Clipping Your Dog’s Nails Safely And Effectively

Did you know that regular dog nail clipping is more than just cosmetic maintenance? While you may want to keep your dog’s nails short to reduce damage to your floors or furniture, overgrown nails can actually cause pain and discomfort for your pet.

Too long nails make it harder for your dog to gain good traction and can cause deformed feet if left for an extended period. In addition, overgrown nails create too much pressure on the foot and leg, causing pain and possible longer-term health concerns.

What You Need to Know About Dog Nail Clipping

As you can see, nail maintenance is very important for dogs, which is why it’s always included in a dog grooming appointment. While you should ensure that your dog gets groomed regularly, some pet owners may be interested in trimming their pet’s nails between appointments.

Before you attempt dog nail clipping on your own, make sure you understand more about what’s involved. A dog’s nail consists of two parts, the quick and the hard outer surface called the shell. The quick supplies blood to the nail and are very sensitive. The nerves in the quick cause bleeding and discomfort when cut too short. For dogs with dark nails, trimming them can be very tricky as it’s not possible to see the quick.

Here are some tips to follow if you want to trim their nails at home between dog grooming appointments:

1. Pick up a paw and place your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail. This will help extend the nail.
2. Clip only the tip of the nail, straight across.
3. Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail, or you risk hitting the quick. Nicking the quick is painful for your pet and will cause bleeding.

Find Local Dog Grooming Services for Nail Clipping

Many pet owners prefer to leave the nail trimming to a professional, and that’s okay! If you don’t have the proper equipment at home or don’t feel comfortable clipping your dog’s nails, there are plenty of other options for Valparaiso pet owners.

While your dog will get their nails trimmed at their regular grooming appointment, you can also make an appointment for local dog grooming services just to have their nails trimmed. In addition, should your pet have a vet appointment, ask them to do a trim when you’re in the office for a visit anyway.

Get Top-Quality Dog Grooming at Smoochie Pooch

At Smoochie Pooch, we understand how important it is to care for your dog’s grooming needs. Our highly trained groomers are skilled at trimming nails, ear care, skincare, as well as providing top-quality cuts for all breeds. Trust us to handle all your pet’s needs and help them look and feel their best. To find out more about our services in Valparaiso or at any one of our Indiana locations, contact us.

Source: https://smoochie-pooch.com/clipping-your-dogs-nails-safely-and-effectively/