Dog Nail Cutting Guide: How Often & Tips

How to Trim a Dog's Nails?

Preparation:

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools: a dogspecific nail clipper, fine sandpaper, styptic powder, and a clean towel or paper towel.

Relax Your Dog:

To make the experience more comfortable for your furry friend, start by playing with your dog, gently petting it, or offering a treat to help it relax and reduce any anxiety or fear.

Locate the Nails:

Once your dog is relaxed, you can either hold it or have it lie down. Gently press on its paw to locate the nails without applying too much force to avoid startling your dog.

Trimming the Nails:

Carefully trim the transparent part of the nail, avoiding the quick, which is the blood vessel inside the nail. Cutting too deep can cause bleeding and pain. If you're unsure about the length, start by trimming a small amount and continue until the nails are at the desired length. If you accidentally cut the quick, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and sprinkle some styptic powder on the area.

Sand the Nails:

After trimming, use fine sandpaper to gently smooth the edges of the nails to prevent sharp corners from scratching your dog's skin or furniture.

Reward Your Dog:

Once the nails are trimmed, reward your dog with a treat and praise it with words like "good boy" or "well done" to encourage its cooperation.

Remember, trimming nails requires skill and patience, especially for dogs with dark nails where you can't see the quick. If you're unsure, it's best to take your dog to a pet grooming salon for a professional trim.

How Often Should You Trim Your Dog's Nails?

Generally, it's recommended to trim your dog's nails every 24 weeks. If your dog spends most of its time indoors and doesn't go for walks often, you may need to trim its nails every 23 weeks. Larger dogs that are more active and frequently walk on hard surfaces like concrete, grass, or stones can have their nails trimmed every 12 months.

Neglecting to trim your dog's nails can lead to overgrown, curved nails that can affect your dog's ability to walk properly. Long nails can also scratch you or damage your home furnishings like sofas and curtains. Regular nail trimming is beneficial for both you and your dog.

Remember, in addition to regular nail trimming, don't forget to deworm, brush your dog's coat, bathe it, and brush its teeth to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!