Why and how often
Overgrown nails change the way a dog sets its paws down: it starts to slip, nails can split or grow into the pads, and in time the joints take the strain. It is time to trim when you hear the nails clicking on the floor.
How many times a month depends on the dog: one that walks a lot on pavement wears its nails down by itself, while a small dog that lives mostly indoors hardly does. Do not forget the dewclaw on the inside of the paw: it never touches the ground and grows the longest.
What you need
- Nail clippers or a guillotine trimmer sized for your dog Grooming
- A nail file or grinder to smooth sharp edges Grooming
- Treats as a reward Treats
- Good light and a clean, dry towel
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Step by step
- Get your dog used to it first For a few days, simply touch the paws, gently press the toes and show the clippers, then give a treat. Your dog needs to learn that having its paws handled is nothing to fear.
- Pick a calm time and place Trim after a walk, when the dog is tired and settled, somewhere with good light. A small dog is easiest on your lap, a large one lying on its side.
- Find the quick Inside each nail are blood vessels and nerves, called the quick. In a pale nail this pink part shows; in a dark nail it does not, so trim dark nails a very thin slice at a time and stop when you see a darker, moist dot in the middle of the cut.
- Trim only the tip Hold the toe firmly but gently and cut off only the curved tip, holding the clippers at a slight angle. Little and often is better than too much at once.
- Smooth the edges File or grind down the sharp edges so the nails do not snag on carpets and clothes.
- Praise and take breaks After each nail or paw, praise your dog and give a treat. If it gets anxious, stop and do the rest another day.
When to stop and see a vet
Stop if your dog struggles hard or tries to bite: forcing it only makes it more afraid, and a vet or groomer can trim the nails safely. See a vet if a nail is split or broken right down to the base, the bleeding from a nail does not stop, a nail has grown into the pad, the skin around a nail is swollen or oozing, or your dog is limping.