How to Cut Your Dog’s Nails Without Hurting Him
by mylifewithpets | Last updated on October 26, 2021
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No one likes having their nails clipped.
For a dog, it’s even less comfortable, because it requires you to restrain his paws and, truly, he doesn’t understand what is going on.
Many people give up on it entirely.
And that’s a big mistake because dog’s nails are a very important part of their well being.
Why Clipping Our Dogs’ Nails is Very Important
Long nails hurt dogs.
If your dog has long nails, each time he walks and those nails scrap the floor or the concrete, those nails are pressing against his nails beds and hurting him.
After a while, the pain makes the dog adjust his entire posture to accommodate the discomfort which then results in back and joint issues.
While dogs with a very active lifestyle can wear their nails down naturally, most dogs require a trim every few weeks to keep those nails in check.
And even active dogs may have dew claws that require trimming.
Dew claws are those hooked-shaped claws that grow on the side of the paw and have very little to no value, depending on which paw they are located.
Because they aren’t in contact with the ground, dew claws don’t wear off naturally, they just grow and curl.
Allowing a dew claw to grow may cause it to get stuck in a branch and rip and it may also grow into the paw pad and cause injury.
The Biggest Headache When Clipping Dog’s Nails
Okay, you’ve decided you’re going to trim your dog’s nails, good on you!
Your first hurdle is the fact that dogs just don’t sit still for it. Usually it takes one person to hold the dog and another to clip the nails.
Some dogs hate it so much they even tend to bite.
But the biggest issue, what you really need to watch out for is cutting the quick.
The quick is the blood vessel that runs through your dog’s nails and cutting it will cause a lot of pain to your dog, as well as a lot of bleeding.
The trick to make sure you never hit the quick is to cut less rather than more.
The quick is easy to spot if your dog’s nails are clear but, for some lucky humans, their dogs come with dark claws, impossible to see through.
With dark claws, less is definitely more. Cut as little as possible and just trim his nails more often to make sure you keep them in check.
How to Clip Your Dog’s Nails Without Hurting Him
This is it, the moment of truth!
You’re about to know how you can trim your dog’s nails with his cooperation.
To those who have struggled with dog nail trimming for a long time, it may seem impossible.
But we’re here to let you know it isn’t. It worked for us and it will work for you as well.
Step 1 – Choose the Right Nail Clipper
There are different kinds of nail clippers to choose from.
For us, the scissor style clipper works best because it’s the closest thing to a human clipper.
We have this one for our small dogs, because it’s lighter and easier to handle. Meaning you don’t need to make much of an effort to do it.
For Dobby, a medium/larger dog, we use this one. It’s sturdier and better equipped for harder nails with a clean cut.
Not only that, but it has a brilliant safety feature that keeps you from cutting too much and reaching the quick.
Easy to grip and as safe as they come. Perfect.
If your dog gets really annoyed by the clipping sound or feeling, we have a great alternative too!
This requires less effort or precision and the results are great too!
It’s the nail grinder, meaning it basically grinds the nail in stages until the desired length. We found that is works much better with our dog, Dobby, he gets really anxious after that clipping moment, so this is less traumatic on him.
Also, it’s much quieter than we expected.
If your dog will not, under any circumstance and regardless of the equipment you use, allow you to trim his nails, don’t give up!
Just make him do it!
This is what we use to make your dog wear his nails out without him even noticing.
Step 2 – Pick His Best Mood
You know your dog better than anyone, so you should be able to say when he’s the most relaxed.
Is it after he wakes up from a nap? Maybe after a play session when he’s the most tired?
Pick the best time to clip your dogs nails, get him comfortable and relaxed and go ahead.
Step 3 – Make Sure He’s Calm
First and foremost, you need to remain calm in order for your dog to feel it too.
Talk to him calmly to soothe him before you start.
Massage his paws and feet for a bit until he’s completely okay with it.
Only when he’s in the right frame of mind will you present the clipper to him, allowing him to smell it and touch it.
After that, begin touching his paws and, if your dog is still okay with it, begin clipping.
Step 4 – Start Small
This is important, especially if it’s the first attempt.
Begin by cutting the tips of the nails to get both of you used to it. If that’s all your dog will allow for the first day, it’s fine.
If after that, he continues relaxed, you can cut a bit further.
Again, if his nails are clear, you’ll easily avoid the quick. If not, best not push your luck.
Step 5 – Hold Your Dog’s Foot Gently But Firmly
Like we’ve mentioned, things will go smoother if you have someone to hold your dog’s foot while you trim.
Position yourself beside your dog and hold his paw next to you, leg against your body.
If your dog isn’t keeping still or if he’s a big boy, you may want to apply some weight to keep him still.
Step 6 – Reward Your Dog With Loads of Love
Nothing motivates a dog like his favorite things.
For our dogs, it’s food and yummi treats.
Either way, between clippings, take a moment to reward your dog with his favorites.
Do everything you can to keep him happy and he will eventually stop minding the clipping.
Step 7 – Don’t Forget to Keep Calm at All Times
We can’t stress this enough.
You’ll never get your dog’s cooperation if you’re anxious, stressed or annoyed.
Dogs take cues from us, so if you want your dog to feel calm and safe, you need to reassure him by remaining calm.
Even if you happen to cut the quick.
If it happens, just take a deep breath and focus on showing your dog that everything is okay and that he is safe with you.
Step 8 – Don’t Forget To File The Nails
After the clipping part is finished, pat yourself on the back for the great work, reward your dog again for being such a good boy but don’t forget to file the nails.
That will prevent his nails getting stuck in the carpet or any other materials.
If your dog isn’t a big fan of the nail filer, don’t worry, just take him out to play or run on a rough surface.
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