Whether your dog is an active puppy or an adult dog, they practically certainly need to have their nails cut. Nevertheless, keeping an eye on your dog's nails and being ready to clip them when needed is a great idea!
Hard surfaces like pavement can naturally wear down your dog's nails while you go walking together, leaving you with very little labor to do. But if your dog doesn't take care of their nails, they could break, bleed, and even grow under their feet, which would be very uncomfortable for them. Walking on growing dog nails can hurt your older pet if they have arthritis in their feet.
Therefore, what should you watch out for? The most obvious indication that your dog needs to get their nails clipped is if they make a "click-click-click" sound when they walk around hard surfaces. Dog nail trimming is quite easy, but it's important that you understand how to do it properly to prevent hurting or damaging your dog, which is something that may easily happen by accident. Before trying to clip your dog's claws at home, always consult your veterinarian or veterinary nurse to make the process smoother and more relaxing for both you and your dog.
What is the guide for cutting dog nails?
It can be an unusual experience for either of you if the dog has never had their nails cut or if you have never done it yourself! But you'll be done quickly if you plan ahead, keep the dog calm, and adhere to these easy instructions. Of course, your veterinarian will be pleased to assist if you're still unsure.
1 - Prior to beginning
1: It's okay to ask your veterinarian to clip your dog's nails if he seems anxious, agitated, or unhappy about the process, or if he even tries to bite you.
2: There are clinics at most veterinary practices where canine nail clipping may be done quickly and affordably. This relieves your tension and gives you peace of mind that your dog is in capable hands.
3: This is particularly true if you are alone and his nails are extremely overgrown or growing into the pad. Anyone can find it difficult when they try something new on their own!
2 - Nail clipping for your dog
1: Have you had instructions from a veterinarian or veterinary nurse? You're all set to go! First things first, make sure the dog nail clippers you get from your veterinarian or groomer are the right kind.
2: To make the task as simple as possible, only use nail trimmers made especially for pets, and make sure that they're sharp and well-maintained.
3: Depending on your dog's size, you can either sit on the ground beside him or on your lap; he will find the proximity comforting and useful.
4: To assist, ask friends or relatives to cradle your dog's head and offer comfort. He may not like having his nails cut, but he'll undoubtedly appreciate the attention!
5: To make your dog's nails protrude, firmly grasp his or her paws and gently press on the pads.
6: With the nail clipper cutting end facing the nail, begin at the very tip of the nail and trim at a 45-degree angle.
3 - Dog nails that are dark
If your dog has dark nails, you should clip very small pieces off the tip because it's easy to inadvertently harm the "quick" or delicate portion of the nail. The moment you notice a black dot in the middle of his nail, you have cut through to the quick and need to stop immediately. Once more, determining how much nail to cut off can be assisted by your veterinarian or veterinary nurse.
4 - Dog nails in white
Again, be very careful not to pick the pink area on white canine nails, as this is where the quick is located (you cannot see it on black nails). The quick is made up of blood vessels and nerves that bleed readily if cut.
How often should the nails of your dog be trimmed?
If dog nail trimming is required at all, it should ideally be done once a week, but it should be done no less than twice a month, depending on your dog's needs and how frequently you walk your dog on the road. Removing tiny sections frequently is preferable to removing large portions infrequently. Read This: Typical Dogs Claw and Nail Disorders
How to treat a dog with bleeding nails
1: Keep cotton wool balls and silver nitrate sticks (available from your veterinarian) close by in case you unintentionally nick the dog's nail.
2: Don't panic if it does and it bleeds; anything may happen to anyone. Gently place the silver nitrate on the claw's tip and gently crush it with a ball of cotton wool for a brief period of time.
3: For more assistance with trimming your dog's nails, get in touch with your veterinarian right away if the bleeding doesn't stop.
4: If necessary, ask your assistant to hold the dog because silver nitrate might sting.
What are some tips and methods for trimming dog nails that work the best?
1: The nail on your dog's inside leg is called a dew claw, so don't forget to clip it. These nails resemble an ingrown toenail in dogs in that they grow towards the soft tissue if left untrimmed.
2: Don't worry if you're still a little intimidated. It gets easier the more frequently you cut them.
3: Start teaching your dog how to cut his nails at a young age to help him become accustomed to having his feet handled. It's also an enjoyable activity for the two of you to do. To engage in "pretend trimming," touch your dog's feet and then give him his favorite treat.
4: Always remember to give your dog a reward after clipping their nails to ensure a happy encounter.
5: Need a different approach for younger or older dogs? Puppies or older pets with brittle nails can have their soft toenails filed with a regular nail file because they're less likely to result in pain or bleeding.
6: In addition to checking your dog's nails, examine his paw pads for any injuries or foreign objects. Since grass seeds can become stuck in between a dog's toes, they are a regular source of bother for certain canines during the summer.
7: As always, call your veterinarian if you see anything strange. You should also look for any indications of pain in between his toes. Read This: How can you trim a dog's nails peacefully?
Related Post: