Trimming your dog’s nails is an integral part of their grooming and overall health. Overgrown nails can lead to pain, affect their posture, and cause infection. This guide provides a step-by-step process for trimming your dog’s nails at home, along with advice on when to consult a professional.
Choose a type of nail clipper or grinder you are comfortable using, such as guillotine, scissor-type, or rotary grinder.
Styptic powder is essential to stop bleeding if you accidentally cut into the nail bed. Substitutes, such as cornstarch and flour, will only temporarily stop bleeding and do not contain a pain-numbing agent.
Keep plenty of your dog’s favourite treats on hand as encouragement and reward for good behaviour.
It is recommended to do the nail trimming in a well-lit area. You will need to clearly see the nail and the quick, especially if your dog has black nails or fur that covers their paws.
If your dog is new to nail trimming, take it slow. Let your dog sniff the clippers or grinder before you begin. Try trimming one nail per session for the first few days, and offer them a treat afterwards. You can gradually increase the number of nails during subsequent sessions. Bear in mind that the noise from the nail grinder may startle your dog or puppy.
The quick is the internal part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into it will cause pain and bleeding for your dog.
The quick is visible as the pink area within the nail. Trim the white part of the nail a few millimetres below the quick.
If the quick is not visible, you need to trim slivers off the tip of the nail. When you are near the quick, the centre of the nail will appear white or grey. Stop trimming when you see a small black spot in the centre of the nail, as this is the edge of the quick.
Position your dog comfortably, such as sitting, lying down or on your lap. Gently hold your dog’s paw and isolate one nail at a time. With your finger on the top of the toe (above the nail) and your thumb on the toe pad, carefully push the toe pad up to extend the nail.
Clip the nail at a 45-degree angle, with the cutting edge of the clippers parallel to the floor. Aim for a perpendicular cut across the nail, and avoid cutting back towards the quick. If you are using a nail grinder, start from the bottom of the nail and only grind a little bit at a time.
Trim slowly and take only small cuts. The aim is to shorten the nails enough that they do not touch the ground when your dog is standing.
Do not forget to trim the dewclaws, the small nails located higher up on the inside of the front legs. These claws do not naturally wear down and can grow into the skin.
If you accidentally cut the quick, stay calm. Press the nail into a container of styptic powder, or apply powder to the wound with pressure for several seconds until the bleeding stops.
It is natural to make mistakes during the nail trimming process, and it should not be a source of stress. Avoiding the following errors will make every nail trimming session a positive experience for you and your dog:
Waiting too long between trims results in long nails that break, splinter or become ingrown. In addition, dog nails that grow too long can interfere with walking and running. The unnatural shift in their gait may lead to joint pain and arthritis over time.
If your dog is anxious about the trimming procedure, do not trim all of their nails in a single session. Only trim one nail at a time, and stop while your dog is still calm and happy.
Dull clippers can crush or pinch the nail instead of making a clean cut. Invest in sharp clippers appropriate for your dog’s size, such as the guillotine type for small and medium dogs, or the scissor or plier-style for large breeds.
While at-home nail trimming is convenient and cost-effective, seeking professional help from a dog groomer is beneficial for the following reasons:
Dog groomers are experts who have been professionally trained in the proper techniques and safety methods for handling dogs and trimming their nails.
Dog groomers use special equipment that makes nail trimming safe, quick, and efficient. They also have experience in using this equipment, reducing the risk of injury or serious infection.
Many dogs are anxious or afraid during nail trimming, which can make the process difficult and dangerous if your dog lashes out in pain or fear. A professional dog groomer will put your dog at ease in a comfortable environment.
Regular nail trimming is an essential part of caring for your dog. It ensures they can walk and stand without hindrance, along with preventing unnecessary infections and pain later in life. If you have not trimmed your dog’s nails recently, now is the perfect time to book a dog grooming session.
Are you searching for dog grooming in Singapore? Here at OLO, we provide safe and comfortable grooming sessions that place your dog’s well-being above everything else. Visit any of our salons and see how we provide your canine best friend with an unforgettable grooming experience!
