DIY Network

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Trimming Nails

Just like your own nails, dog's toenails are continually growing. Their toenails serve a useful purpose; they allow the dogs to dig and they offer a bit of protection for their feet. When they get too long, nails can be painful for the dog and you if they jump up on you.

Long and white toenails are easier to trim than dogs with black toenails. Blood vessels that are inside the nail area are easier to see.

Next to the blood vessels is a nerve. If you cut too closely to the blood vessel, not only is it going to bleed but it's going to hurt. There are three different options for trimming nails.

• A simple nail file (figure A). This type of nail file is going to take a little time to use.

• Some sort of clippers or shears (figure B). Scissor type clippers are placed across the dog's nail below the area of the quick and the nail tips are cut off. When you use these, you want to clip just a little at a time.

• Electric rotary file (figure C). This allows you to borough off or file off the long part of the nail. Some dogs actually like this better than the nail trimmers because it is slow and gentle. It does make a little bit of noise though, so you want your dog to get use to the sound.

However you choose to trim your dog's nails, make sure you have something available just in case it does bleed. Styptic powder will stop bleeding (figure D). You can actually dip the nail inside and it causes the blood to clot.

Working with toenails can be difficult and sometimes it's good to have some help, but all dogs should get use to it.

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com