Clipping dog nails is an important part of dog care. Remember, dog nails should always be treated for cleanliness and health. The thing is, clipping nails can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many dogs.
Therefore, start holding their feet and cutting their nails when they are young. The goal is that they are familiar with these activities. Then, how do you cut a dog’s nails properly and safely? Well, here are some tips that you can try.
Choose the Right Nail Clipper
How to cut dog nails starts with choosing the right nail clippers. There are two basic styles of nail clippers for dogs, the scissors type and the guillotine type. Both can be used to trim dog nails, so choose the design you like best.
If your dog finds both types of scissors intolerable, another alternative is a nail grinder. This tool offers great control, but takes longer than scissors and some people (and dogs) find the sound and vibrations unpleasant. You can also ask your vet for advice on what kind of nail clippers are best for your beloved dog, and how to use them properly.
Give lots of compliments and snacks
Some dogs don’t like touching their feet, so it’s best to get in the habit of trimming their nails as a child. Now, to help dogs with sensitive feet, make sure to give them lots of compliments and treats.
In addition, you can also try massaging their feet regularly so they feel more comfortable when you cut their nails.
Careful When Cutting It
Start by stretching the dog’s legs to check for dirt on its nails. Then, take your dog’s toes and grasp it firmly, but gently. Then, take the nail clipper and cut the nail from top to bottom at a slight angle, not side to side.
Then, thread the nails through the trimming holes to trim the ends of each nail. Don’t trim at an obtuse angle to keep the existing curvature of the nail. After trimming your nails, use a special dog sandpaper (nail file) to smooth out any rough edges.
Do not panic when injured
There are times when clipping a dog’s nails doesn’t go as expected. It is possible for your dog to get hurt when you mistakenly or are inaccurate when cutting its nails. Then, how to deal with injured dog nails or fingers when you cut their nails?
In this condition, your beloved dog may yelp and may struggle. This is the time to end your nail cutting session. After that try applying styptic powder specifically for dogs or corn starch (corn starch) to the end of the bleeding nail. Next, apply a little pressure as you press the powder into the wound to make sure it sticks.
Remember, if the bleeding continues for more than a few minutes, put a bandage or cloth over it. Then, take your beloved dog to the nearest vet. The goal is to get the right treatment, and check the possibility of blood clotting disorders.