Trimming my dog’s nails is not one of my favorite things to do but
necessary to ensure her nails and toes stay healthy.

Giving your dog’s nails a regular clipping is not nearly as difficult as it may seem.

Nail trimming can be done quite easily once you get the hang of it.
I would suggest watching someone else first such as a friend or even your vet, actually anyone who is experienced in nail trimming will do.

Some dogs will never need to have their nails trimmed. Many will
naturally wear the nails down or the dried ends of the nails will simply flake away without you even knowing. But some breeds, especially Basset Hounds have large nails and will need your help in keeping the toe nails trimmed.

Note: Get a good nail trimmer. Ask your veternarian or the clerk in the pet store which kind they would recommend.

Place the main part of the trimmer in the palm of your hand and the moveable part so that it is controlled by your fingers. You want to be able to see the small cutting blade that slides when you squeeze the handle.

Always make sure you’re not cutting from the top downward; but rather from underneath(and never sideways). Slide the opening over the end of the nail while staying in the whitish part of the nail. The pink area(quick) of the nail is the live part and has blood vessels throughout. Hopefully you’ll be able to see where the pink part starts.

If your pooch has dark nails you won’t be able to see any pink to
know where the live part of the nail starts. Just do a little bit at a time with the dark nails. Check the end of the nail. The dead area usually is whitish and as you cut deeper into the end of the nail you will begin to see a dark area. That dark area is where the live part starts.

When you are ready to cut, make a smooth, quick squeeze on the
handle while holding the trimmer steady. Don’t try to “pop” the
end of the nail off; it will fall away on its own. You can file the edges or just let the dog wear the nail smooth. Taking your dog for a walk on the sidewalk or street can help file them down.

There will be times when you accidentally cut into the quick.
It just happens sometimes, even with experienced groomers. The
nail will bleed if you cut it too short, so just be prepared. When this happens, there are several remedies, each having their own merits.

• Place a tiny piece of tissue paper tightly against the end of the nail and hold it for a few minutes.
• A wet tea bag(cold by the way, not hot) works pretty good. I hear green tea is good for you. Why not for your pooch?
• Cornstarch or flour. Put a small amount against the bleeding end of the nail, hold it there with your finger.
• Try a bar of Dove soap. Dig the nail into the soap covering the wounded area.
• Clotisol liquid or gel. Dip a q-tip in it and press against the nail.
• Kwik-Stop powder. Pour a little bit into the lid or other container. Dip a wet q-tip or swab into it and press against the nail. If you have the gel, just dip the q-tip into it.
• If you happen to have your favorite(your drink here) on the rocks nearby, try an ice cube.

Or you can do nothing(just finish your drink) and the bleeding will usually stop in about five minutes anyway. If it continues to bleed
more than that, you might want to give the Doc a call.

Always remember, you can do this. It’s best to start when they are still puppies. Play with your pup’s feet first to get them used to the idea. If you do it often(once a week), it won’t seem like such a tragic event.

Remember, a dog will always love you even if you do mess up once and a while!

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