For many pet owners, trimming their dog’s nails is one of the most difficult grooming tasks of all. While some dogs tolerate having their nails trimmed without much fuss, others will scratch and fight when you approach them with clippers in hand. However, getting it right is important for both your pet and yourself – overgrown nails can make walking painful for the animal. They may also accidentally tear up carpets or furniture when excited. It’s not uncommon for people to make mistakes when trimming their dog’s nails. The more you know before you start, the more successful the process will be. This article will walk you through some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Trimming too far and hitting nerves
It is important to use the least amount of pressure possible when trimming nails. Carefully follow the natural shape of the nail without trimming too close to the quick. The quick is the soft pink tissue of the nail and is filled with nerves. Cutting too close to the quick could be painful for your dog and may cause his nails to bleed and become infected.
- Using the wrong type of clippers or grinders
All three types of nail clippers; the scissors, the guillotine, and the pliers-style can be uncomfortable for your pup. It’s important not to use clippers or scissors, as these often cause the nail to shatter into sharp pieces that could cause injury.
If your dog is having a hard time with his nails, you could try to trim his nails naturally by using a nail file to gently scrape away any excess length.
- Not moisturizing beforehand
Always be sure to moisturize your dog’s nails after trimming to keep his nails looking as clean as possible. Using a nail polish remover or petroleum jelly can help keep your pet’s nails looking neat.
- Not trimming often enough
It is important to trim your dog’s nails every 2-4 weeks. If you don’t, the nails could grow too long and become uncomfortable for your dog. It’s best to trim them at least once a week and even more often if you notice that their nails are getting long.
When nails become too long, they can break off with normal day to day activities, which can be painful for your dog. If you’re unsure of how to trim your dog’s nails, consider bringing them to a groomer or good veterinarian.
You should also start trimming puppy nails as early as 6 weeks old so that they get accustomed to getting trimmed. A good dog breeder should know how to do this and should leave new puppy owners with instructions to trim as early as one week into getting their puppy.
Conclusion:
A good pet owner should do everything they can to ensure that they keep their dog healthy, comfortable, and happy. Trimming nails regularly is one of the ways we can properly care for our pooches. This guide should help you avoid the most common mistakes dog owners make with trimming nails, so that you can enjoy and bond with your beloved dog at his best.