Caring for your dog’s nails basically means keeping them trim. Not all dogs will need their nails trimmed as some breeds naturally wear down their nails but others will need regular cutting. Giving your dog a pedicure can be done by you or a professional. You will know if your dog’s nails need trimming if you can hear them clipping on the floor or pavement.

A dog’s nails are different from humans. They have a hard outer covering which is there to protect the inner part of the nail. This part (the quick) is softer and has veins and nerve endings running through it. Some dogs have lighter or white colored nails. These ones are easier to see the quick as it is a faint pink color. However the quick is difficult to see in dogs with black nails. You need to be extra careful when cutting these nails so as not to nip the quick. Not only will there be blood but it will be painful for your dog.

If you want to carry out the nail clipping procedure yourself, you will need a few tools. Firstly, purchase a good set of nail clippers, either a guillotine type or a claw cutter (for bigger dogs). You may need a file for rough edges and some clotting powder in case you cut too far and cause bleeding.

Okay, you are ready to start clipping. Here’s what you should do:

1. Dogs may not take kindly to this procedure so it’s a good idea to introduce them to nail clipping when they are puppies. Get your dog used to having his paws held and stroked. You may also like to apply light pressure to his nails by pinching them softly. Give your dog a treat when he lets you do this successfully.

2. When you are ready to trim the nails, put a towel under the paw, in the event you cut the nail too close. Have your clotting powder at the ready for this event.

3. Get your dog to lie on the floor and hold him firmly. Pick up his paw and ready yourself to cut the nail from front on. Talk in a soothing voice to relax your dog.

4. Get your clippers and slide the opening over the nail. Clip smoothly and quickly with a steady hand.

5. If your dog’s nails are white, you will be able to see the vein that run through it. Clip off the nail to just before the vein. With black nails, you will have to go carefully. Cut a small bit off the end of the nail. Look for a small dot in the centre of the nail – this is the vein. Keep clipping off small amounts until you see this dot. When you see it, stop clipping. If you accidentally cut this part, apply pressure on the nail to stop the bleeding or use your clotting powder.

6. Don’t forget to clip the dew claw (above the dog’s ankle).

When you’ve finished the clipping procedure, reward your dog with a treat and a cuddle. Hopefully both you and he will soon become experts at this procedure!

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