A surprising answer to the question of whether or not it is safe to paint your dog’s nails is yes. However, there is a condition that follows. Use dog nail polish instead of human nail polish. Human nail polish contains chemicals that could be potentially dangerous for your pet, and some dogs chew their nails causing these chemicals to be ingested. These chemicals include dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde. A pet-friendly nail polish called Color Paw sells for about $10. Pet Head Nail Polish, Warren London and Davis Nail Polish are other brands that also create dog-friendly nail polish, and there is an array of colors to choose from.

Getting a dog to sit still might be a challenge, so the great part about nail polish made for animals is that they dry more quickly than human nail polish. Try to keep your dog still and calm while applying the nail polish to prevent it from licking or touching the wet polish. Warren London’s packaging comes as a paint pen instead of a bottle making it an easier option for more hyper dogs. The polish pens are water-based and don’t have an odor They also dry in just one minute and can be great for creating designs. Just like with human nails, be sure to clip and prepare your dog’s nail for the new coat. Their nails are black, so applying a white base coat might make the colors show up better. You can also apply multiple coats, but this would increase the drying time.

When it comes time for removal, try to use a dog-safe nail polish remover. These non- toxic removers are soy-based, so they will moisturize the nails as well. Then you can use shampoo and scrub your dog’s paws to be sure that there is no residue left on them. Avoid acetone. It not only is toxic for dogs, but it can dry out their nails causing them to break more easily. If you want your pet’s paws to stand out, remember the number one rule is safety.