Grooming your canine’s nails is a crucial part of their care routine. Many owners feel a sense of apprehension when faced with the task of trimming their dog’s claws. Furthermore, dogs themselves often don’t like the process.
Like humans, dog nails are always growing. Some pooches can naturally keep their nails trimmed down by walking on rough surfaces, such as pavement, gravel, or concrete. Unfortunately, many dogs today live indoors and don’t get to do that, particularly smaller breeds.
If their nails are left unchecked, some dogs may have them curl into their paw pads, causing sores and infections. Even if they don’t, long nails can make it hard for them to walk, particularly on slick surfaces. In addition, long nails are more prone to getting snagged or split, which is very painful for your pup.
Prior to getting started, it is important to find a place where both you and your pooch are comfortable. The type of nail trimmer you choose depends on the size of your dog’s nails as well as your personal preference.
Plier-style trimmers:
which are similar to garden pruners, are spring-loaded and suitable for small to medium-sized nails. The large size generally works on all nail sizes, apart from the tiny ones, which can result in fraying of the ends. These trimmers are user-friendly and usually remain sharp for an extended period, but the blades are not replaceable.
Guillotine trimmer:
which has an internal blade and a hole to line up the nail. When the handle is squeezed, the blade comes up to trim the nail, similar to an upside-down guillotine. This type is often favored by beginners since it is fairly easy to use.
Scissor trimmers:
are similar to a pair of scissors, but they have a curved blade to cut a rounder nail. When using these, line up the blade with the nail in the proper place and make the cut. These trimmers are only suitable for smaller nails because it may not be powerful enough for bigger ones.
It is essential to understand the right way to handle the trimmer so that it operates correctly. The grip should be underneath the canine’s paw, with the opening for the nail at the top. The screws on the trimmer should be facing the direction of your dog. The nail should be placed inside the hole in the correct spot for the cut. When it becomes dull, the internal blade of the guillotine trimmer can be changed. Guillotine trimmers are best suited for nails of small to medium size, but they are not suitable for very large or very small nails.
Caution:
When it comes to nail trimming, some dogs may not stay in one spot, even with help from more people. You can attempt to help your pet become used to nail trimming by rewarding it whenever it tolerates even slight paw handling.
Eventually, work your way up to trimming. If your pup is trying to bite you or is struggling too much, which may lead to injury, the nail trim should be done by the professionals. Most vet offices and dog groomers have a small fee for nail trimming services. In severe cases, sedatives may be necessary.
