Nail Trimming 101

[Guest jupiterooos]

I finally took a deep breath and bought my very own clippers. Jupiter goes to a groomer for his nails, since they are black and he is a huge baby, and anyway his nails grow very slowly so it's not a big cost. But foster Angler came with some long nails, and since our trips to the groomer were adding up (and were freaking him out, after one drew blood) I decided I'd try to whack his nails myself.

 

Since his nails are mostly light, I can see where to stop cutting, but I am not really sure how to cut the nail. I've been cutting it up rather than angled (if that makes sense) but I have no idea if this is the right way to go about it. Also, he does have some black nails and I am a little freaked out by those. I really want to make it as pleasant an experience as possible, since we have a LOT of cutting to do and I don't want him to fear the clipper!

 

 

[Guest Ola]

Try to trim slivers of the nail. If you get close to the quick it squeezes the vein which some dogs find uncomfortable. My two both have some white and some black nails. What I usually do is cut the white one first, and then try to cut the black one about the same amount (or a touch less) if they are both about the same length starting out.

 

I'm lucky that Mayhem falls asleep while I'm doing his nails. We started off on just doing belly rubs while he's chilling on his bed (he's not space aggressive, not sure about yours). This gave me lots of time to examine his nails and then I would try cutting a few, interspersed with more belly rubs. I love the Dremel too, I usually clip a bit and then Dremel some more (or just to smooth the edges). Good luck, I'm sure you'll do fine!

 

I found this website helpful when I was starting out, it may be helpful in terms of angles, etc. Personally, I think the examples are cutting too much nail off, I would probably only cut 1/2-2/3 of that at first, and then maybe take another slice off and a bit more with the Dremel. Oh, and I think their restraint method looks bizzare.

Edited February 5, 2008 by Ola

[Guest jupiterooos]

Thanks! How often can I clip the nail back?

[Guest Ola]

Hmm... not sure about that. I use the Dremel if I'm doing it frequently cause, you know, I'm paranoid about getting the quick. If I'm trying to get them shortened I try for dremelling every 2-3 days. I would imagine you could clip twice a week and just take a little bit off. If your clippers are good enough to let you take just a sliver off at a time you should do just fine.