There are few tasks that worry dogs (and their owners) more than nail trimming. But there’s no reason why clipping your dog’s nails should be frightening. In fact, it should be viewed as just another grooming task like brushing or bathing. Unfortunately, most of us have vivid childhood memories of nail clipping disasters, but if you keep a few easy tips in mind, your pup’s next nail clipping can be a pleasurable, money-saving experience.
Millers Forge Dog Nail Clipper
Gather the Proper Tools
Ideally, your dog’s nails should be clipped at least once a month. And before trimming, make sure you have the proper equipment. This means putting those human clippers back in the medicine cabinet; you’ll need to buy a special nail clipper just for the dog. We recommend the Millers Forge Dog Nail Clipper because they’re ultra-quiet. This saves your dog (and you) from the icky “crack” sound of a clipped nail. Often times, it’s actually the sound of the clipping that causes your dog to jump or wiggle as if in agony. And if the manual clippers don’t suit your pup, you should consider a professional dremel tool, which gently files the nail down. These are more expensive than manual clippers but may be the better solution for you. Only Clip the Tip To ensure the safety of your dog, make sure you only cut the very tip of the nail. The blood vessels (called the quick) are further down the nail, and if clipped, you’re pooch will be in for a painful experience, bleeding, and possibly even infection. Keep some hydrogen peroxide on hand just in case you cut the nail a bit too close.
Set the Mood
To begin, you must be able to get near your dog’s nails. The worst thing you can do is have the entire household pin the pup down, forcefully grab her paws, and then snip the nails. If this describes your nail-clipping routine, then by all means, put the clippers down and keep reading! It’s very important that your dog associates the nail clipping with a pleasurable experience. And to accomplish this, you must start slow. If this is your first clipping, then put your tools down and just play with the dog. Touch her paws, rub her nails. Associate positive experiences with your hands on her feet. You may even want to take your dog on an extended walk before you begin to release any extra energy. We’ve found that a tired pup is often a relaxed pup. Around our house, we regularly play games with Riley that involve her paws. In exchange for a treat, she’ll happily give a “High 5” or a “Hand Shake”. If your dog will play these games, then begin by shaking her paw a few times. Then gently squeeze each toe and see if your dog reacts. Continue following each exercise with a treat. Do this for a few minutes until she gets used to your hands on her feet and doesn’t react to any paw poking or prodding. Now that you’ve built trust, take out the clippers. Let your dog sniff and look at them for a few minutes. Treat often, and as before, repeat this step until she doesn’t show any aversion to the clippers.
Clipping a Dog's Nails
The Actual Clipping
Start by asking for her paw a few times. Praise and treat her. Then take out the clippers and cut the tip of one nail at a 90 degree angle. Give her a big treat and lots of praise, then assess her reaction. If she is terrified or panicked, put the clipper away for a while and try again later. On the other hand, if your dog is calm and receptive, then continue on to the next nails. After you clip each one, give the dog a big treat. When all of the nails are clipped, be sure to give your dog a bonus treat and heaps of praise! And while you’re at it, give yourself a big pat on the back; you deserve it! Oh, and remember, as long as you don’t clip the quick, you’re not hurting the dog in any way. In fact, you’re actually helping to prevent any problems from developing which can hinder your dog’s ability to walk properly. Consistency is the best policy with nail clipping, because as you cut the nails, the quick will actually retreat over time, making future clippings easier.
Outsourcing the Job
If you can’t stand the thought of trimming the dog’s nails, you have several alternatives:
- The vet
- The groomer
- The sidewalk
The first two, of course, are service providers that you’ll have to pay for every clipping. But as professionals, they can quickly take care of your pooch’s nails without harming her in any way. Finally, if you regularly take your dog on long walks, let her stroll on the concrete sidewalk. The friction between her nails and the ground serves as a natural nail file which keeps her claws from growing too long. This free alternative only costs you time and energy…and hey, we can all use more exercise!
About Justin
What about those new-fangled tools you see on TV these days? “PetiCure” is one of them. I’ve been considering buying one, but it looks as though it has a motorized file, which will send Cha Cha under the couch the minute I turn it on.
Also, because Cha Cha has black nails, I’m terrified of clipping the quick. I let the groomer do it, but I don’t take her there frequently enough for that to be my only reliable source.
The PetiCure and other “as seen on TV products” are known collectively as dremel tools. They promise to gently and quietly file your dogs nails, similar to a lightweight electric sander. But our dissatisfaction with the Peticure is in its cheap construction and lack of durability. So if you decide to go this route, then invest in a quality dremel from a pet store. It’ll cost you upwards of $50 for a decent one…otherwise, just stick to the tried-and-true Millers Forge Nail Clipper for under fifteen bucks.