Trimming Your Dog's Nails at Home

     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.

6. Have lots of treats handy! - Positive reinforcement is going to be your best tool for a successful nail trim. You can give your dog a small treat after every nail that is clipped. If your pooch is more on the wiggly side, try putting some peanut butter or spray cheese on a silicone lick mat and stick it to the wall to keep them distracted in one spot.

​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.