Tag: dog nails

Do Dogs Have Nerves in Their Nails?

Do dogs have nerves in their nails?

This is a question that has troubled pet owners for years as many navigate nail trimming their dog’s nails.

But, the answer is yes! Dog’s nails have nerves in them. Thus, when a dog gets their nails cut, a dog owner should be aware of the anatomy of the nail and avoid cutting the part of the nail that contains the nerve endings.

DO DOGS HAVE NERVES IN THEIR NAILS?

Well, a dog has something called a ‘quick’ in its nail. When the nail is at the proper length, a dogs nails will not touch the ground. However, when the nails get too long, they will start to curve and touch the ground which can be painful for your dog. The quick is essentially the blood vessel that runs through the center of the nail.

If you were to cut into the quick, it would be painful for your dog and could start to bleed.

GREAT DANE NAIL CLIPPERS

TOENAIL PROBLEMS: DO THEY MATTER?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CUT YOUR DOG’S NAILS?

HOW TO TRIM YOUR PUPPIES NAILS

WHICH CLIPPERS ARE BEST?

The quick is the area of the dog’s nails which contain the nerve endings. When trimming nails, you want to be careful not to cut into the quick as it will cause your dog pain. However, if you do accidentally cut the quick while you are getting your dog’s nails trimmed, it is not an emergency.

DO DOGS FEEL PAIN WHEN GETTING NAILS CUT?

Yes, dogs can feel pain when getting their nails cut. However, the amount of pain they feel depends on how long their nails are and if the quick gets cut during the nail trimming.

A nail trim, however, should NOT produce a negative reaction and a dog should not hurt or feel pain while getting their nails cut. Nail clipping for some dogs, creates extreme fear as they are not used to having their feet touched and they have possibly had their feet or nail trimmed too short before, which can create a fear of nail clipping.

THE REAL PAIN FOR DOGS

More so than having to cut his nails, the pain for your pet will come when you DO NOT cut their nails.

If the nails are too long, they will start to curve and touch the ground which can be painful for your dog.

If your dog has nails that are too long, it can cause so many issues with their health such as:

Arthritis
Joint problems
Infections
Nerve damage
Conformation issues in the feet
Paw issues
Paw pain
Feet pain
Fear of having their feet touched

All of these health concerns can be avoided by simply keeping your dog’s nails trimmed.

Instead of delaying nail trims, practice nail cutting by getting a good nail grinder or clipper, some high value treats, and gently touch the dog’s four paws until they feel comfortable with their trimming or clipping.

Our recommended clippers for dog nails:

WHY DO DOGS GET SCARED WHEN YOU CUT THEIR NAILS?

If your dog won’t let you file their nails, it is likely that they are afraid of having their paws touched with a clipper or trimmer.

Some dogs automatically associate a nail grinder or clipper with a negative process, as they have likely had their nails trimmed too short before. This can create a fear of nail clipping that some dogs never get over. Some dogs also may associate nail cutting with negative because many dogs have sensitive paws which they don’t like being touched. Lastly, some dogs are afraid of unique noises like that of a nail grinder.

REASONS THAT A DOG WON’T LET YOU CUT THEIR NAILS

It isn’t fun
The noise is scary
They have hurt their nails before during nail trimming
They don’t like their paws being touched
They are afraid of the clipper or trimmer

The best way to combat this is to start off slow, get your dog used to the idea of having his nails clipped by letting them sniff the clipper or grinder, and then offering treats while you sit quietly with the grooming tool.

This calm activity can help your dog’s fear dissipate and create a positive association.

HOW DO YOU CUT AN UNCOOPERATIVE DOG’S NAILS?

Nail trimming requires a lot of patience to get your dog relaxed during the process. Do not ever rush your dog into nail cutting.

WHICH CLIPPERS SHOULD YOU USE TO DO NAIL TRIMS?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY DOG’S NAILS?

WHY DO MY DOGS NEED THEIR NAILS CUT SO OFTEN?

WHY WON’T MY PUPPY LET ME TRIM ITS NAILS?

TRIMMER SUGGESTIONS THAT WE LOVE

Instead, try to create a positive association with nail cutting and nail trims.

HOW TO CREATE A POSITIVE ASSOCIATION WHILE NAIL TRIMMING

You can work on creating positivity with nail trimming.

