The Best Way to Trim Dog Nails

Dogs' nails require trimming just like ours do. A dog that constantly walks on concrete or other rough surfaces may wear down her nails on her own, but dogs that live mostly indoors or on grass are not very likely to. If you hear clicking when your dog walks across the floor, it is time for her nails to be trimmed. You can bring her to the groomer or the vet clinic to have it done, or you can do it yourself at home.

  1. Preparation

    • Before starting to clip your dog's nails, get him used to having his feet handled on a daily basis. Choose an elevated, flat surface in a well-lit area to trim your dog's nails so that you are both comfortable and neither you nor your dog have to turn into contortionists to get to the nails. The nail clippers that you hold sideways (rather than vertical) work best for both techniques. Keep corn starch or flour nearby, or buy styptic powder from a pet supply store just in case you cut into the quick, the vein in the dog's nails. You should also have a friend or family member help you hold your dog until he is comfortable with the nail-trimming process. Start by trimming only a little at a time if your dog isn't accustomed to being trimmed, and don't forget the dew claws, which are the nails that are up on the side of the leg. Both techniques work equally well; choose the one that is easiest on you and your dog.

    From Above

    • For this technique, pick up your dog's paw so that you are looking down at the pad. Find where the nail turns from a solid piece to the hollow end. You will clip slightly above this point. Clip only this hollow part of the nail because there is no quick inside. If your dog tries to pull her paw away from you, hold onto the paw gently and follow her movements until she gives in. If you let the paw go, your dog will progressively become harder to trim.

    From the Side

    • The elevated surface helps especially with this technique by making it easier for you to see your dog's feet. If you look at your dog's feet from the side, you will see that the nail has a point where it begins to point down toward the ground. You will want to trim just below where the curve begins in order to avoid the quick. If you do cut into the quick, don't panic. Just dab whatever powdery substance you choose to use (corn starch, flour or styptic powder) onto the end of the nail and apply pressure until the bleeding stops.