Nail trims are a common procedure carried out at Vet clinics, at Groomers, or at home.
Do the nails really need a trim?
There are several reasons for owners wanting their pets nails trimmed, but in some cases the nails do not need to be trimmed at all.
- Overgrown nails
Some pets to develop overgrown and splayed nails that need to be regularly kept trimmed, especially as they get older.
Cats tend to get thick nails that cannot retract easily, getting caught on carpets or bedding.
- Scratching owners
For those pets that jump and scratch their owners, cutting nails will only sharpen them, and in many cases the nails are actually not over grown. The jumping is the issue, which should be addressed with some basic manners training.
- The sound of nails on hard floors
It is not uncommon to hear nails on hard floors, especially in older pets. In some the nails may well need a trim, however in other older pets, who may have joint or arthritic issues, the nails on the hard floor is an indication that you pet may be a little unsteady on their feet and that uncertainty causes them to try and grip the floor.
How do you trim a dogs nails?
Many owners can be quite confident to trim their pet’s nails at home, whilst others prefer it to be done by a professional.
Trimming nails can have a few challenges. Knowing how short to cut a nail, without hitting the quick (blood supply) and causing pain or bleeding can be a little tricky for some.
How to safely and correctly restrain a pet whilst trimming nails can also be a challenge for some, especially pets who may have a phobia about nail trims.
- Get a good quality pair of nail trimmers
- Get you dog used to having their feet and nails examined from a very young age
- Start by only trimming a few millimeters from the tip
- Generally the nail should be level with the pad.
- If you cannot see the pink quick then be even more cautious with how much is trimmed off
- Reward you pet and make it a positive experience
- Do it regularly
