How to Trim Dog Nails
It's important for the health of your dog to keep its nails trimmed. You’ll know when it's time, when you hear your dog clicking away when it walks. But, the thought of trimming the nails can be intimidating. You may cut too far and cause bleeding. Once you learn the technique, you'll find that trimming nails is an easy job.
Get a good pair of dog nail trimmers, and have some product with you in case you do cause bleeding. CutStop Styptic Pads is one example. If you cut the quick, wipe off the blood and apply your product.
Sit down and either hold your dog on your lap or have a friend hold your dog. Grab hold of the paw and push down on its pads to make the nail extend. Do not cut into the quick, which is the pinkish color on the nail.
Cut the nail just before the quick at a 45-degree angle. If your dog has dark nails and you cannot see the pink quick, make several small nips. When looking straight on at the nail, if you see a black dot, do not go any further because that is the start of the quick.
If your dog is at all anxious, take a break after each paw. Do not forget the dewclaws, the tiny nails on the inner legs. Trim the nails every week.