When trimming a dog’s nails, there are some important tips that you should follow. One of these is to identify the quick before you begin. Another tip is to avoid twisting or squeezing the nail. This way, you’ll ensure that you don’t cut a vein or cause any discomfort to the dog.
What Are the Best Ways to Trim Dogs’ Nails?
Cut Parallel To The Bottom Of The Nail
The first step in trimming your dog’s nails is to find the quick, or cuticle. This is a delicate part of the nail that is important to the life of the nail. Without it, the nail will die from a lack of nutrition and blood supply. When trimming a dog’s nails, you should cut the quickly parallel to the bottom of the nail. This is easier to see if you use a flashlight.
Another important step is to apply pressure on the cut area to help stop any bleeding. A freshly cut nail is prone to bleeding on hard surfaces, especially if it gets wet. If you notice a small amount of bleeding, apply styptic powder. If you notice more bleeding, apply more pressure to the area.
Once you’ve cut the nail, follow the guide below. The best way to trim a dog’s nail is to cut it parallel to the bottom. If your dog is extremely nervous about the process, it’s better to start early on. As a rule, nail trimming should be done by two people. Always be sure to reward your dog with a treat after every clipping. Make sure to repeat this process every two weeks. It’s important to do this regularly because this will help the blood vessels retreat.
Identify The Quick Before You Trim
It’s vital to identify the quick before you trim your dog’s nails. A quick is the part of the nail that contains the blood vessels. To find it, hold your dog’s paw and look for a pink area in the center of each nail. Then, carefully trim the nails to two millimeters away from the quick.
A quick is a very small section of tissue running through the middle of the nail. It can be hard to see, especially if the nail is dark. If you can’t see it, consider using safety guards to prevent cutting into it. Or, you can mark the edge of the quick with a permanent marker.
A good dog nail trimmer has a wide, flat blade and grips the dog’s footwell. The tip should be pointed toward the end of the nail. Then, squeeze the nail clipper gently, isolating the quick before cutting the nail. Afterward, be sure to reward your dog for good cooperation. If you accidentally cut into the quick, the bleeding may stop if you remove the nail clipper immediately.
A quick on a black dog nail is difficult to see. The nail shell may have a groove at the bottom that separates the hard nail from the soft cuticle containing the quick. You should be able to see the quick in black dog nails by shining a light on the nail.
Avoid Twisting
Trimming your dog’s nails is an important part of basic dog care, but it can also be a stressful process. Thankfully, there are a few simple tips to keep you from making mistakes. You should also use the proper tools for the job. This will help you keep your dog’s nails in proper length and prevent painful joint issues later.
First, you should cut the nail in small increments. Avoid twisting. Whenever you are trimming your dog’s nails, make sure you cut them at the right angle. You can see this if you see pulp on the cut surface. When you cut the nail to the right angle, you’ve trimmed it to the proper length.
If you’re having trouble trimming your dog’s nails, try using your non-dominant hand. You’ll need to hold your dog’s paw while doing so. It’s important to position your dog’s foot correctly, as twisting can cause serious injury. Next, place your forefinger on the pad of the toe, and your thumb on the top of the nail. Now, gently push the toe up and away from the nail. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up damaging the nail.
Avoid Causing Discomfort
If you’re trimming your dog’s nails at home, try to avoid causing too much discomfort. The sound of the rotary nail grinder (also known as a Dremel) can make your dog feel uncomfortable, but it’s best to try to work on the dog’s tolerance to the noise by rewarding it whenever it lets you do it. Some dogs adjust to the noise quickly, but some may take a little longer. Regardless, with patience and consistent practice, your dog will become more comfortable with the process.
First, make sure that you know how long your dog’s quick is before trimming its nails. If the nails are dark, you may have a harder time determining where the quick is. Make sure to clip the nail before the quick at an angle, and never clamp down on the whole nail at once. In general, it’s best to clip a small portion of the nail every five to seven days if your dog’s quick is long. If your dog is prone to bleeding when clipping its nails, you can use cornstarch or flour to stop it. In the worst-case scenario, you can also use Quick Stop, an antiseptic powder.
Overgrown nails can be painful and compromise a dog’s natural alignment. This makes it more prone to injuries and can make running difficult. Besides, the overgrown nails can also grow into the dog’s foot pad, which can cause serious problems. Long nails may even split or tear the skin. This can lead to infection or even necessitate the help of a veterinarian.