How to Clip Your Dog’s Toenails

The task of clipping your dog’s nails may seem a bit daunting; however it is really not a difficult task provided you have the right equipment. The first sign that your dog may need a toenail clipping may include tenderness in the feet or limping, snagged or torn nails or even nails that seem to push the pads of the feet up. This is similar for a dog to having long toenails that push against the end of shoes, over time it become uncomfortable and then downright painful.

The most important aspect of dog toenail clipping is having the correct size of toenail clippers, the right type as well as clippers with a very sharp blade. For medium to large breeds the guillotine style of clippers are the most effective and tend to create the least amount of pressure or nail shattering when used correctly. For smaller and toy breeds there are slotted scissor type clippers that can be used but it is essential to keep the blades sharp and in good condition. Another option are the newer types of battery operated nail grinders or rotating file devices. These can be used to keep the toenails trimmed without the concerns of possible injury or pain to the dog when the nails are being maintained.

Regardless of what type of clipper you wish to use, either the slotted scissors style or the guillotine it is important to have the blades sharp and free from any rust or damage. The next step is to find a time to work with the dog. Never try to clip your dog’s nails if he or she has not been exercised or is already stressed or anxious about something. A good idea is to take your dog for a good, brisk walk or a playtime to get rid of any excess energy and to allow your dog to relax.

If at all possible have someone help you in holding the dog so you can focus on the clipping.  Having the dog either sitting or laying down is the easiest position. For larger and medium breeds the dogs can be on the floor, smaller breeds it may be easier to hold the dog on a table or counter. You will need to be at a comfortable level to work on the feet without causing the dog any discomfort. Hold one of the front feet in your hand, fingers and thumb supporting the pad of the foot. Place the clippers parallel to the floor so the cut edge of the nail will be flat on the floor when the foot is in the normal down position.

It is essential to avoid cutting into the quick, the nerve and blood core of the nail. Dogs with white nails will have the quick obvious, it is the pink central part of the nail that is thick at the pad and narrows to an end point somewhere down the core of the nail. On dogs with black nails you have to be more careful and look at the back of the nails. There is a groove up the back, where it ends is the beginning of the quick, so cut well below (closer to the end of the toenail) from this point.

Article by Karen Olson of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on dog beds online.