Trimming Claws at Home

o you shy away from clipping your pet's nails? If you're careful and learn how to do it properly, there is no reason why you can't clip your dog's nails at home. Although you will have to buy clippers, this will save you money in grooming expenses.

Some dogs will sit by you and let you clip away, but others might need to be restrained. To prevent this issue, it's important to start trimming your dog's nails when he/she is a puppy. This helps them get used to it.

Trimming Basics

Before you start trimming, you need the proper equipment, which includes a nail trimmer. There are two different types: the guillotine and the scissors. However, the guillotine is usually easier for pet owners.

Next you need to be aware of the quick, which is the term used for the collection of blood vessels and nerves that supply energy and senses to the toenail. When your dog has light colored claws, it's easier to see. A rule of thumb to remember is to cut the nails within approximately two millimeters of the quick. Cutting into the quick will result in bleeding and pain for your dog.

To prevent hitting the quick when your dog has dark coloured claws , try cutting the toenail in small sections to reduce your chances of cutting into the quick. After each small trim, look at the cut edge of the nail and you will probably see light and dark tissue after the first trim. After the next two or three cuts, you might see a gray to pink oval beginning to appear. As soon as you notice this change in pigment, stop cutting because you will cut into the quick.

Using the Guillotine Trimmer

To use the guillotine trimmer, place the nail through the stationary ring. Then squeeze the handles when you want to trim, but first make sure that the clippers are perpendicular to the nail and that the cutting blade is facing you and not the dog.

If you cut the quick, monitor the bleeding or use a styptic pencil containing silver nitrate to stop the blood flow. However, the bleeding should stop within five minutes