Play with your dog during nail trims. Dog play is important for your dog to understand that nail clippers aren’t scary.
Provide high value treats. Touch their paws, and then reward with a treat.
Practice touching your dog’s nails with things that aren’t scary, like simple human nail files.
Start with just one toe at a time- and make sure not to expect to get all of them done.
Use desensitizing if you are using a Dremel by allowing your dog time to get used to the noise of the nail cutting tool.

HOW DO I SEDATE MY DOG TO CUT HIS NAILS?

Some dogs will need to be sedated to get their nails clipped.

Long nails are a danger to your dog, and therefore sometimes it is necessary to get your dog to a comfortable and sleepy place in order to perform healthy nail cutting.

First, try to sedate your dog at home with items such as :

A Thundershirt- This can help to calm your dog’s anxiety.
Pheromone diffusers- These can help to create a calming environment for your dog.
Calming supplements- There are many supplements on the market that can help to sedate your dog such as CBD, Rescue Remedy, etc.
Use Benadryl or prescription items from your Veterinarian

If these items don’t work, you will need to speak with your veterinarian about fully sedating your dog to help their nail stay short.

11 WAYS TO CALM YOUR DOG DOWN WHEN THEY ARE SCARED

5 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR DOG’S FEET

HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG OVERCOME FEAR

FEAR AGGRESSION IN DOGS

SIGNS OF STRESS IN DOGS

BLOAT IN DOGS RELATED TO FEAR

WALKING A GREAT DANE

WOBBLERS SYNDROME IN DOGS

DOES IT HURT A DOG TO NOT CUT THEIR NAILS?

Nail cutting should not hurt your dog. The nail itself contains no nerve endings, so your dog will not feel pain when you cut their nails.

However, if you cut the quick of the nail- which is the pink part containing blood vessels and nerve endings- it will hurt your dog. The quick of the nail grows as the nail does, so it is important to only trim a small amount at

IS IT OKAY FOR MY DOG TO BITE THEIR OWN NAILS OFF?

Some dogs will start to bite their own nails or paws.

Typically, when a pet is biting their own nails, they are doing one of a few things:

Trying to trim their own nails down because they think they are too long
Attempting a process of calming themselves down (they might feel nervous or anxious), and sometimes it can calm them down to do something like bite at their nails or paws
Suffering from allergies or another issue that is bothering their paws
Just simply developed a habit of biting their own nails

If your dog is biting their own nails, you should evaluate whether your dog:

Needs a nail trimming
Has itchy paws due to skin inflammation or allergies
Is feeling uncomfortable or anxious
Has developed a habit that needs broken

WHY IS MY DOG TRYING TO PULL OUT HIS OWN NAIL?

If you think your dog is working at biting / pulling out their own nail, they may be experiencing some pain in their nail or paws.

There are several things that could be the cause of your dog’s pain, such as:

Allergies- If your dog is allergic to something, it could be causing them to lick or chew at their paws until they bleed.
Injuries- A cut, broken nail, or any other sort of injury can cause a dog to lick or chew at the area until it bleeds.
Nerve damage- If your pup has diabetes, they may experience nerve damage which can cause them to feel pain in their paws and nails.
The nails are too long and need a trimming or clipping.

Remember, that a dog or pup with nails that are too long will begin to have pain in their toes and feet. A dogs nails being too long can cause a knee injury, back pain, and their feet to be misaligned due to their toenails curling into their paws. All the nails of your dog should stay off the ground at all times. If you can hear the nails of your puppy or dog on the floor while they walk, ‘clicking’, their nails are too long and it is time to get the clippers out!

HOW LONG CAN DOGS GO WITHOUT CUTTING NAILS?

Every dog and pup is different and can wait a different amount of time between clipping.

However, as a rule of thumb, you should trim your dog every week.

If they are having a hard time with the frequency of this process, try to trim one paw per day. Once they get better with this paw, move to doing the back paws and then the front paws. Work so that their nails stay short.

Finding the right clippers and treats as well as having patience and remaining calm will help your dog know that getting their nails clipped is not a negative.

WHAT ARE THE BEST NAIL CLIPPERS FOR DOGS?

Every dog responds differently to different clippers. As a dog owner, it is important to try clipping with different clippers to see what type your pup responds best too.

