How to Clip Dog Nails
Guest Writer: John Howes
A lot has been said and written about how to clip dog nails so that your precious pet doesn’t feel a thing. Newer articles are coming out mentioning the demons of using a dog nail clipper at home to do the job. We often get scared and think that it’s not our cup of tea.
Ultimately, we knock on a Vet’s door and spend hundreds for a half hour gig that could’ve cost us nothing. That is IF we knew how to do it right in the first place. That’s what I’ll teach you in this article. By the end of this article, you’ll know the all the tricks of how to clip dog nails without spending a dime at home.
Why Such a Fuss Over a Dog’s Toenails?
Why are we going on and on about trimming toenails of our beloved canines? Well, our friends weren’t always domesticated. Back in their wilderness days, they could run free and hunt as much as they wanted. As a direct result of this physical exercise, their nails consistently hit rough parts of the earth and stayed short.
Now that we’ve made them our pets and cared for them, they don’t get that as much outdoor exercise as they once did. That is why their nails grow and grow over time. Once they become too long for dog’s paws, these things push back on the paw, making the nails grow inwards and causing immense pain. Trimming these nails for optimum comfort is our only option.
The Big Debate: Nail Grinder or a Dog Nail Clipper?
While some people are more inclined towards using the nail grinder for trimming, I prefer using a dog nail clipper for this task and here’s why:
- Nail grinders often come with an intense sound that might irritate your dog.
- The intense heat that a grinder produces is harmful to your canine friend’s skin.
- The fact is, these grinders often use stones and grit sanding bags. What you buy might not be too good for your dog.
On the other hand, dog nail clippers grant you intimate control. You can control how much pressure you want to exert on a clipper and your pet’s nails. You can take frequent breaks, play with your dog, and resume once he’s comfortable.
These are not automated. There’s no threat of burning the skin and even cutting it. Of course, you’ll have to be careful in how you approach this thing.
Tools We Need
Now that we are into clippers, there are a couple of variants that interest me. One is the “Scissor” type. Using it is rather easy, just put the nail in between two blades and push the handle. It will cut through painlessly.
The other is the “Guillotine” type. There’s a hole that the nail goes in. You need to push the top, and a blade drops on the nail to cut it. I don’t like the guillotine blade as a moment of carelessness can result in cutting the quick of our beloved pets; the “Scissor” version is safer.
The next thing to have is the styptic powder. It is a quick clotting agent that stops bleeding if you are careless. Just pour it onto the spot where it is bleeding, and you’ll be okay.
You should also keep a box of delicious dog treat on hand. Your friend might get stressed and restless during the job. A healthy and tasty treat will calm him down.
Related: How to Trim Your Dog’s Toenails
How to Go about the Process?
Once you have everything you need, clipping dog nails is a piece of cake. Just follow a few steps, and your dog will come out of this as nothing ever happened to him.
- Hold the paw gently but firmly and don’t let it slip. The best way to do this is by holding the leg in your fingers and holding the top of the paw with the thumb.
- At this point, you’ll notice a “pink” area that connects the paw and the nail. It is called the “quick.” The quick is a blood vessel that you should avoid cutting.
- The most important step is determining where to make the first cut. I advise people to be perpendicular and hold the clipper in a straight line. Always cut the nail less than you normally can.
- If you do cut the “quick,” don’t be frightened. Keep your dog distracted with food and toys. Put some styptic powder on the nail to stop the bleeding. Pressurize the wound to stop the blood flow. If you are running short on styptic powder, use a bar of soap or flour to cover it.
Conclusion
Once you learn how to clip dog nails, you’ll see that it’s an easy task. The job is half done when you choose the clipper. The other half depends on how calm your dog is. Experts recommend you do the job right after he comes home from playing. He’ll be calm and more relaxed.
However, if your pet friend is a bit too grumpy and fussy, feel free to contact a Vet to do the job.
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“How to Clip Dog Nails Without Any Fuss?”
Author Bio: John Howes is the founder of PetCareUp. He is a 29-year-old entrepreneur, a pet lover, and a passionate blogger. He loves to write about pets and help pet owners choose the best products for their pet.
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MY QUESTION FOR YOU TODAY:
Do you clip your dog’s nails or have a Vet do it?
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Thanks for your tips. While my dogs get enough exercise on their 2K walks daily to keep them naturally ‘filed’ down, it’s good to know the how-to’s on this ‘impawtant’ aspect of dog ownership.
Yes, it’s truly “impawtant.” Thanks for stopping by Animal BLiss! 🙂
Thank you for the thoughts on nail trimming and best article about dog nail clippers
You’re welcome, Joseph. Thanks for the visit.