Long nails on a dog soon become uncomfortable and painful. A long nail may curl under a dog’s paw pad, digging into their skin. Sometimes it will catch on a carpet fiber or fence, producing an ugly tear. Emergency trips to a veterinarian can often be avoided with some nail grooming. Use the following guide to improve your grooming technique.

How to Clip Your Dog’s Nails

1. Gather Tools 

Gather supplies before getting started, including a nail clipper or grinding kit; styptic powder, which will stop the bleeding if you cut the nail too short; a cotton swab or brush to apply the powder; and treats (optional). 

Some dog owners prefer using a nail grinding kit because they can file a nail down instead of cutting it. Filing may make accidental cuts less likely. Most electric grinding kits, however, are noisy and should be avoided if they make your dog skittish. Every animal is different. Experiment to see which tool works best for your dog.

2. Acclimate Your Dog 

If you reach for a paw only when you trim nails, your dog will develop a negative association with grooming. When you pet your dog, gradually work your way down to touch their paws. By incorporating these sorts of touches into everyday affectionate gestures, a dog will relate positive emotions to paw-touching.

Begin to desensitize your pup immediately—when you first adopt or shortly after birth. 

3. Make Small, Precise Clips

You can always trim or file off more later, but you can’t undo a mistake if you cut a nail too short. Before you pick up your tools, locate the quick—the red blood vessel at the center of the nail. If the nail is dark-colored, shine a flashlight against it to discern the quick. Trim about 2 millimeters—about one-tenth of an inch—away from the blood vessel. 

4. Reward Bravery 

Give your dog treats or extra playtime after cutting their nails as a reward to demonstrate the immediate benefit of the routine. They’ll be more receptive to grooming in the future.

5. Be Patient 

A dog’s paw pad has thousands of sensitive nerve endings, and nail trimming can be genuinely stressful. If your dog tries to pull away, they aren’t being disobedient. They’re afraid and may feel overwhelmed.

Start by clipping one nail a day, not all at once, to ease your way into the routine. Also, keep your body language and demeanor calm. Don’t grasp their paw too tightly or hold them down. These actions will only intensify their fear.

If you need help trimming your dog’s nails, take them to a veterinarian or groomer or learn to do the job yourself. The veterinarians at Buffalo Trace Veterinary Services in Versailles, KY, will show you how to clip your pet’s nails when you stop in for a preventative checkup. Call (859) 879-3582 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services, including senior wellness care, imaging, surgery, dental care, and spaying and neutering.