There are two types of nail clippers: guillotine style and scissors style.

how to cut dogs nails — ***DIAGRAM OF NAILS THAT ARE WAY TOO LONG, A LITTLE BIT TOO LONG, AND NICELY TRIMMED***

Do Dogs Have Nerves in Their Nails? 12 — ***DIAGRAM OF NAILS THAT ARE WAY TOO LONG, A LITTLE BIT TOO LONG, AND NICELY TRIMMED***

GUILLOTINE STYLE CLIPPERS

Guillotine style clippers have a circular cutting area that goes over the nail. The nail is then inserted into the cutting area and cut with a quick movement.

SCISSOR STYLE CLIPPERS

Scissors style clippers have two blades that come together to cut the nail. These type of clippers take a little longer to use, but some dogs respond better to them.

To find out what type of clipper your dog likes best, try both types and see which they respond better too. You can also ask your groomer or veterinarian.

THE BEST NAIL CLIPPERS FOR YOUR DOG

We have put together a list of the best dog nail clipper selections that might work for your dog. Each clipper has pros and cons.

Millers Forge Nail Trimmer for Great Danes

The Millers Forge Nail Trimmers are known to be one of the best pair of clippers to trim your dog and their nails. They can work for a small dog but also work very well for a big dog. The blade is very sharp and can cut through the nails with ease.

Pros:

Very sharp blades
Can be used on small and large dogs

Cons:

Some people find them difficult to use

Dremel Nail Grooming Tool

The Dremel Nail Grooming Tool is a great option if you are looking for an electric nail clipper that you can not only file the tip of your dog’s nails, but slowly get the quick to reside.

If your dog is afraid of the sound of this groomer, you will need to introduce it slowly and remain calm.

Pros:

You can use it to file your dog’s nails
It slowly gets the quick to reside

Cons:

Some dogs are afraid of the sound it makes.

Shop Dremel on Amazon

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG NEEDS HIS NAILS CLIPPED?

Your dog requires regular nail trimmings if his nails touch the ground when he walks.

You will know that your dog’s nails are too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor when they walk. Additionally, their toenails may curl under and begin to grow into their paw pads, which is extremely painful.

If you are not certain if your dog needs their nails clipped or not, we always say to air on the side of pulling that clipper out and getting those treats ready and getting a good nail grooming in. It never hurts to go too short, but it does hurt to stay too long.

Good luck and happy clipping!

HELP YOUR DOG HAVE STRONG FEET

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOGS NAILS HEALTHY

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BE DOING NAIL TRIMS?

KNUCKLING- WHAT IS IT?

HOW TO PREVENT KNUCKLING

TRIMMING FOR PUPS

IS MY DOG KNUCKLING

OUR NAIL GROOMING SUPPLY SUGGESTIONS

August 23, 2022

How to Cut Black Dog Nails Without Hurting Them
How to cut black dog nails is a big problem! anybody with a dog who has black nails knows that getting nails trimmed is hard to begin with, let alone if the nails are black.

Do you have a dog with black nails? If so, you know that their nails can be a challenge to cut. They are black, so they are hard to see, and they tend to curl under, making them difficult to cut properly. In this blog post, we will discuss how to cut your black dog’s nails without hurting them. We will also provide tips on how to make the process easier for both you and your pet!

HOW TO CUT BLACK DOG NAILS

Trimming dogs nails can be a hard job to complete. Dog’s nails grow quickly and if not trimmed often, can pose health issues.

Great Dane Nail Clippers
How to Trim a Puppies Nails
How to Keep Your Dog’s Nails Healthy
What are the 7 Best Nail Clippers?

With white nails or clear nails, owners find the task easier as they don’t worry that they will accidentally cut the quick. However, with trimming black nails, it gets harder to safely trim, as the quick on a black dog is harder to identify.

Trimming black dog’s nails does not need to be impossible, however. With the proper tools and some patience, you can trim your black dog’s nails without harming them.

DOG’S NAILS AND THE QUICK

If you look closely at your pup’s nails, you can find something called the ‘quick’. The quick is the part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves.

TRIMMING A PUPPY? WE’VE GOT YOU!

You want to avoid cutting the quick as it will cause your dog pain and bleeding. When cutting black nails, it is harder to see where the quick begins. This is why extra care needs to be taken when trimming these types of nails. However, if you accidentally trim the dog’s quick, just know that accidents happen and it will not cause tremendous pain.

DIAGRAM OF NAILS THAT ARE WAY TOO LONG, A LITTLE BIT TOO LONG, AND NICELY TRIMMED

WHERE IS THE QUICK ON A DOG’S BLACK NAILS

Since it is harder to spot the quick on a dog with a black nail, you will want to become familiar with its location before attempting to cut it.

