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.