Everyone deserves a pedicure

One thing that I've noticed that a lot of new dog owners are most afraid of when it comes to caring for their dogs is one of the easiest things to do.

Nail cutting.

There's no mystery to it and it's really quite simple.  Plus, if you learn how to cut your dog's nails correctly and start getting your dog used to it early on, you'll save a fortune in vet or groomer fees.

Now, I can give almost anyone a quick tutorial on nail trimming... If they're standing right next to me that is.  But since this is the internet I would need pictures and diagrams to show you the correct way to give your doggie a pedicure without making her bleed, and I just don't have that kind of time.  Or desire.

I did, however, find this page on the Washington State University website.  There are pictures, descriptions, diagrams, heck they even documented the two different types of trimmers (for the record, I prefer the Scissors to the Guillotine type for cutting all the nails, but that's just me).  And there are pictures and descriptions on how to find the quick, that part of the dog's nails you never want to cut unless you like the color red.

From a training aspect, I always tell new dog owners to get their puppies used to nail trimming as soon as possible.  In other words, as soon as you bring your dog home you should be handling their feet regularly, with praise and treats on hand.  The dog should always accept you touching their feet and manipulating their toes.  They should never feel threatened or frightened of the clippers. 

A dog's nails should be trimmed often, every week or two, and the experience should be as positive as possible.  Yes, some dogs just never get used to the experience and restraints may have to be used in those situations, but if you start making a part of your dog's normal routine early you'll have much fewer fights later on.

And really?  Can't you think of something better to do with that extra 20 bucks a month?  Like shoes?  For you, not the dog.

Comments

[Binky]

My husband is the nail cutter of the family. He does the dog, the baby, his own...heck, I'd have him give ME a weekly manicure if I didn't bite all my nails off before anyone else has a chance to get to them. But there's a funny story about one of his early attempts at cutting our dog's nails. On one of the black nails, he accidentally went below the quick and unleashed a downpour of blood unlike anything he had ever seen. He had to sit there with the dog, holding a paper towel over the wound, for OVER AN HOUR. Turns out it was the bonding experience of a lifetime. Roxie loved the undivided attention and my husband loved the fact that he was being appreciated. He still talks about it fondly :)

[Ruth Dynamite]

But...it's so scary. And my dog hates it. She takes one look at that clipper thing and she's dancing around like she's standing on hot coals. Tomorrow, with your encouragement, I will try again.

[Katie]

I have tried it all for my older pug... but we are presistance!! And reward with treats & ball throwing (my pugs think they are part retriever!) ;)

[Kristen]

Thanks- I'm a chicken when it comes to this, but now I feel much more informed. I am ready to tackle the nails.