Image below is from Pethelpful:

The quick is located in the center of the nail. It is a pinkish or tan colored area that extends from the bottom of the nail up about halfway.

When working on a dog’s black nails, you will also want to look closely at the difference in textures. Inside the nail you will see the actual nail, and you will see something a bit more of a ‘chalky’ texture. This is the area you will want to avoid as it is where the quick begins.

HOW TO TRIM A DOG’S BLACK NAILS

Now that you know where the quick is located, you can begin trimming your dog’s black nails. You will want to use a nail trimmer specifically designed for dogs. These can be found at most pet stores or on Amazon. We will link some of our favorites below.

When trimming, you will want to make sure that you only take a small amount off at a time. This is because it is harder to see the quick on black nails, and you don’t want to accidentally cut it.

You will also want to be extra careful when cutting the nails that are close to the quick. These nails can be more difficult to trim, so take your time and be patient.

READ MORE ABOUT TOOLS WE RECOMMEND FOR TRIMMING HERE

After you have finished trimming your dog’s black nails, you will want to give them a treat! This will help them associate nail trims with something positive and make future trims easier.

SHOULD YOU USE STANDARD CLIPPERS FOR TRIMMING YOUR DOG’S BLACK NAILS?

Standard trimmers or clippers are a great option for your canine companion. Every dog is different and has a different level of comfort when it comes to nail care.

We recommend starting with standard trimmers and then moving up to a grinder if your dog is resistant to having their nails trimmed. A grinder will make the process quicker, but some dogs do not like the sound or vibration.

No matter the case, choosing a tool is essential as problems can arise when you do not trim your dogs nails.

As a pet parent, you will also have a different level of comfort with each tool. Some dog owners prefer to use a dremel, as it feels more comfortable removing a tiny bit a a time, than having to know where to stop cutting to avoid the quick.

SHOULD YOU USE A DREMEL OR FILER FOR DOGS NAILS?

The Dremel power tool is an option for dog nail grooming. Dog groomers sometimes use this tool to avoid clipping the quick / nerve endings, and get the nail short.

See how your dog reacts to getting their nails done with the Dremel. If they are a bit nervous at first, that is completely okay. Dog nails is not something that can be perfected overnight. Like any new task, trimming your dog’s nails will need to be done gradually over time.

If you would like to use a Dremel on your pup’s nails, we have listed our favorite product below.

TRIMMING YOUR DOG’S NAILS

Some dogs are very hesitant or nervous to get their nails trimmed. Trimming black nails adds an even bigger challenge, as it is more difficult to see the quick.

Here are a few tips on how to make trimming your dog’s nails a positive experience:
1. Start by getting your dog used to you handling their paws. This can be done by gently massaging their paw pads and between their toes. Try to gently pressure their toes or nails daily so that they get used to their feet being touched.
2. Once your dog is okay with you handling their feet, you can start trimming with some safe clippers, a little bit at a time. It is important to go slowly and not try to do too much at once.
3. Be sure to give your dog lots of dog treats and praise during the process. This will help them associate getting their nails trimmed with something positive.
4. If you are unable to safely trim your black dog nails due to your dog resisting, take a step back. Nail cutting can take time to practice. Start with just one nail, and then gradually increase over time.
5. If you have any questions or concerns about trimming your dog’s nails, please consult with a professional groomer or veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine the best course of action for your individual pet.
A BLEEDING NAIL

The quick on a black dog is difficult to see, but the texture does look different. If you accidentally cut the quick, it will bleed.

If this happens, do not panic. Apply gentle pressure to the nail with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, apply a styptic powder or corn starch or baking soda to the area to help clot the blood.

Syptic powder is helpful for dog nails because it comes in a small tube and can be easily applied to the nail. It is important to only apply a small amount, as too much can cause pain for your dog.

READ MORE ABOUT NAIL HEALTH HERE: How to Cut Black Dog Nails Without Hurting Them

If you do not have styptic powder on hand, corn starch can be used as a temporary measure until you are able to get some. (Which clippers to avoid)

THE BEST CLIPPERS FOR DOG NAILS

Dog nail trimming is a personal experience. Like human nails, every dog nail will have a different level of sensitivity to dog nail trimmers.

However, when using the correct dog nail trimmers, it can help a black dog or any dog have the most positive experience possible. The right nail clippers (reviewed here) can be the difference between a great experience when trimming black dog nails, and a negative one.

