A stress-free way to trim your dog's nails

The most common reasons for the dog owner to avoid nail clipping is that he is afraid to "do it fast", or that the dog becomes agitated and creates a negative feeling.

Cutting nails becomes an event surrounded by anxiety. Nail clipping may not be necessary for very active dogs that run around all day on varied, hard surfaces.

But among city dogs, excessively long nails are more common than others.

The consequences of long nails

So what's the problem?

Painful paws are the first consequence of long nails. When a dog's nails come in contact with hard ground, such as a sidewalk or the floor of your house, the hard surface pushes the nail back. This puts pressure on all the joints of the toe or causes the toe to twist sideways.

In both cases, these toes become very painful, even arthritic. When the slightest touch is painful for your dog, he fusses when you pick up his paw to trim his nails.

Recent research shows that standing with “camped” limbs is hard work to maintain, making it difficult to jump into cars, climb stairs, and even get up. Sounds like a lot of older dogs we know!

Cutting nails short can be like a miracle cure for your dog whose hind end has become sore, weak and overused.

It's the "why". Now let's get to the "what and how".

Tools of the trade

Nail clippers or nail clippers

• Use only “scissors” type nail clippers. Check it out here . A guillotine nail clipper crushes the toe, which is painful. Never put the whole claw in a nail clipper.
• Use small nail clippers for better control. Only giant breed dogs will need large models.
• Keep your tools sharp: replace your nail clipper regularly.
• Hold the paw firmly while holding the nail. Cut the tip of the nail with one stroke. Be careful not to cut the blood vessel . Avoid going over a cut nail several times. If the dog's nail is too long , it is advisable to cut it gradually until it is the correct length.

If you cut too short

• If you cut too short, your pet may start bleeding. We recommend that you keep an antiseptic solution or cornstarch on hand to stop the bleeding.

Tips and tricks

Trim nails outdoors or in a well-lit room.

If you need glasses for reading, use them for toenail trimming as well.

It is actually easier to see nail structures on pigmented nails than on white nails.

Keep the nail clipper blades almost parallel to the claw.

Don't clench your toes - it hurts!

Use your fingers to separate the toes and gently clip the nail.

Remember, no dog has ever died from a nail that was cut too short. If you accidentally injure your dog, give him a delicious treat right away.

Have Fun Trimming Nails: Always associate nail trimming with cookies and compliments.

For maintenance, cut every two weeks. To shorten, cut weekly.

What's in your dog's nail?

Above, the interior structures are illustrated.

Use all of your best restraint and behavior modification tricks to get through the initial phase, whether your dog is a cuddly little one or a drama queen. Start with the hind feet, as the toenails tend to be a bit shorter and less sensitive than the front ones.

But remember you can't make an accurate cut on a moving target, ask your trainer or groomer for help if needed.

Spend "quality time" nail trimming with your dog. Lots of kisses, lots of treats and a positive attitude.

If you dread it, your dog will too, so learn to be a good actor until you come to believe that it can be a love experience for both of you. If your dog loses patience quickly, try trimming one nail a day.

As long as you keep the toe order consistent, this will be a good maintenance schedule, giving each toe a trim every 16 days.

Short nails are essential to the health and strength of your dog. Failure is not an option!