The blog explains how dog owners and their pets can experience a hassle-free way to care for their dogs’ nails. Beginners can use the guide to learn how to trim, even if they don’t have any prior experience.
Dog grooming is a must if you want your pet to enjoy a happy and healthy life. Regular grooming in pets allows highlighting any underlying conditions at an early stage. Grooming a dog involves trimming nails which is not a pleasant task for many and is not enjoyed by many pets. However, it is essential for a dog’s good health and hygiene, reducing the risk of injury. Some professionals can help in this process. One can also do it on his own with little training and proper guidance.
Why trimming?
Regular trimming helps in reducing injury to a great extent. It also helps aging dogs with joint-related problems. In young dogs, it prevents the growth of ingrown nails. Indoor dogs do not get the natural filing as compared to dogs living in natural surroundings. As a result, they tend to lay their weight on their nails, resulting in the breakage of nails and a painful posture. Hence, frequent dog nail trimming is essential.
When is the right time for trimming?
Once you hear the clicking sound of nails on a hard surface, that’s a sure sign your dog needs a trim. Sometimes their nails turn sideways, which makes it difficult to sit or walk. A dog also tends to lick or chew its paws when nails overgrow. It differs from breed to breed and how active a dog is. It is advisable to cut nails every two weeks.
Seeking professional help
You don’t need to worry if you are hesitant to do it on your own; there is an industry that offers both salon and home services. It takes patience to groom your dog. Dogs with behavioral issues can give their owners a hard time. It is strongly recommended to seek professional assistance in such cases. The professionals are equipped with the right tools.
Can I do it on my own?
Nail trimming can be done by dog owners, too, if proper steps are followed. Although it is an anxiety-provoking experience for the furry ones, one needs the patience to make it a hassle-free process. The dog has to be comfortable with the process. It should be handled gently and should be rewarded with its favorite treat to keep it distracted. One should use dog-friendly clippers that work best for your dogs.
How to trim?
- It is always advisable to learn the correct technique from your vet or an experienced groomer before you start doing it yourself. For beginners, it is important to handle the tools properly. There are different types of clippers available for the trimming process-scissor style clippers, grinders, and guillotines. For small dogs, one can use scissor-style clippers. Guillotines are useful for large dogs.
- Give a little touch with clippers and touch the paws gently. Take baby steps while introducing your dog with the trimmer. Always start slow. It is always advised to build your trust first with your dog. One foot or sometimes one nail a day will still count as progress.
- Just trim the tip of the nail first. It is best to clip the nails after a bath as the nails are soft to cut. Place your dog on a table, drape your arms and upper body over your dog. Having help around is beneficial. Pick up a paw, push the fur back and gently start with just taking the tips off.
- In the case of puppies, hold them in your lap as they can’t stay still for a long time. Slowly cut the tip. If it becomes difficult to handle them, try filing their nails on the first day and continue with the next day. It is useful to teach the ritual at an early stage so that puppies get accustomed to it.
- Dog’s nails consist of blood vessels that can bleed, so one must be careful not to cut through them. The blood vessels are known as quick and can be visible through light- colored nails. But with black nails locating the quick from the outside is difficult. Therefore, one should chip the nail slowly and avoid cutting it quickly.
- Remain calm if you accidentally cut into your dog’s quick. To stop bleeding in case, you cut the nail too short, use styptic powder to clot blood. Ice cubes can also be used. Finally, clean the wound so no dirt enters it.
- Treat plays an important role here. Letting them lick their favorite peanut butter or any other treat makes trimming a stress-free activity. Keep rewarding while touching the paw.
- For aggressive dogs, one can use muzzles too. It protects the owner from any bite or sudden violent behavior. In case you cut the nail too short and are bleeding profusely, contact a veterinarian.
Grooming is a bonding experience between dogs and their owners. Every dog has to go through nail trimming. With proper tips and guidance, you can handle your pet on your own.