THE TYPES OF DOG NAIL CLIPPERS

There are two types of nail trimmers: guillotine clippers and scissors type clippers. (READ MORE HERE) Guillotine clippers have a circular blade that goes around the nail, while scissors type have two blades that come together like normal scissors. (Our favorites reviewed here)

We recommend the following dog nail clippers for trimming black dog nails:
To read more about nail clippers and trimming black dog nails, click here: The 7 Best Dog Nail Clippers: Great Dane Toenail Problems

THE BEST DOG TREATS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE TRIMMING BLACK DOG NAILS

Giving your dog a positive experience when nail clipping can be hard, but most dogs LOVE treats. During nail trimming, try to give rewards between each time you touch or trim your dog’s nail. This practice will help your canine friend understand that getting their nails trimmed is not a bad thing, but something they should look forward to.

Here are some of our favorite dog treats for the best experience when trimming black dog nails:
1. Doctor Harveys Freeze Dried Treats (click here)
2. Merrick Power Bites Natural Grain Free Gluten Free Soft & Chewy Chews Dog Treats
3. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe with Wild Rice Soft & Moist Dog Treats
Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

READ MORE ABOUT OUR FAVORITE TREATS FOR ANY ANIMAL LOVER: Soft Dog Treats: The #1 Best Treat on the Market

NAIL TRIMMING: THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT HAVING OVERGROWN NAILS

Long nails can cause a lot of problems for dogs. Not only can they be uncomfortable, but they can also lead to serious health issues. Overgrown nails can split and crack, which can be extremely painful for your dog.

If you allow your dog’s nails to grow too long, it can also cause joint pain and mobility problems. Long nails can also get caught on things, which can lead to ripped nails. In extreme cases, overgrown nails can cause a deformed foot or toe. This is because the weight of the nail pulls on the toe, causing it to bend out of shape. If you think your dog’s nails are getting too long, make an appointment with your veterinarian, vet tech or groomer as soon as possible.

Shop Dremel on Amazon

PROBLEMS WITH A NAIL BEING TOO LONG

A long nail on dogs can cause:
1. Arthritis
2. Hip Dysplasia
3. Hip / Joint pain
4. Conformation issues
5. Infection
6. Pain
IS IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TRIM DARK NAILS?

Trimming black dog nails can be a difficult task, but it is important to make sure you do not hurt your dog in the process. With the right tools and treats, you can trim your black dog’s nails without causing them any pain. Working to get the nail quick shorter is a process that requires patience, but if you take your time, you can do it!

If you have any questions about trimming black dog nails, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help!

RESOURCES FOR NAIL TRIMMING A DOG’S NAIL:

Dog’s Nail Tools: Click Here to Read More
Dog Nail Trimming Tips: Click to Read about how to Keep Your Dog’s Nails Healthy
Dog Supplies for Grooming: Click to Read and Learn
How Much Nail Should You Cut Off? Click to Read
Looking for the Quick On Black Dog: Read More Here
August 20, 2022
How Often Should You Cut Your Dog’s Nails?
How often should you cut your dog’s nails? How often you should cut your dog’s nails depends on a variety of factors, including the breed of dog, the type of clippers you use, and how fast your dog’s nails grow.

In general, most dogs need their nails trimmed every single week! However, if you have a short-haired breed or a dog with very slow-growing nails, you may be able to go longer between trimmings. If your dog’s nails are getting too long and start to curl under his paws, it is time for a trim! (READ MORE ABOUT TOENAIL PROBLEMS HERE)

DIAGRAM OF NAILS THAT ARE WAY TOO LONG, A LITTLE BIT TOO LONG, AND NICELY TRIMMED:

DIAGRAM OF NAILS THAT ARE WAY TOO LONG, A LITTLE BIT TOO LONG, AND NICELY TRIMMED

How Often Should You Cut Your Dog’s Nails?

Overgrown dog nails can be a huge problem for your pup. Not only can they be uncomfortable, but they can also lead to health problems. Dog owners should keep their dog’s nails trimmed to avoid these issues! (READ MORE HE R E)

Pet parents should get in the habit of regularly trimming dog nails so that they don’t face overgrown nails. Trimming your dog’s nails is one of the primary grooming responsibilities of being a dog owner.

