Just
like human nails, dog's nails grow constantly. How often a dog’s
nails need to be cut will depend on the dog’s breed and also
lifestyle, which can change with age.
Many dogs naturally wear their nails down by walking and play, especially
if the walk involves hard surfaces. An inactive dog may not wear
their nails down. Similarly an older dog will often favour grass
and softer ground and will prefer not to walk on hard surfaces,
so their nails will not naturally wear down as much either.
It is therefore important to keep your dog’s nails well trimmed
at the correct length. If a dog’s nails get too long it can
put pain and pressure on the dog’s toes and paws, which will
ultimately put strain on their legs. Long claws are also prone to
splitting and infection.
Correct
length for nails
If a dog’s nails are too long, you will hear the nails
clack when the dog walks on hard surfaces. Deciding if your
dog’s nails are too long is quite simple. The dog’s
nail should not protrude over the pad. When the dog is standing,
the claws should not touch the ground. |
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The
quick
You can cut your dog’s nails at home. This is particularly
easy if your dog has clear or light coloured nails. In these cases
you can see the ‘quick’ inside the nail. The quick is
the blood vessels and nerves that supply the nail. Knowing where
the quick is will help you to trim the nail to just before that
point. The general recommendation is to cut approx 2mm from the
quick. But if a dog has black or dark nails it can be difficult
or impossible to see the quick and this will make nail trimming
more difficult. You may prefer, in these cases, to try filing your
dog’s nails or to have your vet or dog groomer trim your dog’s
nails for you.
Cutting
the nails
Purchase a specially made implement for the job of cutting
your dog’s nails. There are several styles of nail
trimmer available. Those that act like a guillotine are
often the easiest to use, as opposed to ones that work by
a scissors type action. However, a scissors type clipper
may have to be used if the nail is so long that it is curling
round on itself or if the dog has exceptionally strong,
thick nails. |
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Each
clipper will vary as to how it should be used. Carefully read the
instructions specifically for the nail clipper you have purchased.
When you cut the nail you must be decisive and make a smooth, quick
squeeze while holding the nail cutter steady.
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The claws on a dog’s rear feet are often shorter and
require less frequent trimming than those on the front feet.
Don’t forget your dog’s dew claws. These are
on the dog’s inner leg. As they are located slightly
higher up the leg, they therefore do not touch the ground
and do not wear down naturally like the rest of the dog’s
claws. |
After trimming with nail cutters you can either file the nail smooth
or simply let the rough edges smooth themselves away over time.
Cutting dark nails
The problem with dark nails is that you cannot easily see the quick.
Cut dark claws in several small cuts to reduce the chance of accidentally
cutting into the quick. As you cut, keep checking the end of your
dog's nail. As you cut further along the nail, look out for a dark
spot in the centre of the newly clipped nail edge. This dark area
is where the live ‘quick’ starts.
Some other handy hints for cutting dark nails:
- Try shining a torch or bright light towards you and through the
claw.
- Try looking on the underside of the nail where the quick is often
more visible.
- Bathing can make the quick easier to see and also makes nails
easier to cut.
- Applying baby oil will serve the same purpose.
If
you cut the quick
Don’t panic. If you accidentally cut the nail too
short and it starts to bleed, hold some tissue tightly to
the nail. Alternatively, use a styptic pencil, styptic powder
or styptic pads to stop blood flow. Even without treatment,
the bleeding should stop within about 5 minutes. If your
dog licks the wound it will slow the healing and clotting
process and bleed for a bit longer. |
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If
the dog’s nails are long
The longer the nail the longer the quick. If your dog’s nails
are long it is better to cut a little at a time because the quick
will also be long. Cut a little bit from each claw and then wait
a week or two for the quick to recede before cutting again. Once
you have your dog’s nails at a sensible length then cut monthly
or as required.
Trim
nails regularly
Most dogs do not like having their nails trimmed. It is therefore
a good idea to get your dogs used to having their paws and claws
handled at a young age if possible, or at any age by gentle handling
and praise. Take things slowly. You don’t have to do all your
dogs nails in one session.
Keeping
your dog’s nails trimmed is important. Schedule it into your
diary if you are likely to forget. Make a foot inspection part of
your usual health routine with your dog. Apart from the pain of
long nails, your dog could get infections, broken nails, ingrown
nails and other painful conditions. So with just a little bit of
effort and know how, you can keep your dogs feet in tip top condition. |
