If you've ever had a dog, you know how important it is to keep their nails short. A lot of people don't realise that dogs have blood vessels in their nail beds, so it's important to be careful if you're clipping dog nails. If the blood vessels are cut by accident when trimming your pup's nails, there's the possibility of infection. This is why it's always best to leave the job up to veterinarians who specialise in pet health care and can perform this procedure safely without the worry of cutting those delicate little nubs off while they're still attached! However, if you're looking for an alternative way to cut your dog's nails at home, here are some tips on how to go about doing so safely:

 

Consider consulting a veterinarian

If you have not ever cut your dog's nails before, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to make sure you are taking all the necessary safety measures and doing it correctly. The procedure for cutting dog nails at home is not as simple as trimming your own finger or toenails, but there are some tips that can help you get the job done safely and effectively.

 

Use a dog nail clipper

Though you can use human nail clippers on your pet's nails, they aren’t designed specifically for animal nails. Instead, you can pick up a pair of dog nail clippers that do the job much better. They are sharper and more precise than human clippers.  These clippers should be used with caution so that you don't accidentally cut too short or cut into the quick (blood vessel) inside of your dog's nail. Additionally, if you have a cat instead of a dog, it is wise not to use dog nail clippers on their claws; the curvature of the cat's paw makes these instruments less effective on cats' feet than dogs.

 

Trim small pieces at a time

If you want to cut your dog's nails at home, trim only a small amount at a time. If you cut too much, your dog will feel pain and discomfort. This can lead to bleeding as well as discomfort during the next walk or run session. It's also important to keep in mind that nail clipping should be done while the dog is relaxed and calm.

 

Stop if you see blood

If you see blood, stop cutting and allow the nail to heal. If you continue cutting, you risk damaging the quick (the pink part inside the nail), which can cause serious injury to your dog. You can use a styptic pencil or cornstarch to stop bleeding if it occurs while trimming your dog’s nails at home.

 

Gentle handling is key when cutting your dog's nails

Trimming your dog's nails is an important task, but it can be stressful for both of you if you are not prepared. If you are nervous about trimming your dog's nails yourself, ask a friend or family member to help. If your dog is nervous about nail trimming, try distracting it with treats and praise before touching its paws at all. Even if you are confident in your abilities as a groomer and handler, see if there's anything that makes the process easier for both of you. Perhaps clipping each nail individually works better than doing several at once? If so, then take the time to do each nail separately—this way even an inexperienced owner can clip their pet's nails without causing pain or discomfort.

 

Conclusion

If you are new to cutting your dog's nails at home, it is best to consult with a veterinarian first. They can show you the proper tools and steps to follow when trimming your dog's nails. Once you feel confident in your skills, then you can start cutting without any help! Remember that it’s a good idea to try and associate positive outcomes with trimming your dog's nails, so consider treating them to something nice once you’ve finished. Take a look at our shop at Bubble Pawz to see what your pet might like.