DIY Dog Nail Clipping:

WHY? Some dogs wear down their nails through exercise on hard surfaces, but others need help keeping nails short.

If you can hear the nails clicking on concrete and other hard surfaces, then it is time to trim them. By clipping your pup’s nails you will help her avoid painful nail tearing during play and joint issues from poor posture.

WHEN to clip your dog’s nails is most important.

Set yourself up for success my making sure she has had a lot of exercise beforehand. A tired dog has much less anxiety. It will also help if her nails are wet and soft so plan on clipping after a morning walk through dewy grass, a long walk and bath, or a swim.

WHAT you’ll need: a well-lit area, a nail clipper, some flour* or other powder, and treats.

There are two types of nail clippers. One is a guillotine version intended for small dogs (less than 20 lbs). The other version is for medium and large dogs, but certainly can be used on smaller ones as well. Whatever you do, don’t try to use a guillotine style clipper on a dog larger than 20 lbs. It may cause painful pressure by twisting the nail rather than cutting it.

Guillotine nail clipper for small dogs and cats

HOW

Step 1.

Gather your supplies and have your pup lie down comfortably. (Weather permitting, I trim my dog’s nails outside on the grass. It is comfortable for her to lie down and I don’t have to collect nail pieces afterward. However, while living in a China high-rise, I trimmed nails on top of our bed after dog baths and before washing the sheets.)

Step 2.

Sprinkle a bit of flour onto a paper towel or the inside of a jar lid to have ready if you cut a little too much off and need to stop bleeding. If that occurs, place the nail on a layer of powder and hold for a few seconds firmly. The pressure will help stop bleeding and the powder will act as a clotting agent and prevent a red-dot-paw-print-pattern from taking over your house.

Step 3.

Hold the paw firmly in a neutral position. You want your dog calm and comfortable so don’t twist her paw or pull it out sideways from her body.

Step 4.

It’s best to begin with lighter colored nails where you can see the quick (the darker line running through the claw). Get just the tip in the clipper, staying at least a few millimeters (1/8 in) away from the quick. If you cannot see the quick, trim only the tip, angling the clipper upward. If nails are worn flatter and not that pointed, you may not need to trim them. (My older dog, Lola, has mostly black nails and keeps them worn down sufficiently with 2 walks a day. I only need to trim her dew claws.)

Angle upward — A more vertical clipper angle trims just the triangular tip of the nail avoiding the quick.

Be careful not to angle the clipper too horizontally. This can cut off too much and cause pain and bleeding.

Step 5.

Squeeze the clipper while holding the paw firmly so your pup cannot push or pull the nail to a different cut length. (It helps to brace both your arms on something so they stay steady. You can line up the clipper to gently hold the nail at first. Then, when you’re sure of the location, make the cut.) At first, an extra set of hands may be helpful; it will be best to take your time and make accurate cuts so you do not cause any pain or bleeding. The process gets easier and quicker with practice.

Step 6.

Depending on how your pup tolerates nail clipping and how often you have performed this at home you should praise him and offer a treat. At first this may mean an ear rub and lick of peanut butter after each nail. With my scaredy cat, Mia, I find it’s best to talk reassuringly and firmly to her throughout the process and offer treats only at the end or perhaps after two paws are complete.

What questions or comments do you have?

Please share any other tips you have found helpful while trimming your pet’s nails.