Bathing pets is one of the fundamental pet care activities, but it becomes a scary experience for most pet parents when it comes to grooming their dog’s nails. But, taking time for the appropriate equipment when appropriately accompanied by an understanding procedure, it is possible to convert nail trimming to be an ordinary task that serves the interest of your dog’s health. Now it is high time to reveal the most crucial aspect – how to trim the nails of your dog without harming you or your pet.
Long nails are painful for a dog and create problems as regards movement and positioning of the limb. Long nails bend and lie on the paw’s plantar aspect, which may cause discomfort, bacterial infections, or even trauma. Moreover, long nails change your dog’s gait and create pressure on muscles and joints, which are unhealthy for the animal. These problems can, however, be avoided by trimming your dog’s hair frequently to make sure that your dog is healthy and mobile.
Good preparation is important for any activity that aims at trimming the nails. It’s important to find a location that is free from distractions and bright enough so your dog can also feel comfortable. Preliminary supplies that might be needed are nail clippers or a grinder for dogs, a styptic powder in case there is bleeding, and rates to ensure the dog is disciplined enough to have its nails clipped.
It is important that you know the structure of your dog’s nails. The toenail is composed of living tissue, and the pink portion around it is called the Matrix or the quick, which includes blood vessels and nerves. Simple slicing into the quick is painful for your dog and may result in bleeding. When the nails are ok, the pinkish area to be distinguished is quick for dogs that own light-colored nails. If your dog has black nails, it is less intrusive,e which means going slow and removing a small portion at a time.
First of all, take their paw in such a manner that you clasp it firmly but very gently. Using groomers that are designed for dogs or clippers which are designed for dogs would be better. Hold the clippers at a small angle, then cut just the tip of the nail. Do not cut aggressively; take small shaves in a bid to reduce how deep the cut is.
When using a grinder, make several passes that take only a few minutes each because prolonged use will make it uncomfortable. Pay attention if the nail has been left over when you are done with each pass to confirm that you’re avoiding the quick.
An inexperienced nail trident can sometimes result in quick cutting, which is not rare. If so, use styptic powder or cornstarch applied to the nail to arrest bleeding quickly What follows is an account of the tips as follows: Stay quiet and do not alarm your dog by shouting at him or using loud tones. If your dog is too stressed do not continue with the session and try another later.
If your dog is anxious at the end of the session or even mid-way through, reward you with snacks or praise. Rewarding your dog encourages them to accept nail trimming, and it will be easier to trim her nails in the future.
Generally, how often you trim your dog’s nails will depend on the dog's activity level and the nail growth rate. Fingernails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks in normal circumstances, with a little buffer between the two. Trimming should be done often so that there can be no overgrown hair on the dog's paws.
The Bottom Line:
It is very important that you regularly cut your dog’s nails. As one may find it difficult to do so it will be of great value to see the importance of nail health. This means that your pet will be more comfortable to handle, mobility easy to encourage, and general health enhanced. Consistent practice and following the steps provided here will go a long way in trimming your dog’s nails and, therefore also maintaining healthy paws.
