Things You'll Need
- Nail clippers for small dogs
- Bright light
- Assistant
- Training treats
- Muzzle (optional)
Instructions
Take your Chihuahua to a veterinarian for nail clipping if the nails are extremely long.
The quick grows with the nail, and so there is a much greater chance of cutting too much when the nails are very long, especially with an unwilling Chihuahua. If the quick bleeds, it's very painful for the dog and your Chihuahua will be persuaded to be even more unwilling. Once the nails are a reasonable length, you can take over the task, teaching the dog to accept nail trimming. If you aren't experienced at trimming a dog's nails, ask the veterinarian to show you how.
Muzzle the Chihuahua if it is a biter, or even if it threatens to bite.
Buy a muzzle that still allows the dog to have a tiny training treat while wearing it, if possible. The pet store staff can help you with the selection. The muzzle must fit snugly or the dog can get it off.
Ask your assistant to hold the dog firmly but gently so that it cannot wiggle away. The assistant can place the fingers of one hand behind the dog's elbow to prevent the dog from yanking its paw away. Though the dog must be held securely, your assistant still must consider the dog's size so the dog is not injured by the assistant or by its own fighting.
Trim just the tiniest bit off the tip of the nail.
The tiniest bit will be enough if you trim the nails weekly. Weekly trimmings will help the dog to learn to relax for nail trimming, as well as making it less likely that you will cut the quick.