Your dog's nails should just touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking on the floor or getting snagged in the carpet, it's time for a pedicure. If you've never done it before this article will provide you with sufficient instructions. As always, we at Halsey East Animal Clinic are always happy to show you the how to's and lead you through the procedure!
Difficulty: Easy - Difficult (We can help!)
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Nail Clippers For Dogs
Styptic Powders or Cornstarch
Dog Treats
Dog Toys
Patients
1. Use trimmers designed for pets. Ask your veterinarian or a groomer for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use them properly.
2. Make sure the clippers are sharp.
3. Start at the tip of the nail and snip a little at a time. Look at the cut edge of the nail. When you start to see pale pink tissue near the top of the cut edge, stop. You can use a nail file to smooth the edges further.
4. Avoid cutting into the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. It is painful and will bleed easily. On white nails, the quick is the pink section.
5. Be extra careful when cutting dark nails, because the quick is difficult to see.
6 . If the tip of the nail begins to bleed, apply pressure using styptic powder or a substitute such as babypowder or cotton.
7. Avoid wiping the blood clot off the tip of the nail once the bleeding has stopped.
8. Remember to trim the dewclaw nail, on the inside of the leg. Since it doesn't touch the ground, it wears down less rapidly than the others.
Trim nails once or twice a month. The quick will lengthen if you don't trim the nail regularly, and long nails can cause traction problems or become ingrown.
