How To Clip a Dog

Not all dog breeds have long nails. The rate of growth of nails in some breeds is higher than that of other breeds. Usually smaller breeds have nails that are shorter and often grow at a slower rate than that of larger breeds. So, smaller breeds require far less clipping than that of larger breeds. In some larger breeds like German Shepherd and Husky, the dewclaws grow longer which makes your dog uncomfortable to walk and play in the outdoors. So, if you own a large breed then you must be extra cautious about your dog's nails.

Clipping a dog's nail can be a gruesome and nervous task to many dog owners. Dogs too find it hard and stressful to let the owner clip its nails because they are not used to getting clipped their nails too often. People prefer taking their pets to an experienced veterinarian but if you follow these steps you will save few bucks and a lot of time and get your dog's nails trimmed at the same time.

How to clip a dog

1.Use nail clippers made for dogs. Dogs have straw like tough nails but we have soft and flat ones. So, human nail clippers don't just work well with dog's nails and you might end up breaking the nails. You can use guillotine type or scissor type nail clippers for trimming your dog's nails.

2.Train your dog. Start at early age and teach your dog not to panic and get nervous while clipping its nails. For a new dog do not try to trim its nails on the very first day. Take time and make him comfortable first while you touch his paws. Reward him with treats if he lets you touch his paws. Later spread his toes then touch his nails and comfort him. Give him treats for his positive behavior. Put the clippers in the cutting position to let your dog get used to its feel. Continue this for couple of minutes for 1-2 days.

3.Calm down your dog. When your dog gets used to all the procedures mentioned above then put him in a relaxed position. Make him comfortable and reward him with treats.

4.Start with dewclaws. Locate the dewclaws which are the remnants of 5th toes. Put the nail clipper perpendicular to the dewclaw and clip it approximately 2 mm away from the quick. Quicks are the blood vessels that are light pink in color.

4.Clip off the remaining nails. Hold his paws and spread the toes. Pick a nail you want to start with and put the nail clipper perpendicular to the nail and trim the nails approximately 2 mm away from the quick. Clip other nails in the same manner.

5.Reward and praise your dog. If all things go well then praise your dog with encouraging words like "Good boy !!" and reward him with treats. So, that he gets encouraged next time you clip his nails.

In case you cut the nails too short and it starts to bleed. Calm down your dog and give him treats. Apply clotting powder over the bleeding area which should stop the bleeding. Try next day following the same procedures.

So, this is how you clip a dog's nail. Happy trimming folks !!