Cutting your pet’s nails should be a routine task that should be performed approximately every 4-6 weeks. Keeping with routine and picking the same time daily, we make this process easier, and your pet more compliant.
Be sure to start trimming their nails while they are young. Start with paw play, massaging and playing with their toes, either rewarding with a treat and distracting them with one. It’s important when integrating this into a new routine with a puppy to consider how big they will grow when an adult. Smaller breeds can be done on a couch or table and can stay here throughout their life. Larger breeds, however, will not always benefit from being trained for nail trims on the couch or a table. The best approach for a large breed dog is training them on the floor.
The quick is the vessel that supplies blood to both the paw and the digits. It grows alongside the nail and will continue to grow if the nails are not trimmed back frequently. This vessel tends to bleed quite a bit and may need an agent to help stop the bleeding.
You will need:
- Nail trimmers
- Quick stop OR cornstarch
- Treats
- A comfortable place for the animal
- A friend
Step 1: assess the length of the nails. Familiarize yourself with the quick and the overgrown nail. This will be important.
Step 2: In a comfortable environment where you have been working with your pet have your friend position your pet for a nail trim. Ensure to give treats and keep your pet calm
Step 3: Start with the back feet as they seem to be less sensitive. Take your time, trimming small amounts of the nail furthest from the toe, working your way towards the nail base. Keep an eye on where the nail ends and the quick starts.
Step 4: Repeat step 3 on the front limbs, rewarding with treats between toes/feet.
The team here at Coxwell would be more than happy to schedule an appointment for you and your pet to have a complimentary nail trim demonstration.
Written by Ashley Kneebone, Client Care Representative
