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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

At Home Euthanasia

Image
Euthanasia at Home for Pets Euthanasia of a dearly loved pet is not easy. An at home euthanasia is more personal, not rushed and less stressful for pets and their owners at an emotional time. I make euthanasia as smooth and peaceful as possible for pets. Deciding when to put a dearly loved pet to sleep is one of the challenging steps. I can provide information so you can make the right decision for your pet and family and I can have a chat about your thoughts and concerns if you could do with some guidance and reassuranc e. Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a pet to limit the pet's suffering. Making the decision to euthanase a pet is tough. The following links may be helpful: Lap of Love Quality of Life Scale OSU Veterinary Medicine: How Will I Know? As the vet entrusted with performing euthanasia, I want the pet to barely be aware of the procedure as they quietly drift off to sleep. My approach has two steps. I use sedation as the first step, which can be given wit
Read more

Why Clipping Dog's Black Nails is Tricky

Image
WHY CLIPPING DOG'S BLACK NAILS IS TRICKY                Comparing human nails to dog nails  Trimming human nails is straightforward – the pink is sensitive and the white part can be cut painlessly.  Imagine that a human fingernail, instead of being flat is like a curved macaroni tube starting at the base of the nail. This curved tube contains the bone of the end of the finger, skin, blood vessels and nerves. The tube is painted black so the sensitive pink area is not obvious.  How would you approach keeping your nails trimmed? Would you go to the nail salon and have the manicurist take a best guess and boldly cut them quite short so you didn’t have to come back too often? If you’re lucky she would avoid the sensitive part of the nail. If she accidentally cut the sensitive area there would be pain, blood, a few expletives and no 5 star review.   Would you go back the next time your nails needing trimming and hope for the best? Chances are you wouldn’t be keen on a repeat of that exp
Read more

Recognising Chronic Pain in Pets

Image
  Chronic pain is a persistent or waxing and waning pain. A common cause in pets, especially in the second half of life, is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is inflammation of the joints, which over time may lead to an increase in the size of affected joints and a decrease in the range of motion. Lameness is relative. A pet with one sore leg and three non-painful legs will appear worse than a pet with multiple sore legs. To many people, a dog with arthritis in all four legs doesn’t seem to be lame. Just as in humans, arthritis begins with waxing and waning pain. Osteoarthritis in pets is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen over time. The following signs may be seen as the arthritis progresses in dogs: Slower to get up from rest Stiffness after rest that the decreases as the dog gets moving Less able to cope with exercise and may lag towards the end of a walk Lame and more tired after longer periods of exercise, for example, longer walks on the weekends
Read more