Top tips for trimming your dog’s nails at home

Although walking your dog regularly on hard surfaces can keep nails in check, nail trimming may be needed if your dog is old, unwell or housebound. Untrimmed nails may curl back into the paw pad, leading to pain and discomfort.

Before trimming your dog’s nails, learn a vet-approved method using PetSure’s Masterclass. Our video shows you how to examine the nails (to see if they need trimming), how much you need to cut and how to stop bleeding quickly when you accidentally nick the top.

FAQs: How to cut your pets nails – what you need to know

How can you tell when your dog needs its nails clipped?

A quick check of the paw will reveal if all the nails need clipping. Normal claw should be at level with the paw pad. If the claw extend very far from the paw pad, your pet may need it’s claws trimmed. It is important to remember to check the dewclaw, a hidden claw inside a dog’s front foot. If your dog is recovering from an illness or is elderly, nail trimming may cause distress. If this is the case, contact your vet for help.

Do you need special equipment to clip your dog’s nails?

It is always best to have the right equipment on hand. Pet supply stores or your vet will sell nail clippers designed for dogs. These clippers are easy to handle and can cut through tough nails. Avoid scissors or human nail clippers, as these can shatter the nail of your dog.

How do you recognise a dog’s nail quick?

The quick is where the dog’s blood flow to the nail ends. If your dog has pale or clear nails, the quick is the pink or reddish part of the nail. However, this can be harder to spot if your dog has black nails. For dogs with darker nails, proceed cautiously, making only minor cuts.  The quick is usually above a notice in the nail. Try not to trim too close to the notch of the nail.

What should you do if your dog won’t let you touch its paws?

With nail clipping, acclimatise your dog first by gently rubbing and touching the paws. Then, build on this by extending the nail by lightly pressing on the paw pads. If you have gained your dog’s trust, start trimming one nail at a time. Ask a professional groomer or your vet for help if your dog remains resistant.

What should you do if you accidentally cut the quick?

Accidents can happen. If you clip the nail which causes bleeding, apply pressure to the nail. Alternatively, you can pack the nail using a little household soap.

For more tips about your dogs wellness click here and your cats wellness click here.

References

Sydney Vet Specialist – how to trim dogs nails

How to trim dogs nails safely

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