Trimming you Dogs Toenails
You
know you need to clip your dog's toenails regularly. You attempted to do the right thing but could not seem to hold the dog
still to complete clipping even one nail. Or you attempted to clip the dog's nails, quicked a nail, the nail bled the dog
screamed, you abandoned the pedicure and neither one of you are anxious to experience this activity soon.
Meanwhile you hear clickity click on your floors and know you need to do something soon. So now you decide to call
your Vet or groomer and pay someone else to commit the clip.
Sometimes hiring a professional
is the best avenue to take if you absolutely can't see yourself clipping a toenail. The problem is that nails need to be clipped
regularly. Trips to the groomer or Vet can be tiresome.
Some dogs get so traumatized
by nail clipping they require many pet professionals to hold them while someone clips the toenails. Some dogs require anesthesia
to have their nails clipped. Please get your dog used to nail clipping when young so he or she doesn't have to endure being
knocked out for simple grooming. Start early. Get your dog or puppy used to you touching feet and nails early on in your relationship.
Most dogs are not fond of this type of interaction and will put up a fuss. Touch a paw and say good or yes and move on to
the next paw and so on. You could have someone distract the dog with a food treat or toy while you touch and praise. Gradually
touch the toes and paws little more, touch the nail, the pad, look between the pads and praise. You could try to clip nails
on one paw a day to begin. Act confidant. If you are OK, your dog will feel a bit better about the procedure.
Black nails are more difficult to clip than white nails as you cannot see the quick. White nails are easiest to clip
as you can see the difference in color of the tip of the nail which is pinkish in color. Either way, you can just take that
tip off and be relatively safe. Just clip the end at first until you are more comfortable with getting a little more nail.
Have some styptic powder on hand to put on the end of a bleeding nail if you quick the nail. You can get styptic power at
most pet stores or can order it from dog supply catalogues. Even the most experienced Vets, breeders and groomers quick nails.
There are various types of nail clippers you can purchase offering various sizes
to handle small to large dogs. You can also try using a dremel which can sand or grind the nail. Grinding nails is easy on
the dog once they get used to the dremmel. You can get a shorter nail using a dremel. You can purchase a dremel at most hardware
stores or from dog supply catalogues. You can ask your groomer or breeder to show you how to use either tool. You can purchase
nail files for dogs to round off the tips of nails. There are many options from which to choose.
A dog whose nails are left unchecked can end up with deformed toes. Can you imagine trying to walk on your overgrown
toenails? Ouch! Left unattended, nails can grow under the paw and into the pad. Dew claws can grow so long they wrap around
the dog's leg and into the skin. I have had to actually use hemostats and pull nals out of pads on dogs and cats that had
grown into the bottom of their pads. OUCH!
How often should you clip nails?
As often as needed. I would recommend weekly for pups, then clipped as needed. Preferable every 2-4 weeks. Check them weekly
to see the rate of growth. It is easier to maintain short nails than deal with longer ones.
Stop in for just a quick and easy nail trim today! No appt.neccessary for most pets, unless extremely difficult you
may want to call and check with me first if I have my helper available.
Give me a call at (253)-539-9200 too
let me know you'd like to come by for just a nail trim.
Dog Nail Trims are:
$5.00 Small lap dogs
$8.00 Medium Dogs
$10.00 Large Dogs...
if extremely difficult it may be $15.00
Cat Nail trims are $10.00 if extremely
difficult it may be $15.00
Your dog or cat will feel so much better being able to feel the
ground beneath their feet! Take five minutes out for them and stop by today!