Nail Clipping: More than a Pawdicure

CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK!

For those of us with hardwood or tile floors in the home, it's a familiar sound. Once we can hear this sound it's time for every dog's least favourite thing... Having their nails clipped.

Now, let's be honest.  Many dogs (including both of mine) HATE having their nails clipped. They'll fuss, whine, pull their paws away and occasionally use their teeth to protest as well!  But no matter how much your pup may disagree, keeping your dog's nails short is an important part of a regular grooming routine. Longer nails over time can negatively affect your dog's gait and damage bone structure in the feet. In extreme cases, nails can grow long enough to curl back around into the pads of the feet.  

Needless to say, both of these possibilities are extremely painful but can be easily avoided by regular clipping. Depending on how often your dog walks or runs on pavement (which wears down the nail naturally), their nails should be addressed either via clipping or filing every 4-6 weeks.

For the DIY'ers

Trimming your dog's nails from home is also an excellent option.  Set yourself up for success by ensuring you have the right tools.  

The most important thing you'll need is a good pair of nail clippers. There are a few different styles to choose from, but I recommend and use scissor style clippers.  This style of clipper gives you the most leverage and control. A photo of the clippers we sell in our salon is shown below.  These sturdy, stainless steel clippers are durable and have rubber coated handles for easy gripping.

The other tool you'll need in your nail trimming arsenal is styptic powder. 

Kwik Stop brand styptic powder

Styptic powder is an anesthetic as well as a cauterizing agent designed to stop bleeding on contact. Bleeding can occur when you accidentally cut the nail too short and clip the nail's quick.  

A diagram of various nail lengths and proper clipping length 

Some websites and blogs will suggest that baking powder or flour is a suitable alternative, but in my experience there is no substitute for the real thing.  Most containers cost under $10 and will last for years if you're only doing your own dog's nails at home (and you're careful!)

Once you've got the tools, you're ready to start clipping!  Check out this video for step-by-step instructions.

The Easy Answer

The easiest way to avoid the heartache and frustration of attempting to clip your own dog's nails at home is to take them to the groomer on a regular basis. Sometimes, the most wiggly of dogs who just won't let their owners do them often are just fine when they're on a groomer's table.

Don't feel badly if you can't clip your dog's nails.  You're not alone!

Many dog groomers offer nail clipping as a walk-in service and can often do them while you wait for a reasonable price.

Nail clipping teamwork at The Friendly Groomer

The Last Resort

Some dogs absolutely REFUSE to allow their nails to be trimmed by their owner, or by a groomer. The last resort should never be to leave nails to grow un-clipped.  Unfortunately, no matter how upset or aggressive a dog may become, it still must be done.  In these cases, I recommend taking your dog to the vet.  Vets can ensure both your dog and the person attempting to trim their nails remain safe.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your dog's nails trimmed is more than just a luxurious pawdicure. Whether you decide to bring them to a groomer, a vet or even do it yourself, it's an important part of keeping your dog at their best!

 
-Peter