Best Non Toxic Nail Salon in Houston

Rookie pet owners often try to learn how to trim their dog’s nails on their own in a back alley somewhere, followed by making a few short trips to the vet’s office later on. We here at POPSUGAR are very careful with this gift, as this once a month routine often results in Fido’s nails stretching out wider than he did before. If you’re unfamiliar with the pros and cons of cat and dog nails, take the time to learn!

Cat Nails

While cats have long nails, for the most part, they’re a natural part of their habitat. If you’re an older pet or you live in a co-op apartment, you may be at a disadvantage. You don’t want to do anything to your cat’s nails that would give them serious skin problems, and since the nails can get so long, this can be difficult. To do anything to your cat’s nails, consult your vet to figure out the options before you take on this puzzle.

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Dog Nails

Generally speaking, one of the reasons why dog nails are longer than cat nails is because they are longer! If you want to try clipping, you’re actually taking on more work, as there will be considerably more hair and nails that need to be clipped. If you can’t manage getting a fresh pair of dog shoes daily, always remember to get a dog-friendly leash and leash clips. There are plenty of videos on YouTube showing you how to get started; keep in mind that if you come across a dog walking on its own and it doesn’t seem interested in the clip, this does not mean that clipping the rest of its nails is going to be successful.

After you start clipping your dog’s nails, it’s best to make them manageable and comfortable. They can get stretched way out and even worsen if they’re forced to rest for too long in the vet’s office or out in the kitchen while you prep dinner. For the most part, I like the look of a makeshift nail on top of my feet, so I keep only one long nail clipped in place, leaving the other two to extend for as long as possible. To keep your pup happy and relatively calm in this situation, try lifting a pad or something you can lean the animals over in.

No matter which way you decide to go about clipping, always remember that you’re not killing your pup’s nail file, so you shouldn’t be too harsh. If you are at all nervous, try reaching over and lightly scratching your dog to ensure there is little to no damage. Just remember to take your time; consistency is key.

Where to Clip Your Dog

Now that you know where to start, get started! Whether you’re looking for a professional grooming service or you want to keep your pup happy and comfortable at home, here are a few options:

Hair Clips: Be sure to look for trimmer clips with a clasp so they won’t easily fall off.

Trimmer Wraps: These come in various shapes and sizes and most people can find one that’s comfortable and tight enough to clip.

Slate Slicer: Most folks use scissors to cut hair, but why not try it on a shaving board instead? A sharp wedge edge will get at any stray hairs that are left behind, making it a less stressful tool.

Foam Cat Cuts: This tool has been around since the 1920s, but many people still don’t realize how popular it is these days. Foam cat cuts are like traditional cat whiskers and are a perfect option for pet parents with overly grown dogs and cats.

Angelyne: These scissors are pretty simple to use, but they require practice. Your pup needs to be patient and focus on where they want the sharp edge to go. Once you’ve mastered the style, just make sure they’re always using the head first!

Foam Cat Breaks: We love this to make pet parents happy. It can be stuck under the fingernails for continuous cleanup or easier access.