How to Safely and Step-by-Step Trim Your Dog's Nails

Maintaining your dog's nails at the right length is an essential aspect of their overall care.

Overly long nails can cause discomfort to your four-legged friend, affecting their walking and even causing paw deformities.

While you might be reluctant to trim your dog's nails at home, learning to do it correctly is crucial for their health and well-being.

In this article, we will explore in detail how to trim your dog's nails, step by step, discussing different methods and tools, as well as providing essential information on when and how often you should do it.

What to use for trimming your dog's nails?

Dog nail trimming can be done with various tools, including rounded-tip scissors, a nail file, manual clippers, or an electric file.

Each method has its advantages and requires particular attention.

Make sure to also have cotton, disinfectant, and healing powder or ointment on hand in case the dog gets injured by moving.

And if you have one, a flashlight can be useful for checking the point where the dog's nail extends from the flesh, so you avoid accidentally hurting your friend.

In this brief article, we will explain how to trim your dog's nails step by step and very simply.

If you're not feeling confident, remember that nails are delicate and it's easy to hurt the dog, so if necessary, entrust them to the hands of an expert or take them to the vet and let them do it.

How do you trim a dog's nails?

The first thing to do is to prepare your dog for nail trimming. Here's how to do it, and then we will explain how to use the various tools.

Find a quiet place: Take your dog and all the necessary tools to a quiet room, possibly one where they feel most comfortable.
Identify the cutting area: Before starting, try to identify the cutting area. If needed, the first few times make a small mark with a marker or something that can be easily erased, to give you a little extra help.
Position the dog at the ideal height: The best way to trim nails is to sit on the floor with your dog and lift its paw. Not only will it be easier for you, but the dog will feel reassured and less nervous. It’s the best position for maximum safety.
Get them to lie down: It might also be a good idea to have them lie on their side, so you can easily access the hind paws as well. But see in which position they seem most relaxed; the most important thing is that they don’t get agitated when you start trimming.

How to Trim Dog Nails with Scissors and Clippers

Before starting, look at the picture to know where to cut the nail without hurting the dog.

Begin trimming the nails: Start with the front paws. Lift the dog's paw, hold it firmly, and cut each nail from top to bottom, at a perpendicular angle (about 45°). Do not get too close to the quick, keep a reasonable distance (about 2 mm).
Trim the dewclaw: Remember to also trim the dewclaw, which is the nail found on the inside of the leg: it tends to break very easily.
Reward the dog: Give them some snacks and plenty of cuddles, or take them for a walk, so they associate nail trimming with a reward and get used to letting you do it without wriggling.

How to File Dog Nails

If you simply need to file the dog's nails after cutting them, you can use a manual dog nail file.

However, if you need to file them to shorten them, it's preferable to use an electric file. This is a simple tool to use, with a file generally enclosed in a transparent case where you will put the dog's nail.

The more advanced models light up to clearly show where the nail quick, or nerve, begins, and also have an adjustable entry hole for the nail and different speed levels.

They are easy to use and cost less compared to professional nail trimming. You can see here the best dog nail grinders.

To file the nails, proceed as follows:

Gently take a paw of the dog and support the nail between your thumb and index finger.
Turn on the light if present, and adjust the intensity level of the electric file.
Insert the nail in the hole, and file gently without touching the quick.

How to Stop Bleeding from a Dog's Nail

If you accidentally cut the quick, also known as the "pulp," while trimming your dog's nails, bleeding may occur.

It's important to stop the bleeding adequately to avoid stress and pain for your dog. Here's what you can do if your dog's nail bleeds after cutting:

Stay Calm: First and foremost, stay calm. Your dog can sense your mood, so remain composed to avoid alarming them further.
Use Coagulant Powder or Healing Ointment: Apply a small amount of coagulant powder specifically formulated for dog nails to the bleeding part of the nail, or use a healing ointment to stop the bleeding.
Dab with Gauze or Tissue: If you don't have coagulant powder or a styptic pencil, you can gently dab the area with sterile gauze or a clean tissue.
Protect the Paw: Cover the affected paw with a dog sock or bandage to prevent the dog from licking or biting the nail.

