Trimming nails
For both dogs and cats it’s sometimes necessary for us to intervene and trim their nails or claws. Letting nails overgrow can impact your pet’s feet (they may splay or turn flat), which impacts stance and posture. This can make it uncomfortable to walk and cause permanent nerve damage long term.
I’ve found it less necessary for cats, provided they have a good (and appropriate) scratching surface that helps them shed old claws. It can be more necessary for dogs, unless they are regularly exercised on concrete or other abrasive surface – the carpet and polished wood inside our homes doesn’t cut it.
So just in case, handling paws should be started early whenever possible, and slowly. You’ll need to handle all paws, between the toes, each toe individually, and for periods of time – your pet should be as comfy as possible with paw handling before you even try to introduce any trimming tools. Teach ‘shake’ or ‘give paw’ as well. And get to know your dogs nails – do they grow thick or thin, pink or black, and can you identify the quick?
Whichever tool you use – clippers, filing boards, a power tool (such as Dremel), or a combo – introduce them slooooowly. A guideline of steps could be:
- Show the tool, let them sniff it if they choose
- Move the tool around, bring it close, move it away
- Touch the tool to the paw/s
- Handle paws while holding the tool
- Open clippers / power on tool at distance
- Step 2 with tool snipping air / powered on
- Touch tool to nails
- Trim one nail…
How fast or slow you go, or break those steps down, depends on your pet. Reward at every step. If using clippers, keep them sharp! All the good work you do can go backwards if clippers aren’t sharp and your pet feels the squeeze too much on the nail.
Goal length depends on your dog. Foot form and stance should be correct, primarily. Nails are used to help with traction, so if your dog regularly plays in a grassed park, for example, you may wish to leave enough to skim the floor.
Taking a tiny bit off the nail every day while you both get comfortable with the process will be super beneficial in the long run. It also will likely help the quicks recede and minimise risk of injury. If you cut the quick it will bleed, probably a lot – don’t panic, apply antiseptic powder (or cornflour in a pinch), and take a break until the next day.
Call me, I can help!
Picture credit: http://weliveinaflat.com/blog/how-to-cut-dogs-black-nails/
