#194 Clip, Don't Slip.

Dog nail trimming strikes fear in the hearts of many pet parents, but it doesn't have to be a dreaded task. We break down this essential grooming ritual into simple, actionable steps that will transform your approach to nail care forever.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Safe Nail Trimming
• 0:48 Preparing for Successful Nail Trims
• 1:23 When and How Much to Trim
• 2:16 Handling Mishaps and Regular Care
• 3:17 Professional Options and Importance

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:02

Trimming your dog's nails doesn't have to be a game of chance. Today we're talking about how to trim safely, avoid the quick and figure out when your dog is due for a trim, even if they've got all black nails First. If you've never trimmed nails before or you're not really confident in your technique, talk to your vet or your groomer. See if they'll show you exactly how it's done. You want to be 100% ready before you pick up your dog's paw. If you grab a paw and then spend three minutes trying to figure things out, you're just going to stress your dog out and set yourself up with everything you need before you start. That includes clippers or a grinder, septic powder or corn starch in case you hit the quick, and a towel under your dog to protect furniture or rugs from nail dust or possible bleeding. Now you may be wondering how will I know when it's time for a trim? And one of the easiest checks is to look at your dog's feet while he's standing If his nails touch the floor, or you hear that telltale clicking when he walks on hard surfaces. They're too long For some dogs. Nails should be just above the floor when standing. And another sign if you can see the nail start to curve or hook, it's definitely time for a trim, and one of the biggest challenges with nail trims is determining how much to cut off.

Speaker 1: 1:45

If your dog has a clear or light colored nail, you can see the quick. It's that pink area inside the nail. Always trim a little bit ahead of that pink section, but don't cut in to that pink section. Take small slices instead of one big cut so you could stop before you get too close. And with black nails you can't see the quick from the outside, so you need to go slow. Trim just the tip first, and after each tiny trim look at the cut surface. At first it's probably going to be chalky, white or gray, but as you get closer to the quick you'll see a small dark dot in the center and that's your sign to stop. It's better to trim a little each week than try for that perfect length in one go, and be sure to use sharp clippers or a fresh grinder so you're not crushing the nail.

Speaker 1: 2:47

Hold the paw steady but don't squeeze it. Squeezing can make your dog pull away and just take a little off and then check your work and then take a little more off if it's still safe. And with grinders touch the nail in short bursts instead of holding it there to avoid heat buildup. And if you do nick the quick, you'll know it instantly. It will start bleeding right away, and sometimes quite a lot. But stay calm. Apply septic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding and then give your dog a break so you can both reset and keep in mind. Short, regular trims make the nails easier to manage and it'll keep your dog comfortable on their feet. So prepare first, take your time with each nail and remember slow and steady beats fast and risky. But there's also no shame if you prefer to let your vet or groomer be responsible for nail trims. After all, they do have more experience than we do. But regardless of how it gets done, it has to be done because nail care will have a direct impact on your dog's quality of life.