How often you need to do a nail trimming session depends on a few factors:
1. Are your dog’s nails overgrown? (READ MORE HERE)
2. Is your dog used to frequent nail trimming?
3. Does your dog’s nails tend to cut/crack/break?
4. Is your dog prone to having extra long nails that grow fast?
5. Is your dog an older dog or a puppy?
6. Does your dog’s paw match the standard for the dog breed that they are or are their overgrown nails impacting the way their foot sits?
Although there are factors for how often you should trim a dog’s nail, a good rule is to make sure you are trimming your dog’s nails every single week in order to ensure that their nails are not impacting their growth, conformation and health.

Do Dog’s Long Nails Hurt?

Both veterinarians and professional groomers will agree that dog nails that are long and overgrown can hurt a dog both in that moment and have permanent damage. (Is your dog having feet problems?)

Long nails can cause your dog pain when walking or running because the long nail puts pressure on the toe and bends it back. This causes the quick, which is the blood vessel in the nail, to grow longer and makes it more susceptible to injury. In severe cases, a deformed toe from long nails can even make it difficult for a dog to walk.

On the other hand, overgrown nails can also cause your dog pain when they are lying down or sitting because the long nails press into the flesh and make it uncomfortable. In fact, some dogs will try to alleviate this pressure by standing on their hind legs! (READ MORE HERE)

If you think your dog or pup’s nails are too long, try to check and see if the dog nails reach the floor when the dog is standing. If the nails touch the floor, the dog needs a nail trim.
1. Arthritis
2. Joint pain
3. Hip Dysplasia
4. Lameness
5. Inability to walk or run
6. Deformed Toes
7. Nerve Damage
8. Bruising
9. Cuts
10. Inflammation
11. Infection
Issues that long dog nails can cause:

CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA
ARTHRITIS IN DOGS
GROWING PAINS IN DOGS
USING LASER THERAPY FOR YOUR DOG’S PAIN

If you want to avoid these health problems, make sure to keep your pet’s nails cut regularly!

How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Trimming your pup’s toenails regularly is not always easy. Dog nails can be sensitive, dark colored nails are harder to trim than clear nails, and some dogs simply do not like their nails being trimmed.

Here are some tips on how to make trimming nails a little bit easier:
1. Start early! Get your puppy used to having his nails cut so that it is not a traumatic experience for him later on. (LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING A PUPPY USED TO THEIR NAILS BEING TRIMMED HERE)
2. Trim often! Trim your dog’s nails weekly and regularly. Too long nails can make it harder when you get to it. Start trimming even daily! Trimming your dog’s nails regularly can eliminate a ton of anxiety or angst.
3. Use the right tools. Make sure you are using sharp, high-quality clippers specifically designed for dogs.Be gentle. Dogs have a quick in their nails, which is a blood vessel. If you cut too far into the quick, it will bleed and be painful for your dog. (READ MORE HERE)
4. Give treats! Lots of positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise will help your dog associate trimming with something good!
Get Your Dog Accustomed to Dog Grooming

Overgrown dog toenails are a pain- both physically to your dog and also can be a harm to your home! Not only can they be uncomfortable, but they can also lead to health problems.

Unfortunately, some dogs hate getting their nails cut. Dog nail trimming does not need to be a complete and utter pain every single time.

Try to start getting your dog’s feet used to being touched before you even begin to trim your pup’s dog nail. When you are sitting around watching tv with your dog, try rubbing their feet and playing with their toes. This way, when it comes time to trim their toenails they will be more used to having their feet handled.

NEED HELP CHOOSING NAIL CLIPPERS?
TIPS FOR HEALTHY DOG NAILS
DOES YOUR PUPPY LET YOU TRIM THEIR NAILS?
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR DOG’S NAILS?

If you feel like your dog is ready to try, start with just one nail. They may be a bit nervous, but that is okay! Begin cutting or filing their front nails, one at a time. Be extra careful if they are still nervous to make it an overall positive experience.

As always, give lots of treats and praise during and after the nail trimming session! With a little bit of patience and these tips, you’ll have your dog working their way up to being able to get nail trims on more than one nail.

What Tool is the Best to Keep Your Dogs Toenails?

READ MORE ABOUT TOOLS WE RECOMMEND FOR TRIMMING HERE

Every dog is different with what nail tool they prefer. Likewise, some pet owners prefer to use nail trimmers and some prefer to use a Dremel. (READ MORE HERE)

Try practicing with both tools to see which works better for your dog’s nail, their personality, and your own comfort level.

