We love spoiling our furry friends with treats, toys, and endless belly rubs. However, when it comes to nail trims most of the clients I talk to would rather leave it to the professionals. For most people, the thought of clipping their dog’s nails can be daunting and even scary. Fear not my fellow canine peeps, with the proper technique, a little patience, and lots and lots of treats, you can become a pro at canine nail trims in the comfort of your own home.
“Why are nail trims so important for our pets?“
First things first, let’s talk about the importance of keeping your dog’s nails trimmed. Not only does it prevent painful ingrown nails and infections, but it also aids in their overall health and well-being. I can’t count how many times I have been in a grooming salon or clinic and a pet came in with nails that grew into their paw pad. However, that is not necessarily the owner’s fault, sometimes nails can grow back extremely fast. That is why it is so important to be somewhat adequate in maintaining your pets nails at home, and well as the grooming salon, or veterinary clinic Overgrown nails can affect your pet’s posture, mobility, and even cause joint pain. Plus, no one wants their dog’s nails scratching up their hardwood floors or furniture. So let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of at-home nail trims.
1. Safety First!
Safety should always be a top priority when handling sharp objects near your precious pup. Before you even attempt a nail trim, make sure your dog is calm and comfortable. If they are already anxious or stressed, it’s best to give them short breaks throughout the process. If all else fails you can always try again at a different time, but rushing through the process will make it a stressful event for you and your pup. Doing everything as slowly as possible the first couple of times is the best route to take. And if your dog is extra sensitive when it comes to their paws, try massaging them first or giving them a good belly rub before starting the trim to help them relax.
2. Here is What You’ll Need
You will need a good pair of nail clippers specifically made for dogs (or cats, these smaller clippers work great on small breeds as well). You will also need to familiarize yourself with the anatomy of your dog’s nail, so you know where to clip. That being said, having some styptic powder or cornstarch on hand would be ideal in case of any bleeding from cutting too far down on the nail and hitting the “quick” of the nail. The quick is a bundle of nerves and blood vessels, and is the main part to avoid cutting as it can cause pain and bleeding (I discuss this more in part 3). If your dog has dark nails, it’s harder to see the quick, so it’s best to trim small amounts at a time. My best tip for dark nails is to cut the nail back until you see a small black circle in the middle of the nails
3. Fear- Free Techniques
Next, let’s talk about the dreaded fear of clipping too far and causing your dog pain. In many cases this is a valid fear, some dogs are exceptionally more sensitive to pain. Luckily you can take comfort in knowing that using styptic powder or cornstarch directly on the area of the nail that is bleeding stops the bleeding almost immediately. However, your pet may form an anxiety in association to that pain. That is why going slow with this process is so important. This is also where fear-free methods may come in handy. The goal of “Fear-Free methods” is to improve experiences for pets, owners, and veterinary/ grooming teams by focusing on a pet’s habits in stressful situations, and adjusting to the pet’s needs. A fear-free method that may help a pet that is scared of loud noises is by using a nail grinder instead of clippers. Not only is it gentler, but it also allows you to gradually grind away the nail and see the quick before it’s trimmed too short. Plus, the sound of the grind can also help relax your dog – it’s like a mini doggie spa day.
4. The best fear- free option… TREATS!
No matter what technique you use, treats are always a top option in my opinion. I always like to say “a few extra calories are temporary, fear- free is forever”. Try distracting your pup with some yummy treats while you trim their nails. Not only will it help to keep them still, but it also associates the trimming process with a positive experience. Plus, who doesn’t love making their dog happy with a tasty treat? My dalmatian Reign’s favorite nail time treat is peanut butter, and yes, it does end up in my hair somehow.
5. Patience is key
In conclusion, nail trims may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, techniques, and a sprinkle of treats, you can safely and adequately complete them at home. Just remember to always prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being, and if your dog is showing signs of fear or discomfort, it’s maybe best to seek professional help. Here’s to happy, healthy, and well-groomed pups – and to saving some money on those nail appointments!
