Here's How To Properly Trim Your Dog's Toenails

In our previous articles, we discussed the importance of trimming a dog’s nails and how to choose the right clippers for the task. Now, let’s talk about how to actually trim those nails!

Before you begin, gather everything you need. Nail clippers aren’t all you should have on hand; get styptic powder, or a similar clotting powder, to stop bleeding in case you cut into the quick of your dog’s nail. You should also have treats, a towel, and anything else you may need. Here are the steps to trimming a dog’s nails:

Step 1

It may also be a good idea to get your dog used to nail clippers first before actually going through with the clipping process. Be very gradual in the process and use lots of positive reinforcement, and make sure your dog is used to having their paws handled.

Step 2

Now, you’re ready to begin! Take your dog’s paw gently (but firmly!) in your grasp and hold it out so you can see the nails. Position the trimmer at a 45-degree angle on one of the claws. Make sure you don’t cut into the quick – do small cuts instead of large portions at once.

Step 3

Once you see the white area inside the nail, with a little black dot in the middle, stop, as you’re getting close to the quick. In dogs with light nails, you can probably see the quick more easily as a pinkish portion in the nail.

Step 4

Trim your dog’s nails every three weeks, or as needed.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay