Hey Guys!
Todays post as you can see from the title is about dog nail clipping! I am going to be explaining how to do it, why a dog owner should do it, safety procedures and nail filing!
The importance of clipping a dogs nails
Trimming a dogs nails isn't necessary for all breeds of dogs, some dogs will need it more or less than others. If you have a indoor dog, they have a increased need of getting their claws cut, however it you have a outdoor dog this is less likely. Some breeds are known for having fast growing nails such as the basset hound and dachshunds so they will need theirs done more frequently. If a dogs claws are not trimmed, it could lead to in growing into the dogs paw pads and these could lead to a number of different problems, such as the dog limping and getting infections.
When cutting your dogs nails you will need;
· Guillotine-type nail clippers
· nail files
· Scissor type nail clippers
· Styptic powder
How to do it!
Grasp the dogs foot from the ankle up in the palm of your hand , grip it firmly but gently. Ensure that you do this in a position which allows your hand to be facing in the same direction of the paw, ensuring it is away from the dog. Never hold the paw in-between the pads as it will tickle the dog and they could jerk away.
Stabilize the nail to cut– Gently wrap your fingers under the pads as you use your thumb to stabilize from the top of the claw which you are working on,
Identify the quick– If the dogs nails you are cutting are white, it will be easier for you to see the red quick in the middle of the nail. With dark nails, ensure you are careful not to cut the quick as it will cause bleeding, so do it little by little to decrease your chances.
Tip the nails for the beginning– do this if the dogs claws are unusually long or if it is the first tine you have done this. Tipping the nail would involve stabilizing the guide protein of the clippers to the surface of the dogs nail and taking a thin saving of the nail off with the blade.
Cut the nail- When ready to cut the nail-, look at its shape. You will be able to see that the bottom of the nail is straight until it curves sharply at the tip. Using the clippers, cut the tip by continuing the straight line. However ensure the quick isn't damaged.
Filing the nail
Simply use the original technique to grasp the paw and hold it away from the dog. Get the nail file and simply file away any edges from the dogs nails to stop them from getting themselves. File as you would if you were filing your own nails.
If injury occurs (if the quick is cut-take control)
Stem the bleeding– use the styptic powder and place it at the end of the nail. Use the original grasping technique and press the powder to the end of the nail until the bleeding stops.
If your dog has dark coloured nails– try lighting a torch underneath them! This will show exactly where the dogs quick is!
Safety Procedures!
-Always ensure before clipping the dogs nails you have all the equipment ready!
-Always ensure you can perfectly see the nail before cutting!
-Always remember the dew claw!
-Don’t clip the pink part of the nail as it can cause bleeding!
-If the nail is still bleeding after half an hour-please see a veterinarian!
-If your dog really doesn't like you cutting their claws take them to be professionally done (by a vet or groomer) because it is less traumatic for them.
-If you are worried about the first time cutting your dogs nails go and see a professional most of the time they will be more than happy to help!
Thank you so much for reading this! Stay tuned for the next blog post!
Love Sam&Pepper xoxoxo
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