To Clip or Not To Clip? That is the Nail Question

Maintaining your dog’s nails is a task that may seem like a chore but is very important to the animals health. The question is do you trim the nails or should you go to a professional? Many people do not know how far to cut the nails of a dog or cat.

Some things to consider when doing a health check on your pet is your dog able to sit through the process comfortably, do you know how far to trim the nails, and should you use a clipping tool or a grinder?

Firstly, does your dog sit still or does it wiggle through the trimming? Many dogs are uncomfortable with people touching or handling their feet so it’s your job to get them cozy. This may take a few days so be prepared. Let them sniff the tool, handle it in your hand. The next day touch it to their feet so they see you working with it and where it will be used. After a few days of this snip one nail. This process should help them understand what is happening.

Next question people ask is how far should you trim? This will depend on the dog usually because their nails are all different due to their size but it is mostly encouraged to just cut the very tip off. Do NOT cut up the curve of the nail since you might cut into the quick. The quick is the pink-ish area where the blood vessels rest. This can also be a bit painful for the pup.

Lastly, should you use a grinder or a clipping tool? It depends on your experience, truly. Some dogs or cats are okay with the grinder tool but others may not like the sound and get scared. If you train the animal that it is fine and they are safe then go ahead and use a grinder. This is your preference and up to your experience.

For more information about trimming your pet’s nails and how to make them comfortable check out the American Kennel Club.