Here’s how to cut dog nails safely:
- Find a quiet area where your dog is comfortable and free from distractions.
- If you have a small dog, hold your dog in your lap or place them on a steady surface. ...
- Gently but firmly hold one of your dog’s paws between your thumb and forefinger.
- Push down slightly on the paw pad to extend the nail forward. Make sure there is no hair blocking your view of the entire nail.
- When your dog is holding still, clip straight across the tip of the nail. Do not clip behind the natural curve of the nail.
- Give lots of high-value treats before, during, and after to associate nail trims with big rewards.
How often should you cut your dog's nails?
- Frequency. Most dogs will need their nails cut every four to six weeks. ...
- Method. When in doubt, one of the easiest and safest options is to bring your dog to the vet or groomer – they know the best tricks to ensure a ...
- Next Steps. If you do plan to cut your dog’s nails yourself, it’s key to obtain the proper grooming tools. ...
How do I sedate my Dog to cut his nails?
Substances that can be used
- Benadryl. This is a common medication used to sedate a dog for nail clipping . ...
- Melatonin. Melatonin is yet another commonly used human substance, available over the counter, you can use it to sedate a pup who is anxious.
- Diazepam. Have you ever thought of giving your furry companion a dose of Valium ? ...
- Acepromazine. ...
How to trim dog nails safely?
- Trim off a small part of the nail each time to let the quick recede
- Use the correct angle for cutting the dog’s nails (see diagram above)
- Use the right dog nail clippers for YOUR situation – see this post on DIY dog nail clipping for details on nail clippers.
What is the best way to cut dog nails?
- To cut your dog's nails, you need scissor clippers, guillotine clippers, or a grinder.
- For first-timers, it's best to have two people: one to comfort your pup while the other trims.
- Nail grinding is another option that may allow you to have more control.
- Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.
Tools You'll Need to Trim Your Dog's Nails
1. Dog Nail Clippers – there are several styles of dog nail clippers on the market including a guillotine-style nail clipper (easiest to use, espec...
How to Use Dog Nail Clippers
If you've never used dog nail clippers before, they can seem a bit intimidating, so just imagine how your dog feels! Always test the clippers first...
How to Clip Dog Nails Safely
First, it is a good idea to have a vet tech, veterinarian or dog groomer show you how to trim nails first. Then, once you have an idea of what not...
How to file dog nails after clipping?
How to File Your Dog’s Nails to Smooth Them After Clipping. Filing your dog’s nails is primarily done to remove any sharp tips or fragments left over after clipping your dog’s nails. Take a heavy-duty nail file, grasp your dog’s paw gently, and spread the toes apart. With your dominant hand, hold the file and gently round off any sharp edges ...
What is the best tool to grind dog nails?
As an alternative to cutting their dog’s nails, some people choose to grind them down with a Dremel tool (also called a nail grinder) specifically created for pet nails. The Dremel uses a special sandpaper-type bit and a 30,000 RPM speed to grind the nails down quickly and safely.
How to get styptic powder out of your finger?
Pour a small amount on the tip of your finger and press the powder into the nail tip. Pressure can be applied for a few seconds to allow the styptic powder to stick. If the bleeding does not stop after several minutes, call your veterinarian for further recommendations.
What type of clippers do vets use for dogs?
While some people might prefer guillotine-style clippers, the spring-loaded scissor-style or plier-style nail clippers are favored by most veterinary professionals. These are especially helpful for dogs with thick, tough nails. Some brands even have a guard so you don’t accidentally cut the nail too short.
What is the best way to stop a dog's toe from bleeding?
Styptic Powder. A good styptic powder is smart to have on hand for those instances where you accidentally cut a nail too short. Styptic powder will help stop the bleeding so that you can care for your dog’s toe.
How to get a dog's nails to go forward?
Gently but firmly hold one of your dog’s paws between your thumb and forefinger. Push down slightly on the paw pad to extend the nail forward. Make sure there is no hair blocking your view of the entire nail. When your dog is holding still, clip straight across the tip of the nail. Do not clip behind the natural curve of the nail.
Why is it important not to clip behind the natural curve of the nail?
It is important not to clip behind the natural curve of the nail because this is where the “quick” starts. The quick is the center portion of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you accidentally cut this part of the nail, it will cause bleeding and some pain for your dog.
Why does my dog resist nail trims?
If your dog's had a bad experience in the past, he may resist nail trims. For example, if someone accidentally cut the "quick" (an area of the nail with a rich blood and nerve supply), he would have experienced pain and bleeding. Older dogs may have arthritis in their toes, and nail trimming may be uncomfortable.
How to get a dog to handle his paws?
Ease into paw handling. Start by touching your dog's paws gently. If he doesn’t pull away or resist, start massaging the paw and gently pressing on his nails . Depending on your dog’s age and temperament, it may take a few sessions before he's used to paw handling.
What is the best way to trim a dog's back paw?
The nails on the back paws are usually shorter and easier to trim. Dogs also tend to be a bit calmer about having their back paws manipulated than their front paws, so start there, then move on to the front paws. Locate or approximate the quick before trimming off the end of the nail.
Why do dogs need to be trimmed?
Nail trimming is an important task that keeps your dog’s nails short and healthy. It also keeps your floors and furniture safe from snags and scratches! Long nails can break and bleed, or they can grow back into the paw and cause pain. They can also make a dog lame if they interfere with normal paw movement.
What to do if your paws are sore?
As you are massaging the paws and nails, take the opportunity to examine their health. Bring any pain, sore or raw spots, nail breakage, swelling or redness, lameness, or odd nail color to the attention of your veterinarian before you attempt to trim the nails.
