Trim Your Dog’s Nails Comfortably And Safely
Did you know you should cut your dog’s nails? Any pet, cat or dog, requires periodic attention and care strictly linked to a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of the hygiene of the ears and coat will avoid problems related to the presence of bacteria, ticks or fleas.
Likewise, it is important to properly care and trim your dog’s nails . In this article we will explain how to do it safely and comfortably.
What to do and how to prepare the animal
To be able to trim your dog’s nails, we recommend that you keep these things handy:
- A special nail clipper for dogs. There are several on the market: some are simple scissors, others resemble pincers, finally there are also electric, battery-operated ones.
- Snack or press to leverage positive reinforcement. It will be much easier for your dog to collaborate in the process if you combine this activity with something enjoyable.
- In case the nails are cut too short, there may be bleeding. It is advisable to have some type of antiseptic or astringent solution on hand that will help reduce the bleeding.
The different types of nail clippers also vary according to the size of the dog. If you have a small pet, you can use the scissor-shaped ones. For larger dogs, you will need to choose a clipper with a pincer handle.
Get your dog used to nail clippers
The intimidating aspect of this tool can scare your dog the first few times. We recommend that you get your pet used to the presence of this object.
For example, you can grab it and bring it close to his legs or touch his nails to see how he reacts before cutting them off.
Try to close and open the clipper to get the classic clicking noise so that when you really use it, the animal does not feel fear.
The secret is to encourage the dog with pats and treats until he realizes there is nothing to fear. Each pet has its own character and may react differently.
The duration of the adaptation process to the clipper, therefore, can vary. Once you are sure that your four-legged friend is prepared, you can proceed with the cutting.
It is advisable to consult with your vet to see if the model used is okay or to learn and improve the cutting technique. While it’s not the hardest task in the world, it’s always best to think about the animal’s well-being and safety.
How to cut a dog’s nails
The first step in cutting your dog’s nails is knowing how to locate the live part of the nail.
If the latter is white, the nerve part will be pink. If it’s black, you should avoid cutting where gray appears. Be careful not to apply the cut on the live part, because in addition to letting out the blood, it will cause a lot of pain to your dog.
The secret is to cut the nail starting 2/3 millimeters beyond this area. Despite the attentions, it can happen that the animal moves and that you accidentally cut the waist part. Calm the animal, with caresses and speaking in a calm voice, before dressing the wound.
It is a bit the same thing that happens if you cut your nails: cutting them too deeply will cause pain, making the area very sensitive.
When should a dog’s nails be trimmed? Of course, one might respond when I t syrup long. This is partly true: in the sense that it is also very important to choose the right time to complete this cleaning operation.
Before using the clipper, make sure your dog is calm and relaxed and is not in a state of agitation or stress. You might get bitten! Also, if you are unsure, leave the pet alone and take the pet to a dog grooming expert.
It is important to take care of the dog’s nails
Too long nails are uncomfortable, accumulate dirt and can cause various problems, both for animals and people.
Proper care is essential to ensure your pet’s hygiene. Among the most common problems related to neglected nails, we remember:
- Risk of infections. After a busy day of activity, perhaps after walking in the city or running in a park, it is normal for germs and bacteria to accumulate under the nails. Dogs, like any animal, tend to scratch the ground. A wound caused by dirty and long nails is dangerous for both our dog and others.
- Ingrown toenails. A problem that, like in men, can cause a lot of pain. Also, considering the constant contact that the dog’s paws have with the ground, it is much easier for these wounds to become infected.
- Annoyance. When you cut your nails, immediately afterwards the sensation can be uncomfortable, especially if they are too short. The same goes for dogs: you will always have to cut them properly, to avoid possible discomfort when your pet runs, walks or jumps.
