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Safe Guide To Dog Nail Clipping Pet Owners Will Find Helpful

By Mattie MacDonald


Owners of dogs understand the importance of keeping their pet's toenails trimmed. The idea of attempting this feat may intimidate some people who know how most dogs dislike having their paws handled, but it can be done without much fuss if these basic dog nail clipping guidelines are followed. Dog owners in Marlton, NJ can help their pups not only cooperate for this procedure but even learn to enjoy it.

Most canine companions are a bit nervous when it comes to having their feet handled and nails clipped. It can be very effective to not only cuddle and talk soothingly to the dog, but to also get him or her to associate this procedure with a worthwhile reward such as a tasty treat or playing a favorite game. Starting by trimming only one nail at time is recommended.

Nail clippers designed for dogs come in two types, guillotine and scissors. Most people have a preference for working with one type over the other, if uncertain, a vet or pet store associate will be able to suggest a good one. Before attempting to trim the dog's nails, it's advisable to take it for a long walk or engage it in other vigorous activity, as a sleepy dog is a more cooperative one.

It's also advisable to purchase a styptic product in either powder or stick form, these substances are used to stop bleeding if one accidentally nicks the quick of the nails. The owner must be familiar with the appropriate cutting technique for the clipper type. Nails are cut perpendicularly from top to bottom with the guillotine style, and straight across at a right angle with the scissors style.

When cutting a dog's nails, it is very important to locate the quick, which contains blood vessels. Nails should be trimmed no more than two millimeters away from the quicks. Dogs with light or clear nails have visible quicks which show pink through the nail tissue, but with dark nails it can be helpful to have someone hold a flashlight behind the nails, which will illuminate this area so one can avoid cutting it.

Sometimes accidents happen, the dog may startle and the quick can get clipped causing blood loss. Acting promptly can prevent an emergency, usually the bleeding will subside by applying pressure with a cotton ball, and then dabbing the area with a styptic product. This can be frightening for the animal, so it's also important to stroke and speak to it softly and maybe provide a treat too.

People who are uneasy working with clippers, may prefer to file the nails down with a specially designed sanding tool called a "Dremel". As the rotating drum is pressed gently against the nails, it shortens them and also makes their edges nice and smooth. This method also requires the owner to be careful not to touch the quicks.

Another alternative to clipping a dog's nails oneself is to take the animal to have this done at a veterinarian's office or dog grooming service. These professionals know how to safely perform this procedure, but some animals will get even more upset because of the unfamiliar setting making it a better choice to carry out this task at home.




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