We all know firsthand just how painful it can be when a nail splits or breaks. Much like humans, your dog’s nails should be well maintained and trimmed to avoid breaking. Not only does breaking hurt, but a broken nail can lead to infection. We at PetsWay are here to walk you through how to make nail trimming a positive and pleasant experience for you and your dog.
Trimming your dog’s nails at home can cause anxiety for both you and your pet. Dogs generally don’t enjoy having their paws touched, but you can change that by rewarding them with treats with each touch you make to their paw. Before you begin trimming their nails, approach your dog in a gentle manner. Be sure to take your time while trimming your pet’s nails and remember to soothe your dog and her paw throughout the entire process. The slower you move, the less likely you are to cut the nail too short or accidentally twist the nail, causing pain. If you appear less anxious and take your time, your pet will mimic your behavior and become more relaxed.
You’ll want to choose the best trimmers for your pet. If your dog is anxious, a battery-operated trimmer should be avoided as the vibration noises can cause stress. If they’re relatively calm, try using guillotine or scissor clippers. Once you decide which tool is best, you’re ready to start trimming.
Begin by trimming a tiny snippet of the nail to avoid cutting the quick. If your pet has clear nails, it’s easy to see the quick to avoid cutting it. If your pet has dark nails, you’ll be able to tell how close you are to the quick by examining the nail as you cut. If you notice either a pink or gray oval begin to appear on the exposed nail, stop trimming as this is an indication you’re close to the nerve. Just remember to remove small slivers at a time from the tip of the nail to avoid cutting too short.
Most importantly, learn to associate nail trimming with positive things so your pet will come to enjoy it. When you first begin trimming your pet’s nails at home, continuously reward her with a treat after each trim. Always follow up the chore with some of her favorite things—whether it be a new toy, treats, a walk. The more times you reward her, the more likely she is to become less anxious when it comes to getting her nails trimmed. She’ll know she’ll be rewarded for good behavior.
Of course, if you have any questions about trimming your pet’s nails at home, contact or visit the friendly staff at Petsway. We’ll be happy to give you additional tips and pointers as well as demonstrate how to properly trim your pet’s nails so you can find your pet’s way to health & happiness! If you don’t feel comfortable trimming your pet’s nails at home, our groomers offer nail trimming for only $7- schedule an appointment today!