How to cut a dog's nails?

As the days and weeks go by, dogs' nails grow just like humans'.

Aside from aesthetic reasons, it's also important to provide proper hygiene to prevent paw injuries or other problems that may arise due to excessive length. Keep in mind that dogs are quadrupeds, using all four legs to move around, so it's vitally important to keep their limbs well-cared for.

Why should I cut my dog's nails?

Just like people, dogs also need this basic care.

If we analyze the paws of our furry friends, the nails should not go past the pads , since doing so could cause discomfort for them when walking.

Keep in mind that they place their pads on the ground to move properly, so anything that hinders this action could be a problem. Therefore, if we don't trim their nails regularly, we could prevent them from walking properly, even causing their toes to twist when they try to place their pads on the ground. In more extreme cases, they could develop improper postures in the medium or long term, causing problems or injuries to their paws.

How often should I cut my dog's nails?

There's no set rule. Also, keep in mind that nail growth rates depend on the dog's breed and exercise habits, which can help with natural filing. Therefore, you should regularly check the condition of their nails and, if necessary, trim them.

To give you an idea, small dog breeds like Yorkshire Terriers have a faster nail growth rate than larger breeds like German Shepherds. However, for most breeds, nails should be trimmed at least once a month , unless the dog's specific circumstances make it unnecessary.

Tricks and steps to cut your nails

If you'd rather not take your dog to the groomer or vet to have his nails trimmed, you can always do it at home, but be extremely careful not to hurt him. Here are some tips for trimming your dog's nails:

• You can start by having a bag of snacks or treats nearby. This always helps teach your dog that his behavior is appropriate while his nails are being trimmed.
• Try lifting one of their paws to see how comfortable they are. You can get down to their level, for example, by sitting on the floor, so you don't have to lift their paw too much and cause them any discomfort in the process. Their comfort is important.
• Look under the nail to see the flesh and know how far to cut. Remember that the nail shouldn't extend beyond the pad.
• Use a specialized dog nail clipper to make the entire process easier. You can place it on the edge if you can't fully see the flesh, and always keep it at a 45-degree angle.
• Initially, trim only the tip of the nail. Analyze the cut carefully and, if necessary, trim a little more. Try to avoid cutting too far, as this could cause bleeding.

What material do I need?

To trim your pet's nails as smoothly as possible, you'll need some specialized tools or utensils to make the whole process easier. Below, we recommend everything we consider important:

• A specialized dog nail clipper. At Arquivet we have several, so you can choose the one that best suits you.
• A dog nail file that will help you file down rough edges of your dog's nails.
• Have styptic powder or hydrogen peroxide and gauze ready, in case we draw blood during the procedure. We hope not to have to use this material, but it's always best to have it just in case.
• Scissors to trim the hair near the paws/nails. If the hair is very long, it can make it difficult to trim the nails because we won't be able to see them clearly.
• An item that smells like its owner. It could be a towel, a sweater, or anything else we have on hand. The goal is for the pet to have that item nearby and for the scent to calm it.
• Good lighting. Either full natural light or, if it's nighttime, a lamp to illuminate the area.
• Last but not least, keep some dog snacks or treats nearby, as they'll help keep your dog entertained and trained while you trim his nails.

It's worth noting that if you don't feel confident doing this, you can always call your groomer or veterinarian to do it for you. Don't worry!

My dog's nails are bleeding: What can I do?

If you injure your furry friend's nails while trimming them, the easiest way to stop the bleeding is to use styptic powder . It's available in paste or pencil form and is for veterinary use. Apply the product to the nail, press for about 45 seconds, and you'll see that the bleeding will stop. If you don't have styptic powder, you can also use hydrogen peroxide. It won't have the same effect, but it will also disinfect the area. Once you've stopped the bleeding, focus on keeping your furry friend from moving too much so that the wound can heal.