{"id":1124,"date":"2016-11-28T06:00:17","date_gmt":"2016-11-28T06:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=1124"},"modified":"2017-10-06T18:37:37","modified_gmt":"2017-10-06T18:37:37","slug":"trimming-your-dogs-nails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/trimming-your-dogs-nails\/","title":{"rendered":"Trimming Your Dog’s Nails"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trimming Your Dog\u2019s Nails<\/h1>\n

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Nail trimming and\u00a0grooming\u00a0are chores that are often\u00a0feared by both dogs and owners.\u00a0The best way to calm your fears is to ask your Vet or a professional groomer to train you in the proper techniques for nail trimming if you feel that you need help. The best way to calm your dog\u2019s fears is to train him from a very young age to be comfortable with the process.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t feel comfortable trimming your dog\u2019s nails, your vet or groomer will be happy to do this regularly. If you take your dog on frequent walks on concrete or paved paths, he may not need nail trimming as often. Just keep an eye on the growth of those dew claws (thumbs).<\/p>\n

Unless your dog is very active outdoors, his nails will need to be trimmed on a regular basis, anywhere from once every several weeks to once a month.<\/p>\n

General Info<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Nail trims\u00a0can be stressful for your dog, so the first thing you should do is get him used to having his paws touched and handled \u2013 this should happen long before you try to trim his nails.
\nFood rewards are a good way to distract a dog who is nervous or fearful about nail trims.
\nYou can use a nail clipper or a rotary tool, depending on what your dog can tolerate and your own preference.
\nNails must be trimmed very carefully to avoid cutting into the quick. And trimming one nail a day is fine \u2013 do only as much as your dog is comfortable with.
\nStyptic powde<\/em><\/span>r, baking soda, or cornstarch is a must-have and should be at your fingertips before you start the nail trim.<\/p>\n

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TYPES OF NAIL TRIMMERS \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>
\nThere are many different types of nail trimmers. Buy good quality trimmers that are sharp and designed for the correct size dog. They should be concave at the cutting edge, to avoid crushing the nail. Blunt or poor quality trimmers will split the nail. \u00a0If the nails aren\u2019t that long but are sharp, you can simply file them or use a pumice stone to take off the tips. You can also use a dremel tool<\/em> to slowly sand down the nails, and this can be more gradual and safer than clipping. When clipping your dog’s nails, it is a good time to trim the fur that grows between his paw pads. Use a small pair of scissors with blunt tips so that you don’t injure the pads as you trim.<\/p>\n

Don’t Forget the Styptic Powder\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nOne important thing to remember before you start trimming is to have styptic powder or Kwik Stop on hand in case you cut into the quick of the nail. Cornstarch or baking soda will also stop the bleeding.<\/p>\n