Small dog nail trimming

Overgrown nails can cause health problems for your dog. Dog nail trimming should be performed on a regular basis to help keep you dog healthy. The nail can become torn and ripped or split, causing injury to the paws. In extreme cases, overgrown nails can even curl up and become imbedded in your dog's pad, causing infection, pain and discomfort.

Make it Quick

Some owners prefer to leave nail trimming to a professional groomer because they are concerned that they will cut into the "quick" and cause bleeding and pain to their loved one. Most dogs will normally need to have their nails trimmed every 4 - 6 weeks. Dogs doing a lot of walking on rough surfaces may require less frequent trimming as they wear their nails down on the rough surfaces.

The "quick" is the living portion of the nail containing blood vessels. Cutting into the quick is the main concern when trimming claws as this will cause bleeding and pain for your pooch. The good news is that even if you do accidentally cut into the quick and cause bleeding, it will stop in 5 to 10 minutes and I'm sure your dog will forgive you. (eventually!).

Where's my tools?

Dog Nail trimming is a relatively simple procedure and can be done by most pet owners willing to learn and follow a few simple procedures. Before you begin you will need to visit you local pet store and pick up a good pair of dog nail clippers. dog grooming clippers come in different sizes so be sure to get the correct size for your dog.

You may also want to pick up some styptic powder or a similar styptic product to have on hand in an emergency. (Just in case you slip). If you are new to trimming dog nails it's natural to be nervous the first time you attempt a trim. You may be more comfortable if you pick up a book on nail trimming and read in detail the proper procedures for dog nail trimming.

Most dogs are not crazy about having their nails trimmed so you may have to perform your nail trimming in several sessions. It's also helpful to have someone there with you to help keep your dog calm during this ordeal.

It's time for Action

If your dog has light colored nails your job becomes much easier because you will be able to visibly see the "quick" so you don't have to be concerned about cutting into it.

Dark colored nails are a little more difficult. With dark nail you will not be able to see the quick and will need to be careful not to cut to deep. For these nail, a little at a time is the golden rule. Cut only a small section at a time, checking each time that you are not near the "quick". When can see a gray or pink colored oval shape at the top of the cut surface you are approaching the quick at this point so it's time to stop cutting.

Many dogs have both light and dark colored nails. If your dog has at least one light colored nail, trim that one first and use the length of that trimmed nail as a guide when trimming the dark nails.

Don't be dull

Always be sure to use a sharp pair of clippers when trimming your dog's nails. Dull nail clippers will cause discomfort to your pet making it more difficult for both of you. If you accidentally cut into the quick and cause bleeding, don't panic.

Remember the styptic product you picked up at the pet store? Well, now's the time to use it. The bleeding will stop in 5 minutes or so and your dog will still love you just as much as ever. (even though he may not speak to you for a few days!)

An alternative approach

If you're really not into the dog nail trimming routine outlined above don't despair, there's another way that might just work out fine for you. There's a tool you can purchase at your local pet store called Pedi Paws. Rather than clipping your dog's nails this tool will grind the nails down easily with no mess, no splitting nails and no bleeding. So there you go, a simple no hassle way to keep your dog's nails looking slim and trim.