Tips to avoid cutting your dog’s nails

Good nail care isn’t just about aesthetics – your dog’s nails can contribute to their overall health. If left uncut, they can become overgrown, which not only makes walking uncomfortable, but can also lead to long-term health issues.

If you don’t know how to trim a dog’s claws at home, don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of proven tips that will show you just how easy it is to trim your dog’s nails.

Make them comfortable with their handled paws

Getting their nails trimmed can be a stressful experience for dogs, in part because they may not be used to having their paws handled. Especially if you have a new puppy, take the time to handle his paws and nails regularly. While you are doing this you can also show them the mowers so they can investigate and become familiar with their sight and smell. Although puppies will probably get used to this process faster, with patience, older dogs can get used to it too!

Go slowly

While puppies may be comfortable getting their nails trimmed after a quick survey of the clipper, older dogs may need things to go a little slower. To ensure they don’t develop a fear of having their nails trimmed, it can be helpful to ease them into the process over a period of a week.

• Day 1 : Let your pup explore the clippers, offering lots of their favorite Freshpet treats to create a positive association.

• Days 2-3: Touch the nail clippers lightly to get them used to the feel, but don’t try to cut them.

• Days 4-5: Start applying light pressure to their nails with the nail clippers, without trimming them, so they can begin to get used to the feel.

• Day 6: Trim a fingernail or two, giving plenty of Freshpet treats throughout the process.

• Day 7+: If clipping the first nails goes well, you can continue clipping a few each day until your pup develops the tolerance to do them all at once.

If you feel he needs a little more time, repeat the process for days 1-6 until he is completely comfortable.

Use the right tools

When it comes to choosing tools to trim your pup’s nails, which tool is the “right” really depends on your dog and his preferences. There are three main types of mowers, each with their own advantages:

• Guillotine Style Dog Nail Clippers: These clippers are designed with a small hole that you guide your pup’s nail through, then push down on the handle to trim the excess nail. This style of dog nail clipper is ideal for small to medium sized dogs, as it is generally not strong enough to cut very large nails.

• Scissor Style Dog Nail Clippers: These clippers look like a pair of scissors but with a small notch in the blade so you know where to place the nail. They are ideal for large breeds as they easily apply sufficient force to cut very thick nails.

• Nail grinders for dogs: Nail sanders are similar to electric sanders in that they use a small rotating section of abrasive material to grind down your pup’s nail. These can be used on nails of all sizes and are often fitted with a nail guard which prevents the paw from getting too close to the rotating part of the tool.

Some pet owners choose to use just one of these options, while others like to combine several types for different stages of the nail trimming process – it all depends on how you want to trim your dog’s nails. !

Know how much to prune

When it comes to trimming your dog’s nails, shorter isn’t always better. In the center of your dog’s nail is a fleshy area called the “quick”, which is crossed by nerves and a blood vessel. If cut, it can be very painful and cause some bleeding. The ideal point to cut is between 3 and 4 millimeters from the live – if you’re not sure where it is, your vet or groomer can show you.

If you break the fast, stay calm and grab your pet first aid kit. Using a non-adhesive bandage, apply pressure to the nail to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding continues, call your vet as you may need to take him to the clinic for help.

Distract them

Once you have the right tools and know-how to trim your dog’s nails, it’s time to put them into practice! While some dogs sit patiently on your lap or on your table while they get their nails trimmed, others need a little distraction. To make the nail trimming process a little smoother – and fun – for everyone, try using a silicone wall mat. You can apply a coat of your pup’s favorite Freshpet Roller and let him lick it off as you trim.

By following these tips, you can say goodbye to noisy overgrown nails on your hard floor and hello to happy, healthy paws!