What’s the Right Time to Clip Your Dog’s Nails?
We’re sorry to say that falling off your dog’s front paws while clipping is pretty much the most dangerous part of clipping nails. However, there are plenty of other ways to prevent accidents, so when it comes to clipping nails for your dog, feel free to play with it with confidence. Read on for a list of safe and effective tips.
Step 1: Choose the Right Nail Trimmer
When choosing your nail trimmer, look for a device that’s easy to use, great for skin scratches, and will also glide over the most sensitive parts of your dog’s feet. If you want to just clip and leave for a while, a battery-operated trimmer works well for your dog.
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Step 2: Practice Safe Clipping
Clean up the area you plan to use. Place your dog on the floor and loop the nail trimmer around her paw, making sure the large part of the nail is inside the heel first. Moving around your dog’s paw to keep her on the floor will allow you to more accurately and safely clip her nails.
Step 3: “Tie It Down”
The best way to keep your little “leader” of the pack safe is to find a quiet place and wrap up the length of your dog’s back. Insert your nail trimmer end into your dog’s back, making sure the end fits over her kidneys and down her spine. Once she is freed, shake her and give her a good look.
Step 4: Allow Time for Action
If your dog’s nails are the size of golf balls, let your dog unwind her nails. While she’s in the corner giving you a bit of touchy-feely attention, let your dog move about and let her play. The more she’s around, the more likely it is that she will end up in the wrong spot and you will inadvertently walk the wrong way.
Step 5: A Great Way to Give Your Dog Foot Relief
Mix a dilute antibiotic gel with a teaspoon of water and let your dog put the gel down her nose. Allow her to sniff the gel while it takes effect, and try to hang on to the end while you are walking her back home.
Step 6: Tidy It Up
Remember that you’re trying to prevent any damage by limiting the amount of time that you’re messing around with your dog. Always pat down your dog’s back, back legs, and front legs, and then just pick it up. If she’s anxious, take a firm but gentle grip with your hand on your dog’s bare back.
Step 7: Engage the Weirdness
If your dog’s nails are super long, you may have to put a pad up her back. Place one of the pads on the back of her scapula or shoulder blade and, by holding it up with one hand, can further pin the back of her rear end.
Step 8: Light Touch Required
Everyone has varying thresholds for ingrown nails, so your dog’s nails will have to be clipped gently. Simply clipping three nails at a time over the next few days, gently squeezing each nail to release any remaining tension, and then reapplying your gel might do the trick. Don’t stress. Your dog’s nails will heal in a few days, and your “dog” will be thrilled.
Step 9: Go Zen With More Pets
Of course, if you and your dog are both Zen, you could try nipping some of her nail hairs!
Step 10: Breathe
If you’re at a point in your dog’s nail clipping routine where she isn’t terribly excited about it, she may have actually fooled you! Since she won’t be stressed much by it, try taking some deep breaths and letting her have a soothing timeout on the play mat.
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