Pet Pedicure!
Trim the pointies and do it right
Trimming your dog’s nails
Don’t we all sweat at the mere thought of trimming our dog’s nails? No matter how hard we try to do it right, dogs hardly ever like it. In fact most dogs are reluctant to have their feet touched, let alone nail trimming. Although it can seem daunting, nail trimming is an important part of a regular grooming routine. And if you keep a few guidelines in mind and maintain a consistent schedule, nail trimming doesn’t have to become a stressful chore.
You probably have some questions that need to be answered before we begin.
Here are some common ones:
Why should I trim my dog’s nails?
Dog nails are constantly growing. Dogs can wear them down naturally by walking on pavement, gravel or concrete. However, the majority of today's dogs live indoors and don't spend enough time on these surfaces to keep the nails short. If left to grow, some dog’s nails curl and hurt their paws. Long nails make it difficult for dogs to walk, especially on slick surfaces. They also catch on something easily and get partially torn or split. This will most definitely be very painful for your dog and end up in a vet’s office.
How Often Do I Need to Trim My Dog's Nails?
This depends on your dog. The rate of nail growth versus the amount of natural wear can vary from dog to dog. A good rule of thumb is to trim your dog's nails if they touch the floor when he/she is standing. In general, most dogs will need a nail trim every month or two. The front nails tend to grow faster that the rear nails, so you may only need to trim the rear nails every other time you do the front (or just trim a smaller amount off the rear nails each time).
How Soon Should I Begin Trimming My New Dog or Puppy's Nails?
Right away! You should begin handling your dog's paws from the moment you bring him home. He should get used to the sensation and associate it with a positive experience (treats, toys, attention). Just remember NOT to rush this process. Most dogs will not obey instantly, so be very patient and remember to NEVER manhandle your dog. NO scolding or intimidating him. If you do, it will be more difficult to trim his nails in the future.
Alright now that this is covered, let’s begin......
A dog's nail consists of a hard outer shell and a soft cuticle in the center consisting of nerve and blood vessel. The cuticle is typically referred to as the "quick" of the nail. If the quick is cut, the nail will bleed and the dog will feel pain.
Some dogs have light nails which enable us to see the quick, but many dogs have black or d