Cutting Puppy Nails

Cutting puppy nails is something all new owners will need to do sooner or later. Don't worry if you're nervous about it, that's not unusual, you'll get the hang of it pretty quickly. Just follow the guidelines below and it'll be done in no time.

If your puppy is active and spends a lot of time outside, running on concrete or asphalt and so on, his nails will be worn down naturally. In this case nail care will be a more infrequent chore than if Fifi spends all her time indoors on carpeted floors, or being carried around.

The 'How To' guide

If you make a habit of holding his paws gently, one at a time, when you're playing with him then Fido won't find it such a strange experience.

Before you start cutting puppy nails, make sure you have the right equipment -

Nail care requires a good pair of nail trimmers (there are many available on the market, the guillotine kind work well. If your puppy is a toy, or small breed you can use human nail clippers too).

If you should cut the 'quick' the part that supplies blood to the nail, it will bleed (sometimes quite a bit) and it's important to have something on hand to stop that bleeding.

Styptic powders or pencils are readily available and are a good choice, they work very well but can cause a little discomfort.

You may want to enlist a 'helper' when you're cutting puppy nails. You need to keep Fido's paws still so that you don't cut in the wrong place, this is easier if you have someone else to help you hold and/or distract him.

When cutting puppy nails you only want to remove the very tip of the nail, that way you won't risk cutting into the quick. If Fido has clear or light colored nails you'll be able to see the pink line of the quick and it'll be fairly easy to avoid cutting into it. If his nails are black it's a bit more tricky, in that case aim to cut just below where the nail starts to curve and you'll be fine.

Take your time and don't rush, if Fido really hates it try to do at least one foot today and then another tomorrow and so on. Talk to him gently as you work on his feet so he feels comfortable. It's best not to force the issue too much, as usual your goal is to get him to like, or at least tolerate, this procedure. When it's done, give him lots of praise and a treat - maybe even a short playtime.

Try the following products the next time you're cutting puppy nails. The Gripsoft Nail Clippers are really comfortable to use, and the nail-guard helps to lessen the chances of cutting the quick.

If by any chance you do end up nicking the blood vessel in your pup's nails, the 4 Paws Styptic powder will stop the bleeding right away.

It's also used by veterinarians and breeders for bleeding that occurs during docking/cropping.

$5.74

You can also see these products and many, many more (all available at a great price), by clicking on the banner below.

Tips

• If you find cutting puppy nails too nerve-wracking or difficult you can take Fido to the doggy beauty parlor and have it done there. Or even ask your veterinary surgeon to trim your puppy's nails at his next scheduled visit.
• An alternative to nail clippers is something called a Dremel or Nail Grinder If you have your nails done at the beauty parlor, you'll recognize it easily. It's basically a motorized, hand-held nail file which wears down the nail rather than cuts it. Some puppies and dogs are afraid of the noise and vibration, so you'll need to be patient while they get used to it.
  
  One word of warning though, be careful if your puppy is long-haired as the hair between the toes can get wound around the dremel's head - not good!
  

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