How To Trim Your Dog's Nails Safely?
Every dog parent is very concerned about their dogs as they want to provide them the best food, shelter and grooming. The most important part of pet grooming is cutting their nails so that the pet does not have to experience pain and pressure due to long nails. The long nails of dogs can also spilt leading to infections and it is important for dog owners to trim their nails regularly to keep these problems at bay.
How Often Should You Trim Dog Nails?
The best way of grooming dogs immaculately is by trimming their nails as it is an important part of pet hygiene and safety. There might be some anxiety among dog owners before trimming their pet's nail but this task can be simplified by following the right procedure and using the right nail trimmer. The frequency of trimming depends on the age, breed and lifestyle of the pet dog. But nail trimming should start early so that dogs do not suffer from mobility issues or arthritis in their old age. Additionally, the dog owners also need to consider how quickly the nails of their dogs are growing and how quickly its worn down so that the right time for trimming the nail can be determined. But on an average every dog parent should know that the nails of their dogs should be trimmed in every three to four weeks. This time period might vary based on the breed of the dogs but it is important to ensure that the dog's nails should not touch the ground while dog is standing. But the dog owners should understand that the nails of the dog should not grow too long because it can lead to injuries and infections.
What Type of Nail Clippers are the Best for Dogs?
The importance of using the right tools for trimming the nail of the dogs should not be underestimated. As the nails of the dogs are tougher as compared to the human's nail, there are specialized nail clippers that are perfect for the trimming task. The best nail clipper is the scissor type clippers that make the trimming of the nail easy and quick. This style of nail trimmer is designed with two moving blades that work together for trimming the nails easily. These clippers are ideal for larger dogs with thicker nails as it allows the dog parent to cut nails from different angles. Another option is the guillotine style nail trimmer in which the nails of the dogs need to be placed inside the hole. After placing it in the right position, the trimmer needs to be pressed so that nails of the dogs are pressed without any risk of injury. Dog owners might prefer any of these two style of nail trimmer based on the nail quality and preference of their pet. The right size of the trimmer is very important but if the dog is afraid to get their nails trim then the use of sanding block or nail file is recommended for a hassle free grooming session.
How to Trim Your Dog's Nails Safely?
1. Give Treats to Dog's During Grooming
The first thing that dog owners should do is to keep some high value treats ready for the dogs so that he will be very excited and get his nails trimmed easily. It is also important for the dog to be comfortable whether he is sitting or standing but the dog should be on a non slip surface for preventing fall or slip. Giving treats is the best way in which dog owners can associate this for a comfortable nail trimming session. Anxious dogs should be handled patiently and giving high value treats is an excellent solution for motivating the dog.
2. Trim Top of Dog's Nails
Dogs with hairy paws should have their hair trimmed before trimming the nails so that the dog owners have an idea how long are the nails. They should make sure to trim all the hairs or fur from around the nail area for improving the visibility while trimming the nails. If the hair is not too long then dog owners need to pull back the hair up to the comfort level of their pets so that the entire nails are exposed. This will eliminate the risk of injury or over cutting of the nails which might be painful and traumatic for the dogs.
3. Be Patient While Trimming Nails
Certain dog breeds becomes anxious and nervous at the sight of the nail clippers and they might also run away as soon as the dog owner intend to trim their nails. Therefore, it is advisable for the dog parent to start gradually with one finger and let the dog get used to the sensation before moving to the next one. Doing the nail test is important and if the dog yelps or look anxious then the dog owner should stop and give treats to the dog before continuing with the process. Learning the right technique for nail trimming can be a great way of making sure that the dog is not hurt while his nails are being trimmed.
4. Keep All Tools and Supplies Handy
Since the dogs nails are different from the human's nails, there are nail trimming tools that are especially designed for dogs nails. Seeking advice from the veterinarian is the best way in which dog owners will get to know the best nail clippers according to the age, size and breed of the dog. Apart from the nail clippers, dog owners also need to keep styptic powder handy for stopping blood in case the nails of the dog is over cut accidentally.
5. Follow the Right Nail Trimming Technique
The most important thing that dog owner should do is to hold their dogs comfortably before starting to trim their nails. Only after that the foot of the dog should be lifted gently so that nail trimming can start one at a time. Paying extra attention to the dog's dark nails can minimize the risks of injury or accident while trimming their nails.
Knowing how to trim your dogs nails safely is the best way of making the entire session less stressful. Since grooming is an indispensable part of the dog's life, every dog owner should be cautious for making it fun, exciting and stress free. For a safer nail trimming experience, they also need to seek professional advice so that no harm is inflicted to the dog.