What Do You Need To Know About Dog Nail Trimming Techniques?

Take the challenge out of Dog Nail Trimming by learning these all-important dog grooming basics.

This article gives the answers you've been looking for.

Answers to the most common dog nail trimming questions about dog nail clippers and how to use them without it resulting in dog health problems or injuries.

Get great tips on the proper equipment and techniques that will give you the advantage to master this simple dog grooming necessity.

Whether you use dog nail clippers or prefer the more recent dog nail grinder, just follow these simple dog nail trimming rules and get the job done like a pro.

So... You Have Some Questions
About Dog Nail Trimming?

What Tools Do I Need To Trim My Dog’s Nails?

Why Do My Dog’s Nails Need To Be Trimmed Regularly?

How Do I Know When My Dog’s Nails Need To Be Trimmed?

When Should I Start Trimming My Dog’s Nails?

How Can I Cut My Dog’s Nails When He Doesn’t Like His Feet Touched?

Will My Dog Ever Adjust To Getting Her Nails Trimmed?

What Is The Quick And What Do I Need To Know About It?

Help, I’ve Cut My Dog’s Nail Too Short And Now My Dog Is Bleeding! What Do I Do Now?

If My Dog’s Nails Are Over Grown How Can Nail Trimming Get Them Back To A Healthy Length?

How Do YOU Tolerate Tricky Dog Nail Trimming?

What Dog Nail Trimming Story Do YOU Want To File?

Is Dog Nail Trimming Painful To My Dog?

Dog nail trimming is not painful if you use a sharp nail trimmer and don’t clip the nails too short.

Dull dog nail clippers can put a lot of pressure on your dog's toenail before it actually cuts through the nail. If this happens your dog may feel an uncomfortable pinching sensation.

This is because the vein in the toenail is being squeezed and depending on the dog nail trimming tool you choose it may affect your pet's experience.

To avoid this always make sure that you're using a sharp pet nail trimmer or try using a pet nail grinder.

What Tools Do I Need
To Trim My Dog’s Nails?

You'll want to have a sharp clipper designed for dog nail trimming.

Dogs come in all sizes - so choose a dog nail clipper that’s right for the size of your pet’s nails.

The Most Common Types Of Dog Nail clippers

You'll want to look all three of these styles over to find the best fit for "your" dog.

These Guillotine Style Dog Nail Trimmers require that the dog’s nail be inserted through a hole in the top of the trimmer.

As the handles are squeezed together the blade comes down and cuts through the nail.

Many people find guillotine style clippers more difficult to use on large breed dogs.

Thicker nails can be more difficult to insert into the guide hole in the nail clipper.

These dog nail clippers have a cutting blade that must be changed frequently to maintain a nice clean cut.

Dog nail trimming is a lot easier when the blades are sharp.

While these Pliers Style Dog Nail Trimmers work similar to pruning shears.

The two notched blades surround and cut through your pet's nail as the handles are squeezed together.

Some people like this style because they can see exactly where the blade will cut through the nail.

If you have a large dog this type of trimmer works great on thick nails.

Just make sure to select heavy-duty dog nail clippers designed specifically to cut through the thick toenails of your large breed dog.

Pliers style trimmers are available for small, medium and large dogs. These dog nail trimmers don’t have blades that need to be replaced but they do need to be sharpened when they become dull.

If you have a large breed dog make sure you look at the Millers Forge Pliers Style Dog Clippers for large dogs. They're definitely worth paying a little more for.

And Scissor Style Dog Nail Trimmers work just like a pair of scissors. The two scissor-like notched blades surround and cut through the nail as the handles are closed.

These clippers are for light duty jobs only. These are not actually dog nail trimmers. They are best used for cats, birds and other small animals.

Lots of people use them on small dogs. If you'd like to check them out remember they're often labeled Cat/Bird Claw Clippers.

The style you choose for your dog nail trimming needs is a matter of personal preference. If the clipper is the correct size it will get the job done.

Just remember to keep your nail trimmer sharp so that it makes a fast clean cut. Dull dog nail clippers can pinch the nail, which will result in discomfort to your dog.

It can be a real challenge for your dog to hold still if a dull blade is causing discomfort.

Dog nail trimming is sooo... much better for you and your dog when the blades are kept sharp.

Dog Nail Trimming Accessories

In addition to good quality nail trimmers, it is also recommended to get a Pet Nail File or Pet Nail Grinder.

