How to Clip your dogs Nails

Author: Kate   Date Posted:11 July 2024 

Dogs need to have their nails clipped about every 3 to 4 weeks. Clipping your dogs' nails can seem scary but with a few hints and tricks it really doesn't have to be! 

Getting your dog used to having its feet handled is the first step. The best time to start is when they are puppies – they will then see it as normal for you to handle their feet and it will be so much easier to trim their nails. If you have an adult dog that has not had its feet handled from the start – start as soon as possible! Give your dog treats while handling their feet to distract them and keep all sessions positive and short. Remember to be patient and calm with your dog during this stage as your dog may be confused and not understand what you want. Ultimately you want your dog to develop a positive association with nail trims and be compliant with you doing this. 

Getting your dog to stay still will happen eventually - when your dog is not stressed or fearful they should co-operate with you. Do not ever force your dog into uncomfortable or vulnerable positions (eg on their back) to clip nails– this may lead to your dog being fearful which is something you absolutely do not want. Until your dog can calmly sit for a nail trim, a helper to hold your dog still and give them treats (Love 'Em treats are a really popular choice for this) while you trim the nails, will be especially helpful. 

Make sure you select the appropriate clippers – there are various sizes and types of clippers (such as the Gripsoft Guillotine Trimmers, the hinged Buster Nail Clippers & the Patpet 2 Speed Cordless Nail Grinder to name but a few)– the size and function of the clippers should be appropriate for your size of dog. You don't want a tiny pair of cat clippers to try to lop off Great Dane nails! Make it as easy as possible for yourself with the correct tools and do not use human clippers as they are totally inappropriate! 

You will need a good visual on your dog's nails – firmly but gently pick up a paw and place your thumb on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail. If you dog has clear or white nails – you're lucky!! It is easy to see where to trim to. On a clear nail you clip to just below where the quick of the nail starts – the quick is the pink section of the nail containing the blood supply for the nail. On black nails avoid the quick by cutting small slices of nail until you see a grey or pink oval starting to appear within the exposed part of the nail (underneath)– stop when you see this.  

Take your time and only cut a small amount off at a time to avoid cutting into the quick. Offer lots of praise and treats as you go to ensure the whole experience is a positive one . If your dog starts getting very worked up – take a break and come back when they (and you!!) are calm. 

  Sometimes you will, despite all good intentions and care, cut into your dogs' quick – as this is the blood supply for the nail - it will bleed. It does sting for your dog but don't panic! There are products you can get to stop the blood flow such as Yours Droolly Styptic Powder, Fido's Styptic Gel or Pharmachem Potassium Permanganate (Condy's Crystals)  and these will heal on their own.  

Ultimately patience and training will ensure you can clip your dogs' nails without any worry and will have a healthy and comfortable dog with perfectly trimmed nails!

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