Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming and trim nails are a clear sign of your dog’s good health and hygiene. Their nails should be of the right length to prevent pain and injury. If they are too long, it can lead to uneven weight distribution, splayed feet and mobility issues.
Some pet owners prefer to trim their dog’s nails themselves, whereas others get the help of professional groomers. To help your pets become accustomed to the nail trimming process, start when they are young. Always do a physical examination of your dog’s health regularly at home so that your dog is comfortable and relaxed when you trim their nails.
Dog Nail Clippers
Before trying to clip your dog’s nails, it’s important to ensure you are using the correct dog nail clippers. Don’t use damaged or old clippers as they could create uneven cuts.
There are different clippers depending on the size of your dog and their nails, which you can purchase according to your pet’s requirements. For example, scissor clippers are generally recommended for trimming a larger dog’s nails, like a German Shepard, while Guillotine clippers are more suitable for trimming small or medium-sized dog’s nails, like a Beagle. Therefore, it’s important to keep your dog’s size and preferences in mind when choosing the right clippers.
How to Use Dog Nail Clippers: Important Tips
Learning how to use nail clippers takes some time, patience and practice.
A key step to preparing your dog for nail clipping is to get them used to having their paws touched. Next, practice holding your dog as if you are clipping its nails. This way, they will get used to the position and become more comfortable when you do cut their nails.
Finally, get your dog used to the nail clippers. Creating a positive link between your dog and the clippers will make trimming their nails much easier. Training is the key for cutting dog nails at home and get started early if you have a young dog. Therse are some important tips for using dogs nail trimmers and clippers:
1. Prepare and choose a comfortable sitting position.
When you cut your dog’s nails, you may want to sit on the floor with your dog in your lap or hold your dog on a table. You both have to be in a comfortable position with your body opposite to the nails you are trimming.
2. Massage your dog
Gently pat and massage your dog to help them to relax. Make trimming time fun and not a struggle and give them high value treats to keep them calm.
3. Assess
Hold your dog’s paw firmly and push on the pads gently to extend the nail. Locate the blood vessels, called the nail quick. With clear or light dog nails, it is easy to see the pink color which indicates where the quick is but if not clear, you need to cut the black or dark colored nail in several small increments to reduce the chance of cutting into the quick.
4. Clip
A scissors type dog nail clipper is best used to trim dog nails that are long and curling in a circle. Trim the nail below the quick on a 45-degree angle, with the cutting end of the nail clipper toward the end of the nail. Make several small nips with the clippers instead of one large one.
5. Reward your dog
Reward your dog with treats after each clip and give the both of you time to relax and build confidence by taking breaks as needed. Your pet should be able to associate nail clippers with something positive and pairing the experience with treats is a great way to make that connection.
Wrap up
The main reason for trimming a dog’s nail regularly is to limit the quick’s growth. When a nail becomes long and overgrown, the quick will become longer as well. Trim a small amount regularly rather than trying to remove large portions. If you pick the right tool for the job, introduce it slowly and trim with care, you can easily make your dog comfortable with the trimming process. Invest in a good pair of nail clippers that are the appropriate size for your dog.
Visit Toe Beans for nail clippers and dog supplies online. We have a wide range of high quality dog grooming tools, brushes, rope toys and nail clippers for your pets. Take care of your pets and give them all your love with our pet-friendly products!