Is it safe to clip your dog’s nails? Here’s What to Expect

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2 Ease Your Dog Into It

If youve never trimmed your dogs nails before, start small with these steps:

  • Let your dog sniff the nail clippers or grinder, then reward them with a treat.
  • Turn on the nail grinder or cut a dry spaghetti noodle to get your dog used to the sound the tool makes, then reward them.
  • Cut one nail and give your dog a treat.
  • Only do one nail a day at first until your dog gets used to it. Gradually start doing more nails at each sitting until your dog holds still for all four paws.

    • Step-by-step instructions for dog nail trimming

  • Dog nail clippers/scissors/grinder
  • Flashlight (for dark nails)
  • Optional: Paw balsam

    • When everything is ready, get your dog comfortable and you’re good to go. If your dog is a bit nervous, calm them with biscuits or extra cuddles. This will give them a sense of security while you begin cutting.

    Be extra careful when deciding where to cut, as dog nails are supplied with blood. An accidental clip in the wrong spot could lead to a lot of pain. It’s easier to find the right range for dogs with clear or light colored nails, while it can be a bit trickier with dark nails. Luckily, a flashlight can help you better see the blood supply area.

    Remember these 3 tips and you’ll be fine:

  • The perfect cutting range ends right before the blood supply.
  • Front paws are more likely to get overgrown nails.
  • You should always cut parallel to the bottom.

    • Defined the cutting range? Good! Your dog is (ideally) in a relaxed position. You have your equipment ready. It’s time to start trimming your dogs nails!

    Is it safe to clip your dog’s nails?

    Trim by taking small steps at a time, and use rewards to keep your dog comfortable if needed. If there’s no blood at the end of the whole process and your dog behaves like nothing has happened, you’ve done everything right!

    Moreover, once you’re done cutting, you can soften the skin around the nails with some paw balsam. It’s optional, but can be comforting for your pup. Trim the hair between the paws for perfect results.

    Don’t forget to reward your dog afterward! Only by doing so, your dog can associate the “unpleasant procedure” of nail trimming with something positive and this can reduce the fear. Who would say no to a reward just because of a little nail trimming?!

    How often to trim dog nails?

    It depends; dogs who are used to walking on soft ground (like parks or forests) can have a harder time controlling the length of their nails, compared to dogs who walk on hard ground (concrete or asphalt). Moreover, that’s not the only factor at play. Dog nail cutting requirements are also affected by:

  • Genetic factors
  • Dog breed
  • Feeding habits
  • How active your dog is

    • However, we’d recommend cutting your dog’s nails every 2 weeks to maintain ideal nail length. Furthermore, the more you trim their overgrown nails, the more the blood vessel will retreat back into the claw. Therefore, frequent dog nail trimming is highly essential.

    How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails at Home STEP BY STEP WITH TIPS

    A solid pet-grooming schedule includes more than just bathing and brushing your pet. To protect both the owner and animal, nails/claws should be clipped regularly. Trimmed nails are a clear sign of your pet’s health and hygiene. For squeamish owners, vet offices and professional groomers will perform the task, but nail trimming is a simple procedure if done correctly.

    Since nail trimming can cause anxiety for many pets, it is advised that owners handle their pet’s feet and trim their nails from an early age so that they become accustomed to the process.