vein also recedes to a normal length.
Step 3. Hold the dog still
If he is relaxed and used to having his nails trimmed and manipulated, it is probably sufficient to have him lie down during the procedure. However, if he is agitated, be careful to keep him still in the lying position by blocking him with your elbow and the arm you are using to hold his paw.
If the animal is really very restless, ask another person to help you, so that he can hold the dog still while you are free to concentrate on cutting
Step 4. Start with the hind legs
Here the nails are typically shorter and easier to cut. In addition, the dog also tends to be a little quieter if you touch these paws rather than the front ones, so start with these and then move on to the front ones.
- Identify or try to roughly understand where the living dermis is before cutting the tip of the nail.
- Carefully refine the area near the grain and stop at least 2-3 millimeters before.
- Don't forget to cut the spurs too, if your furry friend has them. The spurs are the nails found on the inside of the paw, just above the "ankle".
Step 5. Stop bleeding if you cut the blood vessel
It typically bleeds a lot if cut, and the dog may yelp in pain or even bite you if that happens. If you accidentally cause bleeding, press and hold a piece of cloth on the nail for a few minutes. If this does not stop the bleeding, apply corn starch or a powder or a hemostatic pencil that you can easily find on the market. You can either dip your nail in the powder or apply a large amount using your fingertip.
If the bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes, you need to see your vet
Step 6. Reward and praise your four-legged friend often
A lot of praise and, if you wish, some rewards too, are a great incentive to keep him steady. Praise him throughout the process and give him a treat at the end of each paw's “pedicure”.
Step 7. File his nails if you want
Just like human nails, dog nails can also be rough when freshly trimmed, although they become smooth again over time. However, if you are worried about floors or furniture, you can consider filing them right away to round them off.
Advice
- Praise your dog a lot even at the end of the procedure, so that he does not have the impression of having been punished.
- Give them a bath first to soften their nails and make them easier to cut.
Warnings
- Make sure you don't cut the dog's blood vessel inside the nail!
- If you were to cut the dermis alive and you forget to clean the wound, you risk developing an infection.
- Ingrown toenails need to be examined by a veterinarian and you should never have them trimmed before.
- If you notice your dog limping after you trim his nails, consult your vet.
- Always clean and disinfect the scissors after each use to prevent the spread of infections.