NAIL CLIPPERS

You may prefer using nail clippers to get your pup’s nails cut. Some dogs prefer clippers too, as it cuts the nail in one clean motion. Clippers are also less likely to cause the quick to bleed if you accidentally clip too far.

There are two types of nail clippers: guillotine style and scissors style. If you have a small dog, you’ll want to use smaller clippers designed specifically for them. For large dogs, you’ll want to use larger clippers.

Be sure to read more about how to cut dog nails and which tools we recommend for dog nail trimming here:

DREMEL TOOLS

If your dog hates having their nails clipped, a Dremel tool may be a better solution for you both. A Dremel can file your dog’s toenails down instead of clipping them off. This method takes longer, but some dogs prefer it and it is less nerve wracking with accidentally cutting off too much nail. (READ MORE HERE)

Just take the dremel tool and start filing slowly where the nail starts, being careful to stop at the dog’s quick. The quick contains blood vessels and will bleed if you trim or touch it. Get a good grip on the nail dremmel and start filing in short strokes.

Be sure to read more about how to dremel dog toenails and checkout the tool we recommend for dog nail trimming here:

What Do Dog’s Nails Clicking Mean?

If you start to hear your dog’s toenails on surfaces like hardwood floors, this is a clue that you should trim your dog’s toenails.

Overgrown dog toenails will curve and start to grow into the pads of their feet. This can be painful for your dog and also make it difficult for them to walk normally.

If you hear your dog or puppy’s feet clicking, you should assume that they need a good nail file. Always remember that short cut toenails can and will help to keep your dog healthy and protect their joints, while longer toenails will lead to joint issues.

Frequent toenail trimmings can prevent so many issues and keep your dog healthy. This is a good time to pull out the toenail trimmers or dremel tool and get to work!

Is Going For a Walk Regularly Enough for Your Dog’s Trimming?

You might hear owners say that going for walks can keep their dog or puppy’s nails worn enough that they don’t ever have to even provide trims.

Unfortunately, even dog’s who go on walks regularly can and will have claws that are way too long if they are not frequently getting trimmed. Dog walks are just not enough to wear the nails down on their own.

This is especially true for senior dogs or ones with health conditions that make it difficult for them to walk frequently or at all. This length will need even more attention to prevent any discomfort.

What To Do If You Accidentally Cut the Dog Nails Too Short

Inside of each dog nail is something called the “quick.” The quick contains blood vessels and nerves, and if you accidentally cut it, it will bleed and be painful for your dog. The quick is harder to see in black nails or dark nails, but you can clearly see it in light colored nails.

If you do accidentally cut the quick, don’t panic! Use a styptic powder or pencil to stop the bleeding and then put a bandage on it. This will help the dog to stop bleeding sooner, and keep your dog from licking the wound and will also help to keep any dirt out.

If you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s nails, we recommend taking them to a professional groomer or vet. They have experience trimming dog nails and will be able to do it quickly and painlessly for your pup.

Do Slippery Surfaces Play a Role In Dog’s Health?

Older dogs, puppies, dogs who are prone to joint disease or injury, and dogs who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience negative health effects from slippery surfaces.

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Dogs who live in homes with hardwood floors or tile floors are also at a higher risk for developing calluses on their elbows and hocks (the joints on the back legs). These calluses can lead to joint pain and arthritis.

To help prevent these health problems, we recommend using mats or rugs in your home, especially in areas where your dog likes to lay down or sleep. You can also use traction socks or booties on their feet when they go outside to help them keep their footing.

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Slick floors are a pain point for most dogs. Pups with longer nails will have a hard time gripping the floor, and those with shorter nails or no nails will have a hard time getting traction. This can lead to falls and injuries, so always be cautious of your dog when they’re on slippery surfaces.

Adding both frequent nail trimmings as well as rugs and runners are two very easy solutions for this household problem.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, dog nail trimming is an important part of dog care. Dogs need their nails trimmed every few weeks, and more frequently if they are active or have long nails. If you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s nails, we recommend taking them to a professional groomer or vet.

Trimming your dog’s nails is important for their health and wellbeing. It’s a simple task that only takes a few minutes, but can make a big difference in your dog’s life. So next time you’re considering skipping a trim, remember how important it is for your pup to not develop overgrown dog nails, and go ahead and give them a quick nail trimming!

Your turn! How often do you give nail trims? Do you trim your dog’s nails weekly or monthly? Let us know in the comments!

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August 10, 2022