Cutting puppy nails made easy

Cutting nails can be traumatic (for both you and Fido) because puppies are wriggly and those nails are soooo small.

But don`t worry, the straightforward guidelines and easy-to-followtips and advice on this page will make it much easier and less stressfulfor both of you!

Like humans, puppies and dogs need to havetheir nails kept short so that they don`t break or tear. This issomething that usually only needs to be done once every 3 or 4 weeks.

If your pup is active and spends a lot of time outside, goes for regular walks or runs on concrete or asphalt etc., his nails will wear down naturally, and nail-trimming won`t need to be done so often.

However,if your little guy spends all his time indoors on carpeted floors, orbeing carried around, then cutting those little puppy nails is mostlikely going to be a regular chore - so getting comfortable with doingit is important.

Step-by-Step Guide To Trimming Puppy Nails

It`s worth getting your pup used to this particular aspect of dog grooming at an early age. Start right away, when he`s 7 or 8 weeks old, and it`ll make the whole thing a lot easier.

Most puppies and dog`s don`t like having their paws touched, but nail-trimming requires that you hold those tiny feet and toes - so it`simportant to get him comfortable with this.

If you make a habitof holding his paws gently, one at a time, when you`re playing with himthen Fido won`t find it such a strange experience.

Step 1:Make sure you have the right equipment! You need a good pair of nail trimmers (there are many available on the market, theguillotine kind work well. If your puppy is a toy, or small breed youcan use human nail clippers too).

If you should cut the `quick` the part that supplies blood to thenail, it will bleed (sometimes quite a bit) and it`s important to havesomething on hand to stop that bleeding.

Styptic powders or pencils are readily available and are a good choice, they work very well but can cause a little discomfort.

You might also want to get an `assistant` to give you a hand for the first time or two. Keeping those little paws still is easier when there`s an extra pair of hands!

Step 2:
Hold your pup`s paw gently and trim just the very tip of the nail, one at a time.... that way you won`t risk cutting into the painful `quick`. Be slow and patient.

The photo shows exactly how to do this.

If your little one has clear or light colored nails you`ll be able to see thepink line of the quick and it`ll be fairly easy to avoid cutting intoit.

If his nails are black it`s a bit more tricky, in that caseaim to cut just below where the nail starts to curve and you`ll be fine.

Talk to him gently as you work on his feet so he feels comfortable. It`sbest not to force the issue too much, your goal is to get Fido to like, or at least tolerate, this procedure.

When it`s done, give himlots of praise and a treat - maybe even a short playtime.

Step 3:
If you do happen to nick the quick, don`t panic.. it looks worse than it is.

Your puppy will squeal because it will hurtbut it`s not an emergency.

Just use the styptic powder or pencil to stopthe bleeding and give him lots of cuddles and reassurance.

Youmight want to leave the rest of the nails for later on, or the next daythough as he`ll be extra jumpy for a little while and you don`t want torisk hurting him twice.

Video: How to Clip Your Puppy's Nails | Puppy Care

The Best Tools For Trimming Your Puppy`s Nails

Resco Deluxe Original Dog Nail Trimmer with Handle Grips

Make cutting your pups` nails a bit less nerve-wracking by usingthese nail clippers. Excellent quality. Patented smooth cutting actionfor your dogs` comfort, and padded handles for yours.

Made in the US from high carbon steel - prevents the nails from splitting or fraying. Full manufacturers` warranty.

Available in Small, Medium, Large & Jumbo.

Kwik-Stop Styptic Powder 1.5 Ounce

If you should happen to accidentally cut the quick when trimming yourpuppy`s nails, this styptic powder will stop the bleeding quickly.

Italso works on minor cuts.

Apply with a cotton pad.

The powder works better than gel as it stays put once on the affected area.

Oster 78129-600 Gentle Paws Cordless Nail Trimmer

A motorized, hand-held nail file which wears down the nailrather than cuts it. Some puppies and dogs are afraid of the noise andvibration, so you`ll need to be patient while Fido gets used to it.

Be careful if your puppy is long-haired as thehair between the toes can get wound around the dremel`s head - not good!

There are tons of great tools and products that make bathing and grooming your puppy a whole lot easier. Check out this page to see some of the best... Dog Grooming Aids

Related Pages.......

Video: Puppy Nail Trimming guide

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