Tools for a Pet Pedicure

Like humans, pets also need to have their nails trimmed from time to time to help keep their walking and playing times comfortable. Giving your cat or dog a pedicure will allow you to spend some bonding time with your furry friend, as well as pamper them. If you see that your pets' nails are beginning to curve, it's an indication that a trimming is in order.

  1. Washcloth

    • Use a damp washcloth and soap to rinse your pet's paws and claws. This will help reduce the risk of infection when trimming, and it's also a nice time to massage your pets' paws. If your pet doesn't enjoy having it's paws touched, simply wash the nails before trimming them.

    Clippers

    • When giving a pet a pedicure, you'll also need to have clippers. There are a few styles of clippers available -- including guillotine, pliers, scissors and grinders. Guillotine clippers, as their name implies, chops the ends off like a guillotine. Plier-style clippers work in the same style as shears. Scissor-style clippers have scissor-like handles and special blades for cutting pet nails. Grinders work to grind the nail down over several minutes, instead of chopping it all off at once. Check out the different styles in person at a pet store to decide which one you think will be best for your pet.

    Styptic Powder

    • Styptic powder is an anticlotting agent that can be applied to your pet's nails or paws if you accidentally cut too deep. There are blood vessels that run down cats' and dogs' claws, so accidental bleeding is a distinct possibility. Styptic pencils are sometimes used by people who knick themselves while shaving, but because an animal's paws are somewhat awkwardly shaped, powder can be applied instead.

    Moisturizer

    • Walking on hard surfaces, either inside or outside, can take a toll on your pets' paws. This can also cause discomfort because cracks in their paws may allow debris to get in and add to the pain. Normal moisturizer used by humans however, isn't appropriate. Purchase a pet paw moisturizer, either in cream or balm form, to make sure your pet gets the best possible pampering.

    Nail Polish

    • If you want to take your pedicure to another level, paint your pets' claws to match it's collar or other accessories. You apply the polish just like you would normal nail polish, but be sure to get specially formulated pet nail polish. Nail polish used for humans can be harmful to cats and dogs.