How to cut your dogs Nails

Author: The Vet Shed   Date Posted:11 October 2019 

Cutting your dogs nails doesn't have to be hard! Through these tips and tricks, you will be able to cut your dogs nails in no time so that they are nice and comfortable at all times. 

If your dogs nails become too long it can cause them to become ingrown, or your their nails can get hooked on furniture, clothes etc, which you do not want. 

When do I cut my dogs nails? 

Ideally, the best time to cut your dogs nails is when they start to touch the ground. The time it takes for this to happen is different for different breeds and lifestyles. For example a dog that does alot of exercise, may not need their nails trimmed at all as the rugged ground does this for them, in comparison to a dog that stays inside most of the time.

What is the nail made up of? 

Dogs nails are made up of the nail itself, and the quick. When the quick is visible (your pets nails must be clear/white) the quick is the pink part inside the nail. The quick, provides your dog with the blood supply to the nails. The quick is very sensitive and you need to avoid cutting this part of the nail. 

What do i use to clip my dogs nails?

Here at The Vet Shed we have a variety of dog nail trimmers and grinders to suit each individual dogs needs when it comes to clipping. 

Click here to view our selection of Dog Nail Clippers

Onto the Trimming!

  1. Make sure your dog is calm and comfortable. Hold their paw gently but steadily. 
  2. Start by cutting a small part of each nail off. If the nail feels spongey, and not hard when you are about to cut it. Stop! You are about to cut the quick. 

If you do happen to cut the quick, you will know about it. You will notice alot of blood and an unhappy dog. Apply Styptic Powder to the nail and this should stop the bleeding. 

 

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