Nails are one of the special parts of our body. If we do not take care of our nails regularly, our health will be at risk. The same goes for dogs. So, we should take care of our dog’s nails regularly.
Caring for a dog’s nails is an important aspect of their grooming and health. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly care for your dog’s nails:
1. Understanding Nail Care
- Frequency: How your dog’s nails grow is based on activity and walking. Usually, it is best to trim the nails every 3-4 weeks. Dogs that walk on hard floors may need less frequent nail trimming. Hard floors or surfaces help the nails wear down naturally.
- Anatomy: The pink area inside the nail contains blood vessels and nerves. Be aware of the quick. Cutting it can cause pain and bleeding.
2. Gathering Supplies
- Nail Clippers: Understand the use of different clippers according to the type of dog’s nails. Various tools can be used, including guillotine clippers, scissors, and grinders. Choose one that you and your dog are comfortable with.
- Styptic Powder: Styptic powder is used when you accidentally cut too much nail and need to stop the bleeding. It is a very effective product.
3. Preparing Your Dog
- Familiarization: The tools we use to care for dog nails are completely new and unknown to dogs. Let your dog get used to the clippers or grinder by letting them sniff the tools. You can even turn the grinder on and off to familiarize them with the sound.
- Calm Environment: A calm environment is essential for caring for a dog. If the dog does not get a calm atmosphere, it will be difficult to achieve the desired results. So, choose a quiet and comfortable spot. Make sure your dog is relaxed.
- Handling Paws: Regularly handle your dog’s paws to get them used to the sensation.
4. Cutting Process
- Positioning: Proper positioning is essential in trimming to help avoid cutting quickly or causing bleeding. Hold your dog’s paw gently but firmly. Having a helper hold the dog can be beneficial if they are very fidgety.
- Use of the Instrument:
- Guillotine Type Claw Cutter: Guillotine-type dog nail clippers are very effective tools for small and medium-sized dogs. If you want to trim your dog’s nails without any cuts or bleeding, this device can be great to use. This device has two sides: 1. Moving side and 2. Non-moving side. There is a hole in the head of the device. You place your dog’s nails in this hole. Then you press the two sides together. It can easily cut the nails without causing pain. This device is designed to cut nails of different sizes. This lets you keep your dog’s nails as you like.
- Sickle-shaped Clipper: This type of device is suitable for experienced people. It is used very carefully by the users. It is a kind of curved blade that can give the correct shape to the dog’s nails. It is used for large and hard-clawed dogs.
- Grinder for Dog: Any slight excess or crooked parts of the dog’s nails are smoothed and beautified with the grinder. It is long in shape and has a rotating head that gradually makes the nail shorter and more even. This process can make the dog feel relaxed.
- Angle: Cut the nail at a slight angle after the natural shape of the nail.
- Check Each Nail: Repeat the process for each nail. Include the dewclaws if your dog has them. They are located on the inner side of the paw.
5. Dealing with Accidents
- Bleeding: If you cut into the quick, apply styptic powder to the nail to stop the bleeding. Cornstarch can be used as an alternative.
- Calming Your Dog: If your dog gets anxious or scared, take a break and comfort them. Use treats and positive reinforcement throughout the process. Remember that you can never rush in this matter.
6. Aftercare
- Check for Rough Edges: After trimming, inspect for sharp or rough edges. These edges could snag on fabrics or cause discomfort.
- Paw Inspection: While handling the paws, check for any signs of injury, infection, or foreign objects lodged between the toes.
- Praise and Treats: To make the experience positive, give your dog lots of praise and a treat. This will make future nail trims easier.
7. Regular Maintenance
- Frequency: Establish a regular schedule to keep the nails at a manageable length.
- Observation: Watch your dog’s walking and play behavior. It might be time for a trim if you hear nails clicking on the floor.
Additional Tips:
- Professional Help: If you are uncomfortable trimming your dog’s nails, consider visiting a professional groomer or vet. If your dog is very anxious, a groomer or vet can provide assistance.
By following these steps, you can keep your dog’s nails healthy. Well-trimmed nails are essential for their comfort and mobility.
