How to cut dog nails: 4 simple steps to follow
Are you wondering how to cut dog nails? Most dogs will need to have their nails trimmed approximately once a month and it's easy to do this at home.
When should you cut your dog's nails?
Even though it does differ from dog to dog, you can often tell if a dog's nails are excessively long if you hear them 'click' on hard surfaces.
"If they get too long and reach the ground, this can be quite painful for your dog. It results in a backwards force or pressure going back into the nail bed," Dr David Harris, Head of Veterinary Content at VetHelpDirect.com, tells Country Living.
"This can make it uncomfortable and difficult for your dog to walk, causing a change in gait and potential joint problems."
Not cutting their nails regularly can also trap dirt, leading to potential infection, while their nails can even curl back and injure their footpads. Here's how to keep your dog's nails at a safe and suitable length:
You will need:
• A good quality pair of nail clippers (don't use shears, scissors, or secateurs)
• (In case of emergency) potassium permanganate or a styptic pencil
• A reward: "Lots of people like giving their dog a lick mat while they're having their nails done so that they can be distracted throughout," suggests Dr Joanna Woodnutt, from ManyPets.
How to cut dog nails – a step-by-step guide
1. Prepare
"It's good to get your dog used to having their feet touched and handled from as early age as possible, making the process of nail clipping easier," says Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes.
"However, if you haven't done that, it is still possible. Give your dog their favourite treat after the process is over, along with a lot of praise, so they associate positive feelings with the experience."
2. Have someone show you how
"It's also advisable to consult a vet or professional groomer beforehand so they can tell you exactly how and where to cut your dog's nails. This ensures it's done quickly, correctly, and without damaging the nails," adds Axel.
3. Get them into position
Next, ensure that both you and your dog are comfortable before you get started. Holding their paw steady but gently, it often helps to kneel or position yourself with them in between your legs, or you can ask someone you trust to hold them while you cut.
4. Begin cutting
Dogs have something called a 'quick' on their nails – this is essentially an area of soft tissue including blood vessels and nerves. Be careful to avoid this area while cutting.
"If your dog has white or clear nails this can be easy to see, as a pink coloured tissue inside the nail," Dr Harris adds. If your dog has black nails, it won't be as visible.
"In dark coloured nails, it's best to trim a small amount at a time to avoid catching the quick, which will be painful for the dog and cause the nail to bleed. When you start to see a lighter softer spot in the middle of the nail you are trimming this means you are close to the quick and should stop cutting."
If you do accidentally cut the quick, your pup will probably yelp or give you an indication that this has occurred. "Do not panic and try to stop the bleeding immediately," says Axel. "You will need to apply styptic powder with a cotton swab and seek veterinary advice if the bleeding doesn't stop or the nail becomes infected in any way."
How often should you check your dog’s nails?
This can vary depending on the dog, with the experts agreeing that you should get into the habit of checking them every two to three weeks.
"If you ever see your dog licking or nibbling at a nail, check that it is not overgrown, damaged, or causing a problem, as they may need to be trimmed, or you may need to take them to a groomer," says Pets at Home's Grooming Expertise and Development Trainer, Honey Scott.
Do you cut dog nails straight or at an angle?
"If you cut straight across the nail, only a very thin part contacts the floor and, while it will eventually wear to be flat again, it'll be uncomfortable to walk on in the meantime," says Dr Woodnutt.
You should aim to cut dog nails at an angle so the whole of the cut side of the nail can contact the floor and spread their weight evenly and properly.
How do you cut your dog's nails when they won't let you?
"If your dog hates having their nails done, it's usually better to take them to a vet or a groomer," says Dr Woodnutt. Not only can it be hard work trying to cut your dog's nails, particularly if they're struggling with it or a larger breed, it also increases the chance of you cutting their quick.
"It can be unsafe if your dog decides to bite too, so it's usually best to listen to them if they're asking you not to cut their nails," says Dr Woodnutt. "As a vet, I've had several dogs that hate their nails being cut so much that they need more than one person to restrain them."
You may want to consider consulting a dog behaviourist to help make nail cutting a more enjoyable experience.
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