Nail clipping is important for several reasons. If the dog’s nails are left too long it can cause discomfort while walking and can actually cause damage to the dog’s paw and leg which can lead to all sorts of problems. The most obvious reason for clipping the nails is to keep them blunt so that your dog will be less likely to cause any damage to people or things, such as furniture, should he jump up or put his paws on things.
Some dogs don’t require their nails to be trimmed as they do enough walking and running on hard surfaces so the nails wear down naturally themselves. If this is the case, then it may be just a matter of needing to keep an eye on the dewclaws (see below), if the dog still has them. Some dogs just never grow long nails and therefore clipping is not required.
Dremel 7300-PT Dog & Cat Nail Grinder Kit
Spend more time playing and less time grooming with Dremel’s 7300-PT Dog & Cat Nail Grinder Kit. Regular nail clippers can cut too close to the quick and may result in bleeding and anxiety towards nail clipping. This rechargeable, cutting-edge tool makes it easy to grind your little one’s claws down to a perfectly manicured length. Because this nifty clipper is wireless, you can further relax your pet by allowing them to sit or lie in a comfortable position while the two-speed rotary tool quickly sands down sharp and overgrown claws. Plus, the Dremel 7300-PT comes with everything you need to get started, so you can start trimming your pet’s nails in minutes!
Some dogs will run from you when they see the dreaded nail clippers come out, while others are not fussed at all about having their nails clipped. If your dog is in the latter category then your job will be a breeze, however for those dogs who do not like having their nails done then you will have more difficulty, it may take longer and you may need some assistance. Training your puppy from the beginning to getting used to having the nails done will make this job so much easier as the dog gets older – so that it just becomes a matter of routine. However, training will be a much longer process if you have acquired a rescue dog who hasn’t been used to having the nails clipped. If, after giving it a go, you find the job is all too hard, then it’s best to get a professional groomer or veterinary person to do the job. But for those of you who are willing to give it a go, then here’s the deal!
Equipment
Firstly, you need to decide what type of clipper or trimmer you would like to use and purchase. Refer to our page on Dog Nail Clippers which lists the different types of equipment that are available for clipping the nails. Once you have your equipment ready then you are ready to start. Many nail clippers now come with safety guards to minimize cutting the vein.
Gripsoft Nail Clippers offer a nail cutting guard which aids in cutting off a short length of nail at a time.
It is also best to keep a container of styptic powder at your side while you are clipping the dog’s nails. In the event that you may cut too short and the nail bleeds then styptic powder or gel is necessary to stop the nail bleeding.
Check out the range of styptic powders and gels here at Chewy.com!
Cherrybrook also has a great range of Styptic and Clotting agents! Check them out here!
How to Trim the Dog’s Nails
Hold the dog’s leg and paw as steady as possible in one hand. If your dog has clear nails and you can see the pink vein running through the middle then just trim to below the end of the vein. The general rule of thumb is that the nails should line up with the under-pad pretty much. If you look at where you have just cut you will see whether the middle is live vein or not. Some dogs have black nails which are difficult to judge where the vein finishes. With these dogs you can tell by looking from the underneath of the nail and you will see the excess nail protrudes from the thicker bit. In this case, you should be a little more careful so that you trim the nail just a little at a time until you start to see the a thickness which indicates you are getting very close to the vein in the centre.
Dew Claws
The dewclaws are the nails to look out for – they can be the forgotten ones! The dewclaw is the nail located further up the side of the leg. Some dogs have them on the front legs only, while some dogs have dewclaws on the back legs also. Then again, your dog may have had all dewclaws removed as a young pup so you won’t need to worry. But you must be aware of whether your dog has them and, if so, check whether they need clipping on a regular basis along with the main nails. Sometimes, these may be the only nails to trim as the dog wears the main nails down naturally. If the dewclaws are left to grow they can grow into the side pad and cause infection plus soreness.
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For clipping the dew claws, you will need to hold the dog’s paw so that you can ease the nail outwards a little with your finger to get a better angle. Clipping these nails is as per the other nails. Clipping your dog’s nails is not that difficult – training him/her to get used to it is the key!
Cutting the Nail Too Short
If, by chance, you do happen to cut the dog’s nail too short and it starts to bleed, styptic powder or gel will stop the bleeding. Just rub enough powder or gel onto the bleeding nail to stem the bleeding. If you don’t have any styptic powder on hand then cornflour should also do the trick.
Kwik Stop Styptic Powder .5oz
from: CherryBrook
Kwik Stop Styptic Powder quickly and effectively stops the bleeding caused by nail trimming. Also works on bleeding caused by docking tails, wing clipping, and minor superficial cuts.
Kwik Stop Styptic Gel Swab
from: CherryBrook
Kwik Stop® Gel Swabs provide a unique, convenient, no-mess method to help stop minor bleeding fast. Filled with the Original Kwik Stop® Gel, each single use swab also helps relieve pain and start the healing process. Perfect for first aid kits, travel, hunting, dog shows and performance events. Eliminates powder mess; Pain relieving benzocaine; Convenient 3 single use .75 ml applicators per box; Stops bleeding fast.
Kwik Stop Styptic pads with Benzocaine, 90ct
from: CherryBrook
Kwik Stop Styptic pads with Benzocaine quickly and effectively helps stop bleeding caused by clipping nails, docking tails, wing clipping, and minor superficial cuts.