Dog nails too long lead to a problem for all dogs. It makes them have nails that clip on the floor making sounds. It can also cause pain to your dog.
Here is all you need to know about long nails.
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How to know if your dog’s nails are long
Long dog’s nails are best identified if there is clicking on the floor causing discomfort or interfering with mobility. Problems that happen when the nails are overgrown are:
- The nails become weak and fracture easily.
- Your dog may have problems when walking.
- Your dog may become uncomfortable on slippery floors.
- Puts pressure on dog’s ankle and can lead to your dog losing their balance.
- Claws may grow inward which may pierce their paw pads causing infection.
What is the perfect length for dog’s nails?
The nails should be short enough that they don’t touch the ground when the dog is standing in a firm surface but should be long enough so that a dog can climb up hills and can dig.
The best method to clip dog’s nails
1.) Purchase dog nail trimmers
Get nail clippers whether guillotine or scissor style or you can get a nail grinder. Get the suitable nail trimmer for your dog’s age; there are different sizes suitable for each age.
2.) Get your dog used to the sensation of getting their paws touched
Get your dog used to feeling their paws touched. Some dogs are afraid of having physical contact when trimming their nails.
That is why it is important to practice touching their paws when they are young so they can get used to getting their paws touched.
3.) Gently take your dog’s paws in your hands
Take your dog’s paws in your hands and gently massage their paws. Start with the claws located in the back as these are less sensitive than the front legs.
Also you got to establish the location of the quick through carefully looking at where it is located.
5.) Hold out a nail
Hold out a nail and hold the toe between your index finger and thumb and apply pressure into your dog’s paw but be gentle. Be firm but do not scare away your dog with commands such as “stay” or “no”.
6.) Start trimming your dog’s nails
Start trimming your dog’s nails. With puppies, it won’t take long as with adult dogs. Start with clipping in small pieces in a 45 degrees angle.
You got to start with the tip of the nail by clipping it slowly and in small pieces. Do not clip in huge pieces so that your dog doesn’t get hurt and doesn’t become scared.
Do not cut the quick as it will cause bleeding and hurt your dog. The quick is the vein that runs through the claw and is identified as a pink color. Cutting the quick can cause your dog to experience trauma of having their paws touched again.
7.) Repeat step 5 and 6
Repeat step 5 and 6 for each nail so you can trim all your dog’s nails effectively. Do not rush the process or cut in large pieces.
8.) Reward your dog for staying so patiently
Once you finish trimming your dog’s nails, you got to reward them by giving them treats and praise for doing a job well done.
Tips when clipping long nails
Think about safety
You got to not rush the process as this can cause injury to your dog by either damaging the nail or causing bleeding. Accident may happen so it is important to use styptic powder.
Make sure your dog is happy and calm
The happier and calmer the dog, the more it is easier to clip your dog’s nails. Make them comfortable by soothing them with soft words , putting their favorite blanket or toy with them.
If they want to stop , you have to stop until they are relaxed again. Also make sure to give them a lot of treats for their good behavior.
Make regular grooming a priority
Try and take time each week for a nail clipping session with your dog. Doing so will help stop the problem of having dog nails too long. This will also stop your dog from developing pain and health problems.
Create a schedule for your dog
Have a schedule ready for the time that you are going to clip your dog’s nails so your dog knows when their nails are going to be clipped.
Conclusion
Dogs nails too long causes problems for your dogs. There is a method to clip your dog’s nails that are long. This method relies on being careful when clipping the nails and staying away from the quick.