Mini Schnauzer Nail Trimming Guide: Easy Steps!

Prepare Tools and Medications

Ensure you have a pair of nail clippers and a bottle of styptic powder ready.

Nail Clippers

Dogs have hard and uniquely shaped nails, which often cannot be effectively trimmed with regular human nail clippers. Therefore, it's crucial to have a pair of professional pet nail clippers on hand.

There is a vast array of nail clippers available on the market, but not all are equally useful. Some have poorquality handles that break easily under pressure, while others have poorquality blades that become dull after a few uses, affecting the trimming results.

After extensive testing with various brands of nail clippers, we find that the Lebe brand offers a decent overall performance, known for its durability and sturdiness.

Styptic Powder

The primary function of styptic powder is to help stop bleeding in dogs, quickly constricting the wound. If you accidentally cut the quick while trimming the nails, you can simply apply the styptic powder directly to the bleeding nail core, which will quickly alleviate the bleeding.

Styptic powder from different brands generally offers similar effects.

How to Trim a Shih Tzu's Nails

Before trimming, it's advisable to shave the fur around the nails to ensure they are visible and accessible. Just make sure the nails are exposed enough for trimming without any hindrance.

Dog nails are quite hard, so you need to be decisive when cutting them. Dogs tend to pull their paws back when they sense you're about to trim them, so it's important not to force the clippers on a retracted nail, as this can be very uncomfortable for the dog. Always be firm and decisive.

When you cut too close to the quick and the bleeding starts to flow, use the styptic powder we prepared. Take a small amount and press it onto the bleeding part of the nail for about three seconds to help stop the bleeding.

How to Soothe a Shih Tzu Who Dislikes Nail Trimming

Let your Shih Tzu lie on your lap during the trimming process to provide them with a sense of security.

Offering treats can be a great way to make the experience more enjoyable for your little Shih Tzu, as it can be associated with a positive reward of getting to eat something delicious.

Regular trimming sessions can help your dog get used to the routine, making it a mundane task over time.