Long nails can cause pain for pooches if left untrimmed, which is why it is important to monitor your fur friend’s paws.
Over time, long nails can curl downwards and cause damage to the pet’s skin. They can also put pressure on toe joints resulting in pain and sometimes even arthritis.
Daily exercise on hard surfaces, such as concrete, will help file down pet’s nails naturally. However, if your pet tends to play on softer surfaces their nails may grow long and require a trim.
We recommend paying us a visit, so we can trim your pet’s nails and demonstrate the process to you. To maintain your pet’s nails, here are our 5 easy steps for trimming them at home:
How to trim your pet’s nails
- Before starting, ensure you are using nail clippers of the right size specially designed for pet nail clipping.
- Gently restrain your pet in a comfortable position.
- Hold your dog’s paw firmly but gently.
- Start by cutting small amounts of nail until you see the white inside the nail, and a small black dot in the centre (black nails won’t have this, so be careful to not cut too much).
- Stop cutting when you can see this small black dot, as you do not want to cut too far and into the sensitive portion of the nail.
Clipping tips
- Make sure your pet is used to having their paws handled from a young age so that they are comfortable with this contact.
- Use a pair of blunt hair scissors or ideally electric clippers to remove excess hair around the toes, so the long nails are easier to identify.
- Ensure nail clippers are parallel to the nail and avoid cutting across the nail.
- Use their favourite treats afterwards to praise them for their good work.
- Check your pet’s nails regularly to see how fast their nails are growing and to identify when they next need a trim.
- Nutrition can also have an impact on the growth rate and health of your pet’s nails. Contact us if you are interested in a nutritional consultation and ensure your fur friend’s diet is tailored to their individual health needs.