Clipping of dog's claws
clipping of claws in dogs is an important part of maintaining your dog's health and well-being. We all need nail and hair care (read: claws and fur). Yet is not always claw clipping in the cat or the dog the most pleasurable activity, and for some, clipping the dog's claws can seem a bit off-putting and scary. Fortunately, you can go a long way with the right approach and practice. Read our best tips to make nail clipping as easy and stress-free as possible!
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Clipping of dog's claws
Do you have to cut a dog's claws?
From the point of view of biology, the dog's physique is basically meant for a life outside in nature. As the furry friend has become accustomed to a modern indoor life, the claws will not necessarily be ground down on their own. Therefore, it requires you as the owner to help with the pot set.
If the claws get too long, it can actually lead to discomfort, pain and damage to the dog's paws and joints. Overgrown claws have a greater risk of breaking or growing into the foot pad, which in turn can be very painful for the dog. Long claws can also cause Fido to slip and lose his grip on slippery surfaces, or get stuck on things. With the help of regular trimming and nail clipping, you are doing your four-legged family member a great service.
Can I cut my dog's claws at the vet?
Many people choose to cut their claws at the vet. A-Vet Small Animal Clinic has a good offer for anyone who needs help with clipping. We can offer Vetplan - a health plan consisting of a package of health services that makes preventive health economical. It includes, among other things, unlimited clipping of dog's claws at the clinic, in addition to many other benefits. Read more about Vetplan here.
How to cut a dog's claws?
The first step when clipping a dog's fur is to ensure the right equipment. A good quality nail clipper is important, and you should make sure that it is sharp enough. It is also important to start training bell clipping early in the dog's life. The earlier you make it comfortable with the grooming session, the more natural it will feel, and it will have better conditions to behave calmly.
You must know this
When clipping the dog's claws, you can start by gently touching the paws and claws while the dog is still young, and give treats and rewards when it is calm and cooperative. This can help your groomer get used to clipping their claws, and the whole thing will be a much less stressful experience.
When you are ready to cut the dog's claws yours, you can start by taking a close look at the claws. Look for the living part of the claw, or dermis, which is the part that contains blood vessels and nerves. This is often visible as a darker part of the claws and should not be clipped in. If you clip too far in, you risk the claw starting to bleed and it could be painful.
A trick when clipping your dog's claws is to clip a little bit at a time. This makes it easier to avoid cutting too far in. Also always start by cutting the outermost tips of the claws first. When the cut is over, you can use a claw sharpener to smooth the edges, to prevent the claws from splintering and breaking.
Remember that it is better to cut too little than too much when clipping your dog's claws. If you are unsure how to carry out the claw clipping, or if you do not feel confident doing it yourself, you can bring the dog to us at the clinic. At A-Vet, we help you both with regular claw trimming, and personal advice and guidance on how you can try it yourself at home next time. Book an appointment for clipping claws here!
Dog claw trimming summarized in simple steps
- Make sure you have the right equipment in place. A good and sharp claw scissors, and possibly a claw sharpener.
- Train your dog to become comfortable with the touch of paws and claws, and give plenty of praise and treats when he is calm and cooperative.
- Carefully inspect the claws and find where the leather begins.
- Cut a little at a time, and start by cutting the outermost tips of the claws.
- NB! If you should be unlucky and cut too far in, it is important that you remain calm and do not stress the dog further. As a rule, this goes well, but it can bleed a little. To stop the bleeding, you can apply gentle pressure to the claw with a cotton ball.
How often should a dog's claws be clipped?
The dog's claws grow at a steady pace, which is why regular clipping is a good idea. That's a good thing to aim for every 7 to 14 days, so you avoid the claws growing long. By making claw clipping a habit, the activity will feel natural and harmless both to you and the dog, and in the end you will both be well trained!
Elisabeth is a veterinarian and authorized ophthalmologist with specialization in eye surgery, as well as further training in internal medicine, general surgery, oral surgery and ultrasound from the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies in Toulouse.
