Pets Information

Is Nail Trimming Time A Battle?


Does the idea of trimming your dog's nails send chills up your spine? After all, Giving poochie a bath - no problem. You might even be ok sticking a tooth brush in Lassie's mouth. But trimming doggie's nails is never going to happen!

Actually, giving your dog's nails a clipping is not nearly as difficult or freighting as it seems.

Nail trimming in dogs can be done very easily if you know how. It's always a good idea to watch someone else first (vet, groomer or friend) who is experienced in nail trimming.

Some dogs 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 and Dachshunds will likely need your help in keeping the toe nails reasonably short.

There will be times when you accidentally cut a nail too short. It just happens sometimes, even with experienced groomers. The nail will bleed if you cut it too short, so just be prepared for that.

Get a good nail trimmer. Ask your vet or the clerk in the pet store which kind they 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.

Make sure you're not cutting from the top downward; but rather from underneath. Slide the opening over the end of the nail while staying in the whitish part of the nail. The pink area 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 them file down.

Remember that at some point you will cut too short. When this happens, place a tiny piece of tissue paper tightly against the end of the nail and hold it for a few minutes. Better yet, have some cornstarch or flour available and put a small amount against the bleeding end of the nail, hold it there with your finger. This works right away. Or you can do nothing and the bleeding should stop in about five minutes. If it continues to bleed much more than that, give your vet a call.

Always remember, you can do this. Play with your canine's feet first to get them used to the idea. If you do it once a week, it won't seem like such a tragic event. If you can only do one paw a day, that's ok too. Relax and enjoy your dog!

Suzy Kanninno, webmistress for http://www.wdogtraining.com, is a dog trainer and groomer and operates http://www.wdogtraining.com, the premier dog training site on the internet. Check back for additional articles by Suzy.


MORE RESOURCES:

CatChannel.com

We're spending more on medication for pets
Los Angeles Times, CA - 2 hours ago
Yes, we are spending more and more on medication for pets. Newsweek reports: Next month this will change when Slentrol, the first diet drug for dogs, ...
FDA Approves Single-Dose Antibiotic for Cats, Dogs CatChannel.com
all 2 news articles


Riding With Your Pets
Washington Post, United States - 13 hours ago
Dear Heloise: A couple more thoughts on our PETS RIDING WITH US in vehicles. Even an enclosed sport utility vehicle or car can pose certain hazards that we ...


Pet Rescue Is Heroic, And Pets May Know It
Hartford Courant, United States - 8 hours ago
Q: Our entire lives we've rescued pets from shelters. I really believe that at some level these dogs and cats bonded so tightly with our family because they ...


dBTechno

Pets need special attention to cope with holiday fireworks
Seattle Times, United States - Jul 4, 2008
Pets that are left outside on the Fourth of July are at greater risk of jumping fences, breaking their chains or becoming so agitated they might hurt others ...
Pets often best left at home during summer Oakville Beaver
Keep Pets Safe On Fourth of July TurnTo23.com
Pets and Fireworks WCTV
WTHR - AXcess News
all 45 news articles


NEWS2USE: Life jackets for pets keep them safe on boats
Detroit Free Press, United States - 12 hours ago
A vest is necessary to keep pets safe on boats or houseboats, say Keene and John J. McGovern of Berkeley, flotilla commander. Having a pet on board, ...


Pets' corner: The cost of getting and keeping a pet
Independent, UK - 20 hours ago
By Chamois Rose-Wood I'd like to buy a small pet for my children, but I am daunted by the cost. How can I keep the cost of purchasing and maintaining a pet ...


Second Chance Treasures resale shop in White Rock benefits East ...
Dallas Morning News, TX - 16 hours ago
Since it was established in 2001, Dr. Fling and staff have rescued and placed more than 1250 pets through the East Lake Pet Orphanage. ...


Pets abused in Ontario
Edmonton Sun,  Canada - 11 hours ago
By SUN MEDIA ST. CATHARINES, Ont. -- Niagara humane society investigators are looking into a third gruesome case of animal abuse in a little over a week. ...


Owners can help pets beat the heat
Biloxi Sun Herald,  USA - 14 hours ago
If you own a cat or a dog you should take precautions to help your pet beat the heat this summer. Here, from the Humane Society of the United States, ...
Pet owners scrambling to find pups spooked by fireworks Arizona Daily Star
all 3 news articles


Holiday fun, for pets and their people, too
Bend Bulletin (subscription), OR - 8 hours ago
By Cindy Powers / The Bulletin Daisy, a 3-year-old miniature dachshund, gets a ride in a stroller Friday morning at the annual Fourth of July Pet Parade in ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2006