How to train a dog to do paw handling?
Choose the right time. Most dogs do not like nail trims, so it's important to choose a time when your dog is relaxing. If he's in the mood to play, wait until he's lounging before approaching him for paw-handling training.
Why do my nails hurt?
Trauma or health conditions like diabetes and low thyroid levels can lead to bacterial infection in the nail. Bacterial infections usually cause swelling, pain, and discharge around the nails. Fungal and parasitic infections are less common than bacterial infections but cause similar symptoms.
Tools for Cutting Your Dogs Nails
When choosing nail clippers, make sure you choose one that has a sharp blade and lets you see exactly where the blade will be cutting. Do not ever use human nail clippers on your dog, as they are not sharp enough to cut through the thick toenails that dogs have.
How to Trim Your Dogs Nails
Introduce the nail clippers in a positive way. Let your dog smell them and see them without actually cutting any nails. Give lots of praise and treats. Once they are comfortable, hold your dog’s paw in one hand and the nail clippers in the other hand. Let them hear the sound the clippers will make.
First Aid Advice if Your Dogs nail is Bleeding
Press styptic powder against the bleeding nail. Cornstarch or flour can be used in place of styptic powder if you don’t have any. Hold it there for a minute or two to stop the bleeding. Your dog may limp for a day or two.
How Often to Cut Your Dogs Nails
How often you should cut your dogs nails will depend on how active your dog is. Older or less active dogs may need to have their nails cut once a month. If you regularly walk or run your dog on rough terrain, their nails will need to be trimmed less often.
Conclusion
Cutting your dog’s toenails can be a daunting task to accomplish, but if you follow our guidelines it’ll be a bit easier on both you and your dog. We’ve provided some great tips and tricks on how to cut your dog’s nails. Just remember that clipping dog nails should always be done carefully, and with lots of care!
Related Posts
If you enjoyed this article, Check out the following related articles which we know you’ll find both interesting and informative.
Disclaimer
All information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace your veterinarian’s advice
Should your dog be sedated before having his nails trimmed?
You shouldn’t just go ahead and trim your dog’s nails on the spur of the moment. While humans can get away with cutting their nails whenever they want, pets have to be psychologically prepared. If you don’t do things correctly, your pet is likely to resist your efforts. If you don’t clip your dog’s nails, he may even bite you.
Why nail clipping is important for dogs?
Seeing dogs with their nails dragged on the ground is not uncommon. A lot of pet owners forget about this crucial grooming step of the process. What’s the big deal about nails, anyway? What’s the harm in trying it?
How to sedate dog to trim his nails?
The following are a few options you can try at home to sedate your dog.
What to choose as alternative of sedating dogs?
If at all possible, avoid using sedative medications. Even though your dog is picky about getting their nails trimmed, natural alternatives may be a better option if he doesn’t exhibit severe behaviour to avoid the grooming process.
Few things to keep in mind while sedating your dog to trim his nails
Accidents happen, and you never know when you’ll accidentally cut your dog. If you notice that the quick of your nail is bleeding, don’t freak out. Apply pressure to the nail’s tip. Styptic powder can also be used as an alternative to dipping the nail.
Top 5 FAQs & answers related to Will a vet sedate dog to trim his nails?
While it may appear simple, dogs are easily distracted and will not sit still when you whip out your nail clippers, making it a difficult task. Premeditating your dog before you begin clipping his nails instead will help calm him down and make the process of trimming his nails more pleasurable for both of you.
Conclusion
If you need to quiet your dog down, don’t only use sedative. All previous procedures have failed, therefore this is the last resort
How to keep dogs from nail trimming?
Buy a Body Wrap. A body wrap, also known as an anxiety or pressure wrap, is a weighted or tight jacket that wraps around your dog’s body. It slows down their heart rate and makes them feel safer, much like a weighted blanket does for humans. Secure your dog in a body wrap and see if they stay still during nail trimming.
How to keep a dog from squirming in collar stand?
Set Up a S ling. If your dog will still squirm around in their collar stand, you can set up a sling to keep them still. It offers more full-body control without restraining your dog in an uncomfortable way. For more information on this method, check out our guide on how to restrain a dog to clip it nails.
Why do dogs need sedation?
The biggest benefit to sedation is that it makes you and your dog safer. Dogs who resort to self defense mode when nail clippers appear shouldn’t have the ability to fight you when sharp objects are involved. You’ll also get better results when you sedate your dog.
What is the best medication for dogs with motion sickness?
Dramamine (dimenydrinate) is another drug that dogs can take for motion sickness, which is often caused by stress and anxiety. It’s always good to call your vet and ask for their recommended dosage, but dogs can generally take 1.9-3.6 milligrams per pound [ 6].
Can a dog's nails be clipped?
Nail grinders have rotary barrels that act as sandpaper against your dog’s nails. They vibrate and make a bit of noise, but there’s no clipping involved. Many dogs find this to be an easier option, once they get used to the sound of the nail grinder.
Is anesthesia bad for dogs?
They’re both forms of general anesthesia, which puts your dog in a deep sleep. Dogs can react badly to forms of anesthesia and experience symptoms such as [ 3]: Low blood pressure. Slow heart rate.
Can you snip a dog's toe?
You can hold their paws at any angle and get a close look so you don’t snip the quick. And if that happens anyway, you can bandage their toe before they wake up. You should consider sedating your dog if they react violently to nail clippers or show signs of an anxiety attack when they see them in your hand.