How to trim your dog's nails easily and safely

Have you ever found yourself unable to trim your dog's nails?

Are you afraid of hurting them or cutting too much and having it end up like a Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

In this post, we're going to explain step-by-step how to trim your dog's nails easily, without hurting them, and without any drama.

You've probably noticed that your dog's nails wear down from friction with the ground as they walk, but sometimes that's not enough and an additional trim is needed. Although trimming a dog's nails is a simple task, it can become complicated if not done correctly.

First of all, we need to be sure we can do it and stay calm, for our sake and our dog's, so they don't get nervous and the situation gets out of hand.

When to trim a dog's nails?

If we don't periodically maintain our dog's nails, they may develop bone and joint problems. Overly long nails tend to curve inwards, preventing the animal from walking correctly and causing wounds as they dig into the flesh.

Normally, depending a bit on how much your dog walks and their breed, it should be at least once a month.

How to trim a dog's nails?

Follow these instructions to trim your dog's nails and keep them in good condition.

Before trimming your dog's nails:

• Choose the right tools: There are different types of nail clippers on the market, they can be scissor-type or guillotine-type. It will depend on the thickness of your dog's nails; for thicker nails, scissors are better. It's a good idea to have a coarse file to smooth the nails a bit after trimming and remove any sharp edges.
• Nail trimming kit: In addition to clippers and a file, it's advisable to have gauze, hydrogen peroxide, styptic powder, and plenty of treats on hand. Don't worry, we'll tell you why later.
• Totally relaxed environment: If your dog is completely relaxed, it will be much easier to trim their nails. The best times to trim your dog's nails are usually after their meals or after they've had a lot of exercise.

Trimming your dog's nails step-by-step

Here are the steps to trim your dog's nails:

1. First cut: Before cutting, it's important to identify how far you can cut; not everything on the nail can be cut. Especially if you have to trim your dog's black nails.
2. Trim the front paw nails: Hold the paw gently but firmly. Position yourself comfortably with your hand and their paw facing the same direction. Prevent your dog from moving or shaking, as they could hurt themselves.
3. Trim the back paw nails: It's easier if you lay your dog on their side on a table or their bed. Use your own body to keep them from moving.
4. Pay attention to the nail shape: Always cut from top to bottom to avoid breaking the nail and avoid angles.
5. Don't forget the dewclaws: they may need more frequent trimming than the others to prevent them from becoming too long, curving, and digging into the skin.
6. It's filing time: Gently file all the nails, especially those that are straighter, to give them an oval shape without sharp edges.
7. Accidents happen: If you cut the nail too short, your dog will bleed. Don't panic; moisten the gauze with hydrogen peroxide and then apply a little styptic powder. Give them a treat afterward to calm them down and continue with another paw.

You don't just have to trim your dog's nails for aesthetics; it's also for their health. In addition, we recommend that while you're at it, you trim any small hairs that stick out between their paw pads; sometimes, if they're too long, they can bother them when walking.

Did you know that to protect your dog's paw pads there are products on the market like Lila Loves It's Paw Care? This German brand of organic and natural cosmetics protects, repairs, and moisturizes their paw pads, leaving them soft, elastic, and crack-free.

Dog hygiene is very important for maintaining good health; here you can read more tips on your dog's health.

We hope these tips on how to trim your dog's nails have helped you do it easily and comfortably at home.

Visit tQel and our online store to treat your dog for being so well-behaved during their pedicure session.