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How to Properly Trim Your Dogs Nails
Trimming your dog’s nails is not only important to his
appearance, but also to his health. Long nails can be painful and break off
easily, causing profuse bleeding and pain. This is a very sensitive area to tend
to, so proper education is needed in order for nails to be trimmed correctly.
The easiest way to tell if your dog is in need of
a trim is by listening when he walks on an uncarpeted area. If you hear the
slight tapping of his nails as he walks, he needs his nails trimmed.
When trimming the nail, it is important no to cut
the “quick”. The quick is a blood
vessel that runs down the middle of the nail. If the quick is severed, bleeding
will occur. To stop the bleeding, use a product that is specifically for this
task. There are a variety of these agents available in your local pet supply
store. Also, invest in a good,
quality pair of trimmers. They come in various sizes to accommodate the size of
your dogs nail.
Now you are ready to trim your dogs nails, pick
up his paw and push on the pad of his paw, allowing the nail to extend. This is
how you will be able to locate the quick. It is easier to find the quick in dogs
that have lighter colored nails. You will see a pink spot where the quick ends.
In dogs that have darker colored nails, it is more of a challenge to find the
quick. Simply clip at a 45-degree angle, cutting a small portion of the nail.
The quick can be identified by a black spot within the nail.
Whether your dog as white or black colored nails,
you always cut at a 45-degree angle, trimming the finer points of the nail.
Brittle nails can present a problem as they often splinter during a trim. If
this is the case, simply use a nail file to shave away uneven edges to make a
rounded shape and continue to trim.
Trimming should be done on a weekly basis. If the
nail grows too long, it can curl and grow back into the dog’s foot, which is
very painful. Trimming regularly will make the quick regress back into the nail.
As this happens, you will be able to cut shorter each time. Remember to give
lots of praise and make it fun for your dog. Take breaks in between each paw if
needed. Soon, your dog will grow accustomed to the routine and trimming all four
will be a cinch!
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