How to trim a dog's nails

I've been meaning to post this for some time as I often (and surprisingly) come across people who feel like trimming their dog's nails is a difficult job that can only be done by a professional (vet or groomer). Having been both a Vet Tech and Professional Groomer I can tell you that our hands are the same as your hands...so you can save yourself a trip and the money if you have the minor ambition it takes to do this on your own.

First you need a decent pair of nail clippers from any pet store, Wal-Mart, farm supply company, etc....under $10 is fine (not super cheapies though--think sturdy). Get small ones if you have a small dog--big ones for a big dog--makes sense, right? As far as those electric nail files/grinders....I guess they are helpful to smooth the rough edges...but can't do the job of a clipper unless you have most the day, a patient dog and a good supply of batteries. So...I would say save your money.

Next, get yourself a good dog.

Like Ty here.

You could cut his foot off and he'd just lay there and look at you adoringly.

If you have a bad dog, this can still work.
Here are my tips for naughty dogs.
If they are going to bite you (really bite--not just mouth you as a way of saying please don't do that) then get a muzzle that fits well and put it on before you even get the clippers out.
The biting is not that common...but I've clipped plenty of biters--the worst being a friend's Jack Russell that took three people and a muzzle to clip nails (he weighed like 15 lbs)....If you have a dog that's crazy like that and you have ample money and time--by all means take him to have someone else do it....but know that you can do it if you want to. Or...you can just give them lots of exercise on cement to wear down the nails naturally....
If you have a dog that's just nervous (I have two nervous nellies here) then make sure you hold them securely but not aggressively. There is a difference.
It helps to have two people--but you can do it with one.
I have two Weimaraners that hate having their nails trimmed. They are bigger dogs and I find it's easiest to do them two ways...either standing over them, squeezed between my legs and leaning down like a horse shoer...or with them on the ground on their side--my legs wrapped around them (from behind) keeping their head pinned to the ground (they can't get up without their head). If you have someone to help have them hold the dogs head against them with one arm and their body against them with the other. Holding them in the air helps because then they have nothing to claw at (if you hold them right). Get the hold situated before you bring out the clippers...the dog will likely put up a fight. If he senses right away he is secure he will give up quickly. Your hold will make him feel safe and secure. If your hold is a little loose and can get loose or thinks he can he will fight really hard for a long time. SO much better to get the hold right from the start. Remember--safe and secure--not aggressive. You don't want the dog to feel the hold is scary--keep his eyes and nose free and don't have his body in an awkward or uncomfortable position.
And when you grab his leg to trim those nails keep his comfort in mind--dog's can't lift their legs straight out or up too high--it's painful--they don't move that way.


When it's time to clip the nail pray your dog has light colored nails like Ty.
They are so easy!

See the pink part behind the "clear" nail---that's the quick--think of it as your finger--if you cut it--it'll bleed and hurt.

You can see the quick from underneath too...though not so much in this picture. It's fleshy--where the nail is just, well, the nail.

I angle my clipper a little towards the dog when I cut because that's the way the quick tapers down. Remember--take a little at a time if you are nervous about the quick. The more you do it, the more you will know your dog's nails and where to cut safely.
If you do make them bleed you may lose a little trust...but it's not the end of the world. Depending how deep you cut it might bleed a bit.
You can buy "quick stop" at the store--it's a powder that "clots" the blood and stops the bleeding quickly. I usually just pack in some dirt because it's right there...I know--not super hygienic--but I've never had a problem.


Don't forget to clip those dew claws if you dog has them. Since they don't make contact with the ground they often are grown out more than the other nails and if let go will curl back into the dogs skin--ouch.
The nails on the back feet are often a bit shorter than the front because they naturally wear down faster...so be careful not to just clip the same amount all around...each nail should be evaluated separately...they won't all need the same amount clipped off.

Here's the nail clipped--clear as mud right?
It was hard taking pictures with one hand and holding the dog and clippers with the other.
I really should have just done a quick video.
I also often hold the clippers horizontally for the cut instead of vertically. I trim the sharp edges with the nail clippers too that are left in the corner---lot less doggy scratches that way.





Here's Ruger with a dark nail...he's one of my pansy dogs--he hates having his nails trimmed--so not many one handed picture taking shots here.
You can't see the quick on dark nailed dogs. Instead, see on the bottom side of the nail-where it ends compared to where the top of the nail ends? The quick usually starts just past where that bottom side of the nail ends...so I would start with just a little and work my way in planning to clip about as far as that bottom edge. When you are clipping a dark nailed dog you can often see the quick start from the cut/front part of the nail. You'll start to see a little white dot in the center of where you clipped--that's the start of the quick--go much further and you'll draw blood.




Just a little at a time Ru boy.

So there you have it.

Save yourself $10 every couple months or so.

Once you get good at it the whole think will only take a couple minutes--provided your dog is halfway cooperative.