The Nail-Biting Adventures of Dog Grooming: A Comedy of Clips and Quips
Ah, the joys of dog ownership! From the endless cuddles to the wagging tails, it’s a love story for the ages. But then, there’s the not-so-glamorous side: grooming. Specifically, nail trimming. If you’ve ever tried to clip your dog’s nails, you know it’s like trying to give a manicure to a hyperactive toddler. Fear not, dear reader, for I bring you a guide to make this task a little less daunting and a lot more entertaining.
Laura Lhasafam
9/9/20242 min read
Start Young, Stay Calm
If you start young and clip your dog’s nails before each bath, you’ll find that your furry friend will become accustomed to the sensation and not pull back or become alarmed. Often, it’s the sound of the clip that causes the dog to startle. Using a quiet scissor while they’re young and the nails are soft will help in training your dog to have his toes touched. Think of it as a spa day for your pup – minus the cucumber slices.
DIY or Call the Pros?
Groomers include nail trimming in their services, or you can stop by your groomer or vet for this service alone. But why not become a DIY nail-trimming ninja? It’s easier than you think. I like to have the dog lay down and bend the paw back naturally, holding it firmly in one hand while clipping with the other. Some prefer the dog to stand to keep them focused on balancing on three legs. It’s also a great time to shave the hair between and around the pads – multitasking at its finest!
The Perfect Angle
Clip nails at a 45° angle from the floor or base of the pad. Cut just beyond the quick or fleshy area within the nail. If any nail is see-through, this will make the job of finding out how far back to cut much easier for all nails. Even those dark black ones you can’t see through. In well-lit areas, it should be easy to see the quick in a clear or white nail, but even if all nails are black, you can easily figure out where to cut by understanding a 45° angle. It’s like geometry class, but with more fur.
The Right Tools
Use a straight cutting clipper or scissor in which you can clearly see where your cut is landing, and you’ll do fine. If you notice any bleeding and do not have styptic powder on hand, you can substitute corn starch, flour, or alum and have your dog rest afterward for a bit. If you did clip the quick, it should stop within minutes; if not, call your vet. And remember, accidents happen – even to the best of us.
The Finishing Touches
When trimming the hair from pads, separate the pads with your finger and gently trim the hair from between and sides of each pad. This makes it easier for your dog to grip the floor and ensures no mats are formed. Dogs that chew on or lick their feet can cause matting of this hair if not maintained. Small rocks or debris not removed from feet can cause matting of this hair also. This is a great time to check the business end and trim the hair around the anus shorter too – because nobody likes a messy bottom.