You’ll find that it is much easier to file down any rough edges with a nail file that has been designed for the shape of your dog’s nails.

Next on the list of supplies you should have is Styptic Powder.

It’s always a good idea to have it on hand for those occasional mishaps.

A dog nail clipped too short tends to bleed a lot. Applying some styptic powder will help stop the bleeding.

Finally, keep plenty of dog treats on hand to b>reward good behavior. You can also use dog treats to distract your pet during dog nail trimming. Treats work great to draw a dog's attention away from a bleeding nail.

Why Do My Dog’s Nails Need
To Be Trimmed Regularly?

When a dog’s nails become too long they interfere with the dog’s gait and... as the nails continue to grow, walking will become awkward and painful.

Untrimmed nails can also split resulting in a great deal of pain, bleeding, and a trip to the veterinarian’s office.

In severe cases a dog’s nails can curl under and grow into the pad of the dog’s paw causing a very serious and painful infection.

These types of ingrown nail problems are most common on the dewclaws. The dewclaws are the nails located on the inside of the paw.

Many breeders have the dewclaws removed shortly after puppies are born, so not all dogs will have dewclaws. If your dog has them... remember to include them in your dog nail trimming routine.

These nails don’t touch the ground, so they don’t wear down as fast as the others as your dog walks on rough surfaces. Trimming your dog's nails regularly will easily prevent these problems.

How Do I Know When My Dog’s
Nails Need To Be Trimmed?

When your dog’s nails are beginning to curve is one indication that your dog’s nails need a trim.

And if you hear a clicking or tapping sound as your dog walks across a bare floor it’s definitely time for a nail trimming.

But it is best not to wait that long – once or twice a month is usually a good rule of thumb for dog nail trimming.

If you let your dog’s nails grow too long then it could take some time to get them back to a healthy length again.

Regularly trimming the tips of your dog’s nails is the best approach.

Some dogs walk and run on rough surfaces and are able to wear down their nails, but most dogs will need some help.

You will get to know how fast your dog’s nails grow if you routinely inspect your pet’s nails. Even if you don’t actually trim them each time, regular inspection will help assure that your dog’s feet stay healthy.

So, make nail inspection and dog nail trimming an important part of your dog’s routine grooming.

When Should I Start Trimming
My Dog’s Nails?

If you’re starting with a puppy the answer is as soon as you bring your new puppy home.

If you have an adult or an older dog the answer is pretty much the same – right now.

If you start early it probably will not take too long for your puppy to adjust to a dog nail trimming routine. Make a habit of handling your puppy’s feet everyday. Dog nail trimming will be much easier if your puppy doesn’t mind having his feet handled.

Adult dogs, just like people, are usually set in their ways. So if your adult dog initially resists getting his nails trimmed you will most likely need to spend a lot more time getting him used to the procedure.

As with a puppy, it’s a good idea to start getting your dog used to having his feet handled before you attempt to clip your dog’s nails.

Be very patient and don’t rush into the procedure. Bring out the clipping tools ahead of time and let your dog become familiar with them.

It is important that you remain calm. If you’re nervous, your dog will sense it and associate fear or uncertainty with dog nail trimming.

If your dog is nervous... use gentle reassurance, but don’t coddle your dog. Let your dog know that you expect him to behave, but don’t push it too far. If your dog can only manage one toenail that’s all right. Just be persistent and try for another nail at another time.

And always remember to reward good behavior with your dog's favorite treat.

How Can I Clip My Dog’s Nails When
He Doesn’t Like His Feet Touched?

Have patience and start working on

Try gently touching one foot while your dog is asleep. If your dog wakes up be very casual about it. Just remove your hand and act as if you didn’t even notice that you were touching his paw.

Anytime your dog resists... don’t react. Just ignore the fact that you were even holding his paw and try again another time.

Repeat this process and over time your dog will adjust to having his feet handled and you should even be able to start touching individual toes without an adverse reaction.

Whenever your dog allows you to touch his feet always remember to praise your dog and give him a dog treat. Your dog will begin to associate having his feet handled with a pleasant experience.

Bring out the nail clippers when your dog is very comfortable with you handling his feet and you are confident that you have gained your dog’s trust.

Will My Dog Ever Adjust To
Getting Her Nails Trimmed?

Many dogs may never like to get their nails trimmed, but if done regularly... over time, dogs can learn to sit through this routine grooming procedure.

