How to Cut Your Dog’s Nails Properly
Trimmed nails are one clear sign of your dog’s good health and hygiene, and they are an essential part of dog grooming. Squeamish owners can have the task done professionally, but dog nail trimming is a simple procedure if done correctly. But how can you efficiently trim your dog’s nails?
If you’re going to do it yourself, make sure you’re working in a well-lit area. If you have a dog, they will grow accustomed to having their nails trimmed. Make it a soothing experience for your dog, such as rubbing his feet to get them used to being touched.
Tips on How to Cut Your Dog’s Nails Properly
Dogs who exercise on harder surfaces, such as concrete sidewalks, may have their nails naturally worn down. Wild animals in the wild keep their nails trimmed even on softer ground, but this is because they are out there all the time, day and night – it’s what they’re designed to do. Domesticated dogs, on the other hand, require periodic nail trimming or cutting.
You could be causing your dog pain if you don’t cut their nails. Cutting your dog’s nails is essential to keeping your dog healthy and thriving. Here are some tips how to cut your Dog’s nails properly.
- Maintain a firm and gentle grip on your dog’s foot.
- Then, snip a small piece off the end of each of his toes.
- Snip a small portion of the nail with the clipper. If the dog’s nail feels spongy while cutting it, stop immediately because you’re probably cutting into the quick. Stop any bleeding right away.
- If you cut the quick, your dog will be upset and will require a treat while you clean up the bleeding. Because the quick can bleed quite a bit, you’ll need to use a nail cauterizer to stop the bleeding. A cotton swab can also be used to apply styptic powder.
- If you prefer to use a nail grinder instead of clippers, follow this procedure:
- Hold your dog’s foot
- Turn on the grinder
- Grind a small portion of each nail at a time
Why is it Bad to Let Your Dog’s Nails Grow Long?
Sometimes you will notice your Dog’s nails growing long once the furniture is torn or scratched or the floor is scratched. You might even become irritated and blame it on your Dog. However, it is not his fault. If his nails grow too long, they can cause him pain and even injury.
When a dog’s nails grow too long, the long nails’ discomfort can stress his joints, leading to joint pain and arthritis. Clipping your Dog’s nails is more than a cosmetic task. Veterinarians will tell you that unhealthy nails on a dog can cause pain and, in some cases, irreversible damage to the Dog.
Owners must track how quickly their Dog’s nails grow and how to deal with it. Consider yourself:
- Your nails are getting long.
- They hurt your toes.
- It is sometimes painful to wear shoes.
And what can you do to avoid it? You keep your nails neat.
Long nails can even reduce traction in a dog, causing deformed feet and injuring the tendons over time. The pressure exerted by the dog’s long nails on the ground exerts a force on his foot and leg structure.