Dog nail trimming can be an easy task
You must first teach your dog to trust you around his (or her) feet. Start by lightly moving their toes apart, touching the toe nails, lightly tapping against the nails, expressing the nails forward from the nail bed, etc. If you have a puppy this should be done regularly, as petting and loving. The sooner the better.
You may find it works better to leave your nail trimmers out where they can be sniffed and checked out routinely. When done regularly, your dog nail trimming can become an easy task.
You will need a good dog nail trimmer, available at most pet supply stores. Also a small dish of flour or cornstarch, to stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut too deep.
All dogs have light or dark colored nails. On a light colored nail you should see where the pink begins to show in the middle of the nail. This is called the "quick." This is where your dog's nerves and blood vessels are. You should never cut into this area. Cutting into the "quick" will cause pain for your pet and bleeding. The free edge, (part to remove) is white, clear, or yellow. On dogs with darker nails, you may be unable to locate the "quick" visually. The quick usually ends where the nail starts a downward curve and becomes more slender. If this is your pet's first time, only remove a small amount of the free edge at first. You can always remove more nail later. Cutting into the "quick" now will lose the trust you have gained. As your dog's confidence improves, it will get easier and easier. The nail should be cut from underneath, not from the top downward. Slide the opening of the nail clippers over the end of the nail while staying away from the "quick." You can file the edges or just let your pet wear the nail smooth. If you do cut into the "quick" put a small amount of flour or cornstarch up against the bleeding end of the nail. This will stop the bleeding right away, or place a tiny piece of tissue paper tightly against the end of the nail and hold it for a few minutes. Once bleeding has stopped, wash your dog's paw with soap and water and apply a small amount of antibacterial ointment. Dog nail trimming (regardless of age) should be performed every six to eight weeks. If your pet runs or walks on concrete (which helps to grind nails down and soften them) you should not have to trim them as often.
Always use lots of praise!!!
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