The dreaded hangnail: You pick, you pull and you wince in pain. Luckily, you have a set of nail clippers to take care of the problem. One clip and it’s gone. Your pets don’t have that luxury. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to maintain your pet’s nails. In a natural environment, your pet will run and scratch, keeping his nails short and trimmed. However, hard wood floors and a lack of adequate exercise in your pet’s home environment may be causing longer nails and more discomfort. Be sure that you are keeping up with your pet’s nail care. Unsure where to start? Keep reading for some tips and tricks on at-home nail care.

1. When do I trim my dog’s nails? This question can be answered just by listening to your dog when he walks around the house. If his nails are clicking on the floor when he walks, or they often get snagged in the carpet, then it’s time for a trip. The general rule is that you don’t want the nail to touch the ground.

2. What tool should I use to trim the nails? There are three different tools that you can use to trim your dog’s nails. The first is a scissor-like device, the second is a guillotine type and the third is a nail grinder that sands down the nails. Unsure of which to choose? The scissors and guillotine are the most time-effective, and most dogs feel the most comfortable with these devices because they don’t make any loud noises. However, if these don’t work well with your pet, the grinder may be a good alternative. If your dog is not afraid of loud noises and vibrations, he might find this option more tolerable because it is a gradual process. If you are still unsure, be sure to consult with a groomer at Doggie Styles or your veterinarian to determine which option is best for your pup.

3. How do I work up to the nail trim? If this is the first time that you have trimmed your dog’s nails, then he is probably unfamiliar with you touching his feet. He may initially be

uncomfortable with the idea. Begin by giving him gentle foot rubs to warm him up to the idea. Be sure to use lots of praise and treats to positively enforce the behaviors.

4. How do I trim the nails? Begin by spreading out the toe you want to cut. Hold the trimmer so that you are cutting the nail from top to bottom at a slight angle. Insert a very small section of the nail to trim. Be sure you are doing this on an angle to avoid an unnatural blunt cut. Your dog’s nails have a natural curvature to them that you want to keep. You will continue cutting into the nail a little at a time until you begin to see a small, nail-colored circle show up on the surface of the nail. If you see this, it’s time to stop and move on to the next nail. That circle is the quick, and you do not want to cut it, as it is very painful for your dog.

5. What do I do if I cut the quick? You’ll know that you’ve done so because your dog will probably bark, yelp or squirm to get away from you. If you do cut the quick, it’s time to stop trimming for the day. You don’t want to traumatize your dog any further, and you can resume another day. Apply styptic powder or corn starch to the wound and apply pressure. If the nail continues to bleed after a few minutes, immediately consult your veterinarian.

Be sure to end a clipping session with lots of treats and praise. Your dog is not as familiar with nail clipping as you are, and this is a new, scary experience that he will need to warm up to. If you feel that cutting his nails is too much of a time commitment, or you don’t feel comfortable doing it, feel free to contact us at Doggie Styles to set up an appointment.