Other dogs may never sit still. If you can’t get your dog to sit still you may need to recruit the help of another person to hold your dog while you trim her nails.

While some dogs can be distracted by dog treats alone, others may have to be held.

If you know that your dog tends to bite when stressed out, for safety sake you should muzzle your pet before you begin a dog nail trimming procedure.

If the task of trimming your dog’s nails proves to be too much, find a professional dog groomer or veterinarian for this part of your dog’s routine grooming.

If you can’t get your dog to cooperate it’s better that your dog doesn’t associate you with this negative experience.

If you know that your dog tends to react in an aggressive manner, be sure to let your groomer know what to expect so that the necessary safety precautions can be taken before they begin a dog nail trimming session.

What Is The Quick And
What Do I Need To Know About It?

The quick is the living part of a dog’s nail and has blood vessels running throughout.

Cutting into the quick during dog nail trimming is painful for your dog and will result in bleeding.

If your dog has light colored nails your job will be easier since you will be able to see the quick. It will be impossible to see the quick if your dog’s nails are black or dark in color.

If your dog has at least one light colored nail you can usually use that nail as a guide for the others.

If dog nail trimming is completely new to you, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to trim your dog’s nails or consult a good dog care book.Another important fact to note is that the quick grows with the nail. As a dog’s nails grow longer the quick will also lengthen.

So if your dog’s nails are over grown you will not be able to clip the nails to the desired length without cutting into the quick.

You will need to trim the tips of your dog’s nails often and over time the quick will shorten.

To avoid cutting into the quick you’ll want to start by trimming small pieces of the nail until you get the hang of it.

Help, I’ve Cut My Dog’s Nail Too Short And
Now My Dog Is Bleeding! What Do I Do Now?

Don’t panic. Your dog is in a little pain but the prognosis is good – your dog will live!

You’ve cut into the quick, the blood-filled tissue in your dog’s nail.

To stop the bleeding take a pinch of styptic powder and press it against the bleeding toenail. Now give your dog lots of treats. The nail should stop bleeding in about 5-10 minutes.

Try not to baby your dog too much. You don’t want to bring a lot of unnecessary attention to the injured nail.

You’ll be surprised at how easily your dog will be distracted by the dog treats if you’re not making a big deal out of the bleeding toenail.

So just stay calm and upbeat and you may be able to finish your dog nail trimming task. If your dog is calm and enjoying the treats it's best to continue trimming.

If you didn’t finish with the paw that you were working on you may want to continue on another paw and come back to that one after you have finished the rest.

If your dog is too excited you may need to try again at a later time. Don’t be discouraged, even professional dog groomers occasionally cut into the quick.

If My Dog’s Nails Are Over Grown
How Can Dog Nail Trimming
Get Them Back To A Healthy Length?

You will need to trim your

Start by clipping very small pieces of the nail tip until you can see a dark, round, kind of moist looking disk appear in the middle of the nail.

This means you’re approaching the quick and the nail will bleed if you cut it any shorter.

Try trimming this far every week or two and the quick will gradually recede. Over time the length of the nail can be shortened.

Cutting into the quick to shorten a dog’s over grown nails could lead to an infection. If your dog’s nails are extremely over grown and this condition is causing health issues consult your veterinarian immediately.

How Do YOU Tolerate Tricky
Dog Nail Trimming?

What's that darn clicking noise! Could it be your dog's nine inch nails? Whats a dog owner to do?

We all know that it almost takes the patience of a saint to train your dog to tolerate dog nail trimming. Especially if you don't get around to it as often as you'd like.

You remember last time you tried to cut those sabers down to a reasonable size!

It seems even the most loving and docile of pet dogs can channel the "werewolf within" when facing the fear and anguish associated with dog nail trimming.

Share your dog nail trimming success and horror stories (and photos if you like) with Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com's community of dog enthusiasts.

We will create your own personal story page on our website for you to share and show to your family, friends and our whole dog community.

Maybe you have a special technique for using a dog nail grinder, or if you have a question (or answer) about dog nail trimming - we're all eager to hear what you have to say.

What Nail Trimming Story
Do YOU Want To File?

Just fill out the easy form (and Free, of course) to start the ball rolling so we can all share YOUR story.

Click on the links below to read what other Dog Owners from our Community have shared about THEIR dog nail trimming experiences. As this forum grows you're sure to find a potpourri of helpful tips… product reviews… requests for help… heart warming stories and down right funny antics!