Observe the nail for a few minutes to make sure that the bleeding has actually stopped.

Prevent the dog from walking on wet surfaces or engaging in intense physical activity immediately after the bleeding.

If the bleeding does not stop or seems excessive, consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.

It's normal to feel worried when bleeding occurs, but remember that with quick and calm action, you can effectively manage the situation.

Why Trim Your Dog's Nails?

Trimming your dog's nails is an important aspect of their overall care and well-being.

Here are some key reasons why it's necessary to trim your dog's nails:

Comfort and Mobility: Overly long nails can cause discomfort to your dog. When nails grow excessively, they can touch the ground or even curve backwards, causing pain while walking or running. Trimming nails maintains a proper length that doesn't interfere with their mobility.
Prevention of Problems: Excessive growth can lead to a range of orthopedic issues. Walking on overly long nails puts abnormal pressure on the joints of the paws, increasing the risk of pain and muscular and joint problems.
Avoiding Deformities: Long nails can cause permanent deformities in your dog's paws over time. Constant pressure on joints and muscles can lead to deformities that affect their ability to move properly.
Reducing the Risk of Infections: Long nails can break easily, creating open wounds or bleeding breaks. These wounds can become susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections.
Convenience for the Owner: Overly long nails can scratch or damage floors, furniture, and even people. Regularly trimming your dog's nails helps to maintain a clean and safe home environment.
Hygiene: Accumulations of dirt and debris can hide under a dog's long nails, promoting bacterial growth or some fungal infections. Keeping nails short makes it easier to maintain good hygiene.

When to Trim Your Dog's Nails?

The right time to trim your dog's nails depends on various factors, including breed, age, activity level, and nail growth.

In general, nails should be trimmed when they start to touch the ground or curve backwards. Here are some general guidelines:

Visual Check: Observe your dog's nails while they walk on a hard surface. If the nails touch the ground or make a "click" sound when walking, it's probably time to trim them.
Nail Length: Nails should be kept at a length that doesn't interfere with your dog's mobility.
Frequency: How often you need to trim your dog's nails depends on their individual nail growth. Generally, it's advisable to do it once a month, but more frequent trimming may be necessary for dogs with rapidly growing nails.
Active vs. Sedentary Dogs: Active dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors and on abrasive surfaces might need less trimming, as their nails naturally wear down. More sedentary dogs might require more frequent nail care.
Senior Dogs: Older dogs tend to be less active and might not naturally wear down their nails as much as when they were younger. In these cases, more frequent trimming might be necessary.

At What Age Can I Trim My Dog's Nails?

The time when you can start trimming your dog's nails depends on the growth of the puppy's nails and its breed. Typically, you can start trimming your dog's nails when they are about 3-4 months old.

It's a good idea to gradually get your puppy accustomed to paw handling from an early age. Start by touching and massaging the paws so that the puppy gets used to being touched in that area.

How to Trim Nails of a Dog That Refuses?

If your dog refuses to have its nails trimmed and you don't feel confident, it's better to leave it to a professional: take them to a groomer to avoid stress and possible accidents.

A veterinarian can also trim your dog's nails, but generally, it's the groomer who takes care of it.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Dog's Nails Trimmed?

Generally, the cost of a professional trim varies between 5 and 15 euros, and usually, the price is included in the standard grooming service.

Can I Sedate My Dog to Trim Its Nails?

Sedating a dog for nail trimming should only be done by veterinary professionals, as it involves the use of medications that require medical knowledge and precise dosages.

The sedation of a dog should be carried out only under the supervision of a veterinarian to ensure the animal's safety and well-being.

Author's Note

I invite all readers to share their experiences on this topic in the comments section.

Any information you choose to share about health, temperament, products, and tips on training or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them best.

From the Staff of Khani.co.uk

If you found this post helpful and want to learn more about the care, well-being, and training of dogs, we are happy to help. Find here many useful tips to better understand your furry friend.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our site is general in nature and does not in any way replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts.