TRIMMING TOENAILS

Most dog owners hate trimming their dog’s toenails, probably because they worry about cutting into the quick, making their dog bleed, and causing pain. Although this can happen, letting the nails grow too long isn’t good for the dog, either. Long nails can cause the paw to become painful as the toes are stretched into awkward positions. If the toenails remain too long for an extended period, the paw can actually become deformed.

There are several types of toenail trimmers on the market, but the two easiest styles are the scissors type and the guillotine type. Ask for help at your local pet store to find the correct size for your breed of dog. You will also need some styptic powder on hand (also available from the pet store) in case you do make one of your dog’s nails bleed.

To trim the nails:

1. If you are nervous and afraid, you might make your dog nervous, too. Have some peanut butter on hand so you can distract her, as you did during ear cleaning.
2. Take one paw, separate one toe, and pull all the hair away from the nail. If the nail is clear or white, you will be able to see the pink quick inside. If you cut into the quick, the dog will cry and the nail will bleed. The nail beyond the quick has no feeling at all—just like your nails—and this is where you should cut.
3. If your puppy has black nails, check all her toenails. If she has even one white nail, you can use that nail as a trimming guide.
4. If there are no white nails, look at the nail from the side. The top of the nail is evenly curved but the underside has a small curve under the tip and then bulges down a little under the quick. You can safely cut the tip off.
5. If you do cut into the quick, dip the bleeding nail into styptic powder and hold the paw still until the bleeding stops. Then, continue with your trimming.

Trim the nails weekly so that you and your puppy get used to it. You may need to trim only the tips of the nails, but that’s okay. You will become more skilled and sure of yourself, and your dog
will learn to trust you.

How to: Trimming Toenails - Video

American Foxhound

Foxhounds were brought to the American colonies from England in the mid-1600s. The dogs known today as American Foxhounds descend from those dogs and from others imported from England, Ireland, and France.

The American Foxhound is recognized by both the AKC and UKC, but many foxhounds are not registered with either and may be mixtures of other foxhounds. Many hunters simply want a foxhound who will hunt in a specific way or who can handle certain terrain or conditions.

Claudia Bazinet, of Foxhound Relocation and Retirement, says, “There are about two dozen strains of American Foxhounds, and they vary widely in type.” She continues, “The American Foxhound was bred from the English Foxhound but has a medium build and is faster. They have a shorter neck and longer legs. The American Foxhound has longer ears, but again, that can vary according to the strain.”

As a general rule, American Foxhounds stand between 21 and 25 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. The coat is short and can be any color but is often the typical hound white and red or rust with a black saddle or cape.

Grooming, Character and Health Concern
Grooming this Foxhound is easy; simply brush him with a soft bristle brush or curry comb a couple times a week to loosen the dead hairs. Foxhounds need daily aerobic exercise. Many will not play catch or fetch games, so a long, vigorous walk or a jog beside a bicycle will be needed. Never allow a Foxhound to run off leash outside of a fenced yard; as a hunter, if a rabbit or other critter is flushed, he will be gone and no amount of calling will bring him back.

Although American Foxhounds can be kept as pets and can be quite calm and gentle in the house, the breed is first and foremost a hunter. Training can be a challenge. They are good with other dogs (although they should never be trusted with small pets) and can be quite tolerant of children’s antics. They do bay and may cause neighborhood complaints. Health concerns include ear problems.