| Trimming toenails at home can be a simple endeavor | | | | It is very important to recognize the shape of the |
| with some proper instruction. Before tackling this task, it | | | | toenail in order to properly cut it, which is where the |
| is important to have a veterinarian or a groomer give | | | | demonstration mentioned earlier comes in handy. This |
| you a pedicure demonstration on your own dog's | | | | is especially important if the dog's toenails are black, as |
| toenails. Doggie toenails vary extensively in shape and | | | | the blood supply will be impossible to see. If any of |
| hardness, and each requires some skill in knowing | | | | your dog's nails have grown around to form a circle, |
| where and how to make the cut. | | | | please seek the assistance of a professional groomer |
| After that, the biggest challenge is restraining the pet. | | | | or veterinarian to properly trim these nails. |
| Most dogs do not like to have their feet touched. The | | | | If you happen to nick the blood supply during the |
| common mistake people make is trying to accomplish | | | | pedicure and nail begins to bleed, do not panic. This |
| this feat sitting on the floor. But this makes it too easy | | | | type of bleeding can usually be controlled with |
| for the pet to get away, and usually when we play | | | | products you have around the house. The best bet is |
| with our pets we sit on the floor with them. Therefore | | | | a styptic pencil or a dab of styptic powder. These |
| they do not recognize this to be a serious task | | | | work great to control the bleeding, and can usually be |
| because they are not restrained properly. | | | | found in the medicine cabinet. |
| It is important to put the dog up onto something, a | | | | If that isn't an option, flour and cornstarch are great |
| counter, a table, a workbench, etc., so that movement | | | | substitutes. Dab a dime-sized amount into your palm, |
| is limited. Do not leave a pet unattended while he is up | | | | then drag the dog's toenail down and through the |
| on a structure. If possible, it is best to have a helper to | | | | powder. This will form a little plug inside of the nail |
| hold onto the dog while you clip the nails. | | | | cavity by forcing some of the powder up into the nail |
| It is vital that the nail clippers be very sharp. Good | | | | where the blood is coming from. Apply some pressure |
| quality nail trimmers can be purchased at stores for | | | | onto the bottom of the nail holding the powder inside |
| under ten dollars. The most common varieties are | | | | for a few minutes. |
| scissor and guillotine. Scissor types have blades that | | | | It is important to limit the dog's activity for a while |
| come together in a scissor-type mechanism. Guillotine | | | | afterward. If disturbed too soon, the nail will resume |
| clippers have an opening in which to place the nail, then | | | | bleeding. If you've cut the quick severely and these |
| the blade comes up from underneath. Smaller dogs' | | | | methods do not work, you may need to make a quick |
| toenails respond well to both types, but large breeds | | | | trip to your vet to have the nail cauterized. But if you |
| have harder nails, making the scissor-type more | | | | are careful this can be an easy task with some |
| effective. | | | | practice. |
| Every toenail has a blood supply, much like our "quick," | | | | The nail trimming process can easily be performed at |
| which must not be cut. The nail will bleed extensively if | | | | home by the pet owner with the proper tool and |
| cut too short. If your dog's nails are white, the blood | | | | instruction, and of course, a fairly cooperative pooch! |
| supply can be easily seen under the surface. The | | | | First, consult the professionals before attempting this |
| most effective method to trim toenails is to take off a | | | | endeavor. With proper preparation, this task can |
| small portion of the nail at a time, until you almost reach | | | | become part of the home grooming process for your |
| the quick. The nail should be clipped approximately 1/4 | | | | canine pal. |
| of an inch from this blood supply. | | | | |