VMD 513: Pet animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

THE BEST WAY OF CLIPPING DOG NAILS

• The best way how to cut a dog's nails is to have the dog lying on a raised table or other surface. Do remember to put a non-slip mat for your dog to sit or stand on so she doesn't slip and hurt herself.
• Having someone strong hold your dog in their arms while you quickly clip a couple of nails is another effective way of doing this.
• However, your dog may be as good as gold and let you cut their claws with no fuss at all - in which case you are a very fortunate person!
• Carefully read the instructions for the nail clipping tool of your choice. For example, with the guillotine, you need to cut from the underneath of your dog's claw up wards. Never clip down wards.
• Position the tool in the right place, wait for an opportune moment when your dog stops wriggling, double check that the clipper is in the right place and squeeze firmly and smoothly - the nail will just pop off.
• When wondering when and how to cut dog's nails, little and often is the best policy. Just nibbling off the ends of each claw will be less stressful for your dog - and yourself! The point to aim for is to trim off any bit that protrudes over your dog's pad. Thus, when he stands, your dog's claws should not touch the ground.
• The good thing is, very much like our own nails, the more you trim your dog's nails, the more the quick will recede.
• Therefore, clipping dog nails doesn't have to be done all at once - take your time.