How to trim a dog’s nails?

It’s not always an easy task to trim a dog’s nails, especially if the dog has not been accustomed to this from a very young age.

If at any point in the dog’s life the nails have been cut too short, it can be painful, and the dog will remember it for the rest of its life. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have an extra person present to hold the dog, or make sure it sits still during the session, so you can focus on the nail trimming.

How to trim your dog’s nails

Hold the paw firmly so you know where it is, but without squeezing too hard. Make sure to use nail clippers designed to handle a dog’s strong nails, and have styptic powder ready in case you cut too far.

Clip from top to bottom and try to make a perpendicular cut. Cut just a little bit at a time, so as not to cause unnecessary pain to the dog. Take your time and reward the dog with lots of treats or praise after the trimming is done.

If you’re not confident about trimming your dog’s nails yourself, a veterinarian will often do it for a small extra fee when you are visiting for a regular checkup.

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