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Regular nail trims for your dog are one of the most important grooming practices. Keeping your dog’s nails on the shorter side prevents nails from growing into the paw pads, keeps them walking comfortably, and reduces the chance of them accidentally scratching you. Nail trims can be scary/stressful for some dogs, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be trimming nails like a pro in no time! 1. Know how often to trim your pooch’s nails - Most dogs require a nail trim about once a month. Dogs that are walked on pavement regularly require less trims because they file their nails down. Dogs that are mainly indoors or less active may require trims more often. Be sure to check your dog’s nails periodically and come up with a schedule that is right for them. 2. Get your dog used to their paws being touched - Start slow, casually pick up a paw and inspect all the toes; if your dog tolerates this, give them a treat! Work on getting your dog used to all of their paws being touched/held and once they are comfortable, this will make it much easier to trim their nails. 3. Pick the right grooming tool for your dog - There are different types of nail clippers/grinders. Choose a tool that is appropriate for your dog’s nail size - larger clipper for larger dogs and smaller for more dainty paws. Some dogs will not tolerate a nail trim due to the sound of the nails being clipped. These dogs may do better with a quiet dremel that grinds the nails, instead of clipping them.  4. Know how much of the nail to trim - The “quick,” is the part inside of the nail that has nerve endings and blood vessels; be sure to avoid clipping the quick! Start by taking off a small amount of the nail, and trim more if needed. If you do accidentally clip the quick, you can stop the bleeding with some styptic powder (found at any pet store), or cornstarch or flour.  5. Create a calm, relaxing environment - Make sure you are using an area that has plenty of light, and not a lot of commotion going on. Playing calming music may be helpful for some dogs. The most important part is for you to stay calm during the whole process. Your dog will pick up on your stress and it may cause them to panic during a nail trim if they are already stressed.
7. Small wins are still wins! - Trim as many nails as your dog will allow in one sitting. Clipping 1-2 nails every couple days is still a success, especially if you have a dog that is not very cooperative!
8. Recruit a friend to help hold your dog - Some dogs just are not motivated by food and cannot be bribed with treats and lick mats. It may help to have someone hold the dog, while another person trims the nails. Make sure to keep your dog comfortable while gently restraining them, and let them go if they start to stress. It is better to get a couple nails done, than to wrestle them to get all of the nails done at once. 9. Talk to your veterinarian - If you are still having trouble and your dog just won’t tolerate a spa day, speak with your veterinarian about other tips/tricks/options. Don’t be discouraged, the veterinary staff can help come up with a plan that works for you and your canine companion.
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Trimming your cat’s nails at home can be a daunting feat, since cats like to do things on their time. With a few tips and some positive reinforcement, you’ll be trimming your feline friend’s nails like a pro in no time. 1. Know how often to trim your cat’s nails - Outdoor cats do not require regular nail trims; they need their nails to defend themselves outside. Younger cats require more frequent trims, some as often as every 2 weeks, as their nails grow faster. Older cats usually require monthly trimmings, but be sure to check your cat’s nails regularly.
3. Know how much of the nail to trim - The “quick” is the pink part inside the nail that has blood vessels and nerve endings - this should be avoided when trimming nails! When trimming your cat’s nails, start with small clips, as it is better to take too little, than too much. If you do accidentally clip the quick, you can stop the bleeding with some styptic powder (found at any pet store), or cornstarch or flour.  4. Practice extending your cat’s nails - While sitting comfortably with your cat, practice holding their paws and gently squeezing to extend the nails, without trimming. This will help acclimate them to having their paws touched. 5. Start with one or two nails at a time - Trimming all of your cat’s nails at once can be stressful, especially if they are not used to it. Trim as many nails as your cat will allow at a time and look at every nail trimmed as a success. 6. Provide lots of bribes! - Use your cat’s favorite treats to show that nail trims can be a positive experience. While trimming, offer a liquid treat or even some canned food that may take your cat a while to finish so they are distracted while you are clipping. You can also offer a treat after every nail that is successfully clipped.
8. Create a calm environment - Be sure to trim nails in a well-lit, quiet place; some calming music may be helpful. Some cats may benefit from pheromones, such as Feliway, which can be sprayed on a towel, or in the area where you will be trimming nails. Make sure that you stay relaxed during the process, as your cat can pick up on your stress.
9. Ask your veterinary staff - If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your vet, as they may have even more tips and tricks for some of our more feisty feline friends. |
Caitlin McBrideArchives
January 2026
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