Nail Trimming!
How important?
What are my options?
Can I learn how?
What are my options?
Can I learn how?
How important is it, really?
Actually, it is rather important and often overlooked. Consider this. Most dogs are walking on smooth or soft surfaces most of their life. Wood, tile, carpet, dirt and grass do not wear down nails very well. As the keratin of the nail grows longer, it touches the ground when they walk. When long nails hit the ground constantly, they exert force back into the nail bed, creating pain for the dog. This causes pressure on the toe joint. If this happens over long periods of time, it can realign the joints of the front feet and flatten the toes or cause them to become splayed. The image above demonstrates how the joint is affected by long nails.
This now becomes an issue of functionality. Altering how weight is distributed and compromising joints increases risk of injuries. It can also be more painful to run and walk, especially in geriatric patients. If severely neglected, the toe nails can actually curve and wrap all the way under the pad and puncture it. As a veterinary technician, I have trimmed several nails that were so long they were embedded in the pad and sometimes causing infection.
This now becomes an issue of functionality. Altering how weight is distributed and compromising joints increases risk of injuries. It can also be more painful to run and walk, especially in geriatric patients. If severely neglected, the toe nails can actually curve and wrap all the way under the pad and puncture it. As a veterinary technician, I have trimmed several nails that were so long they were embedded in the pad and sometimes causing infection.
What are my options to keep them trimmed?
There are several options for keeping your dog's nail trimmed routinely. Nails can be trimmed using nail clippers (such as the "plier" example in the picture) that cut the keratin. They can also be dremmeled (the "grinder" example) to wear down the keratin and smooth the rough edges. Both options are great. Some dogs are nervous with one way and so the other option may work best. I personally prefer using a dremmel on my dogs but if nails are really long, trimmers work faster. Frequency depends on your dog. I try to trim my dog's nails once a week or every 2 weeks. I am not perfect with trimming my dogs nails, but if you can make a goal to trim regularly it makes a big difference! I wouldn't recommend waiting much longer than a month between nail trims if possible.
If you would prefer someone else trim your dog's nails, most grooming salons offer nail trims. Animal Hospitals or Vet Clinics also offer nail trims preformed by their trained vet techs. Make sure to call ahead to see if you need an appointment to do so!
You also have the option to trim your dog's nails yourself! Many people are uncomfortable doing so but it really helps to learn what to look for and practice.
See below for educational information on trimming them yourself!
If you would prefer someone else trim your dog's nails, most grooming salons offer nail trims. Animal Hospitals or Vet Clinics also offer nail trims preformed by their trained vet techs. Make sure to call ahead to see if you need an appointment to do so!
You also have the option to trim your dog's nails yourself! Many people are uncomfortable doing so but it really helps to learn what to look for and practice.
See below for educational information on trimming them yourself!
How can I trim them myself?
It takes some practice to learn on your own but the more you try, the more confident you will become.
As shown in the picture here, every toenail has a blood supply that we call the "quick". It is easier to see the pink colored quick on white nails.
If your dog has white nails, you will want to trim a little bit at a time and make sure you do not go as far as the pink part/quick. I would recommend a little before, especially if you are sill learning.
As shown in the picture here, every toenail has a blood supply that we call the "quick". It is easier to see the pink colored quick on white nails.
If your dog has white nails, you will want to trim a little bit at a time and make sure you do not go as far as the pink part/quick. I would recommend a little before, especially if you are sill learning.
If you accidentally cut the quick, I would recommend applying an agent that will help stop the bleeding. We have all done this! Toenails like to bleed so don't panic. Remain calm for your pet, praise them for cooperating with you, and apply the agent.
Some example are:
Stypic powder (Kwik-Stop, etc), silver-nitrate sticks, or even corn starch if you don't have those.
Some example are:
Stypic powder (Kwik-Stop, etc), silver-nitrate sticks, or even corn starch if you don't have those.
If your dog has black nails, you will be watching the INSIDE TIP of the nail, more than the side of the nail. Once you trim the tip of the nail, you will start to see a dark black dot on the inside on the nail. The larger that dot gets, the closer you are to the quick or blood supply! Do NOT go too far! The black dot in the center of the nail should be SMALL!
I would recommend most owners to only cut to the middle picture if inexperienced.
IMPORTANT TIP:
It is super duper important to REWARD your dog/puppy while you do so! High value treats OR peanut butter on a lick mat that will take some time to lick off. If they are stressed or uncomfortable, start very slow and work up to a full nail trim. Begin with trimming one nail, reward, and take a break! Slowing add the number of toes with rewards until your dog is more comfortable. If you are trimming nails on a very young puppy, it can help to do so while they are sleepy or use peanut butter!
I find that it is easiest if I teach my dogs to lay on their back between my legs. I use that position to calm them, massage their feet, trim their feet hair, check ears, check and brush their teeth, and trim their nails. You can also use a grooming table and noose or have another person help hold the dog while you trim. They can help hold some high value treats or peanut butter if the dog isn't too wiggly.
I would recommend most owners to only cut to the middle picture if inexperienced.
IMPORTANT TIP:
It is super duper important to REWARD your dog/puppy while you do so! High value treats OR peanut butter on a lick mat that will take some time to lick off. If they are stressed or uncomfortable, start very slow and work up to a full nail trim. Begin with trimming one nail, reward, and take a break! Slowing add the number of toes with rewards until your dog is more comfortable. If you are trimming nails on a very young puppy, it can help to do so while they are sleepy or use peanut butter!
I find that it is easiest if I teach my dogs to lay on their back between my legs. I use that position to calm them, massage their feet, trim their feet hair, check ears, check and brush their teeth, and trim their nails. You can also use a grooming table and noose or have another person help hold the dog while you trim. They can help hold some high value treats or peanut butter if the dog isn't too wiggly.