Houston Vet Clinic

Nail Clipping Tips

The plain, ugly truth is that most dogs do not enjoy having their nails clipped. Below are a few tips that can make the process a little less painful for you and a lot less painful for your pet. Before beginning, decide which type of tool you would like to use:

• Scissor like clippers
• Guillotine clippers
• Grinder

Grinding is typically done by a groomer or veterinarian, but there are some household products available. The guillotine clippers help in giving a cleaner cut and staying away from the quick.

The Quick

This is the nerve ending the dog’s nail. When the nail is cut too short, the quick is exposed, leaving the nail bleeding and the dog in pain. Avoid cutting the quick by looking for the reddened area at the base of the nail and cutting 1-2 mm above that.

Place and Time

Start grooming and trimming your dog’s claws at an early age so that they can get more comfortable with the process. If you have a larger dog, it may help to have them lie on a table so that you can hold them to your body while you clip their nails. Small dogs may be easier to handle in your lap or on the floor.

Dark Nails

Black colored nails are tricky to cut because you cannot see the quick. To avoid damaging this sensitive spot, make small consecutive cuts. Look at the end of the nail. If you see an oval gray or pink area, that is the nerve, quit cutting. If you have gone too far, use a styptic pencil with silver nitrate over the nail to stop the bleeding.

Contact a Houston Veterinarian Today

Contact your Houston vet clinic today if you have questions or need help with caring for your pet.