Ever wondered how and how often you should trim your dog’s nails ? Dogs’ toenails grow just like humans’: at different rates. Knowing when and how to trim your dog’s nails is simply a matter of attention and practice.
Tips on Trimming Dog Nails
Though dog grooming is a popular service, you can easily trim your dog’s nails at home. Follow these tips and you will be succesfull in trimming your dog’s nails:
Dog Nail Clippers
The first thing that you’ll need is a good set of dog nail clippers. Dog nail clippers come in a scissor style and a guillotine style. The scissor style is more comfortable for your pet and easier to use. You’ll need to replace these dog nail clippers when they become dull.
Frequency of Trimming your Dog’s Nails
Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed every four to six weeks. Trimming your dog’s nails frequently will allow you to keep them as short as possible. When nails are trimmed, the quick retreats, allowing you to keep your dog’s nails short. When you see your dog’s nails turning into points, it’s time to trim them. How Often Does My Dog Need Grooming? For more tips on cat and dog grooming visit: cat and dog grooming.
What to Do if You Hit the Quick Many dog owners are hesitant to trim their dog’s toenails, particularly if the nails are black. If you take your time, trimming off small slices, you’re less likely to cut into the blood vessel. Should you hit the quick of your dog’s nail, dip the nail into styptic powder, corn starch or flour; any of these will clot the blood and stop the flow.
File Your Dog’s Nails
If your dog doesn’t mind noise, grinding the nails can keep them short and smooth. A Dremel can be purchased at your local home improvement or big box store. If you decide to file your dog’s nails with one of these tools, hold the grinder to your dog’s nail for no more than two seconds. This will prevent the nail from getting hot and uncomfortable, and you can always return to any nail that isn’t short enough.
Frightened Dogs during Trimming
If you begin trimming your dog’s nails when it is a puppy, you’ll often have very little difficulty in trimming. If you do have a fearful dog on your hands, it may be a better idea to leave the trimming to a professional. Most veterinarians and grooming facilities offer this service for a charge. These professionals know how to deal with frightened pets, making the process safer and less stressful for your dog.
Keep an eye on your dog’s toenails to determine how often they’ll need to be trimmed. Daily walks on concrete and exercise can help to keep your dog’s nails short and smooth. If you are just learning how to trim your dog’s nails, take your time; it’s not as difficult a job as you may think. Find more tips on how to trim your dog’s nails here.