Tips for Clipping Dogs Nails

 

TIPS FOR TRIMMING DOGS NAILS

There are various ways of trimming dogs nails, clippers and dremel tools being the more common.

The following two photos show dogs with white nails. We can see where the quick (pink part) is. The image shows a safe place to cut. Nails may be cut or filed shorter. For beginners a conservative approach is recommended so there is less risk of cutting them too short and risking an aversion to having nails trimmed. There are various approaches to cutting nails. I tend to cut parallel to the ground, similar to how nails naturally wear. A 45 degree angle is commonly recommended. Both approaches are fine as long as the quick is avoided.  




The two middle claws and two outer toes are generally similar so once one is cut it can be used to indicate the amount of nail that can be safely removed from the other similar nail.




This image shows long quicks.  The nails are as short as they can be. These two photos also show how quick lengths can vary and why cutting black nails is tricky.

The underside of black nails may be used to help estimate when to stop cutting nails. With clippers, dogs may react to a gentle initial squeeze as you approach the more sensitive area and that is time to stop.




The following link shows the use of a dremel tool. There are numerous videos online. Look for approaches that use positive reinforcement and show a relaxed dog.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbGW6VtQbPY


Learning to trim nails and patiently teaching your dog to accept having their nails trimmed is beneficial as the nails can be trimmed little and often.

There are short courses available to learn how to cut nails

https://www.kiwivetbehaviour.co.nz/nailcarefordogs

In regard to clippers – the larger ones are often necessary for mature large breed dogs.

Cat clippers are useful for small breeds and puppies.

Good lighting helps. A head torch works well as it is hands free.

Ideally, a patient, conservative approach is taken with nail clipping from an early age and the dog becomes comfortable with the process and tolerates it well throughout its life.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Whilst getting the job done efficiently is attractive in the short term, if nail trimming is stressful the dog often becomes less accepting over time to the point that it is such a battle that sedation is needed to trim the nails.

Whilst dogs that have developed a significant aversion to nail trimming are unlikely to be entirely comfortable with the procedure a slow and patient approach of getting the dog comfortable with one foot being touched and then one nail being trimmed at a time can improve the situation. If this isn’t something that works for you consider sedation sooner rather than as a last resort for dogs that are stressed getting their nails cut.

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