Tips and Tricks for Trimming Dog Nails

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service

By: Shawn Hart

Trimming a dog’s nails is often a stressful endeavor for pet owners. Whether the dog is a young puppy or a mature senior, frequent nail trimming is a must for the health and well-being of the pet. Occasionally, a dog will hold still and let you trim the nails without a care in the world. More often, however, nail trims end up resembling a wrestling match rather than a stress-free pedicure.

Here are some professional groomer tips and tricks:

• Use very sharp, quiet clippers. It’s easier to cut smaller sections or just the tips off a nail if you aren’t sure how much to take off. Try using sharp clippers that don’t squeeze or compress the nail. You can even use cat nail clippers on small- and medium-sized dogs. They are very sharp and are often much quieter than larger nail clippers. For larger dogs, search for quiet nail clippers.
• Trim one nail a day. If your dog is stressed about nail time, try trimming only one nail a day, paired with a treat or lick mat. Even if a nail isn’t trimmed, the act of holding a paw with clippers or a grinder can be paired with a tasty reward.
• Start with rear paws. If a dog is standing on a grooming table or on the floor in front of you, try starting with the rear paws. Dogs tend to be more sensitive and cautious watching the front paws being trimmed. Starting on the back paws can allow for a less-stressful, more gradual nail session.
• Try holding the paw gently while trimming. When a dog is fighting a nail trim, we tend to hold onto the paw tighter and tighter to get the job done. Try holding the paw with a lighter touch, then gently ease into the nail trim. It’s less threatening, and you might find your dog fighting you less during the process.
• Quiet Grinder. If you are worried about cutting your dog’s nail too short (cutting the quick), you can try a quiet grinder instead. Although a grinder takes a little more time, it shortens the nail in smaller increments and is less likely to “quick” your dog if they are moving. Always pair a grinder with treats and/or praise until your dog is used to the sound and vibration.
• When accidents happen. If you do accidentally cut your dog’s quick, it’s important to not panic. Dogs can sense our stress and emotions. Keep styptic powder handy to place directly on a bleeding nail quick. Corn starch is a good alternative, in a pinch.

It’s important to remember most dogs require a nail trim approximately every two weeks. Dogs who walk on rough surfaces, like concrete, might grind them down more on their own, needing nail trims less frequently. Whereas dogs who are only walk on soft ground might need nail trims more often. If you are unsure on the process of cutting your dog’s nails, ask your groomer or veterinarian. Most groomers are happy to show you the process or will schedule an appointment for your dog.

For more tips and advice on training your dog, join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers: www.akcgooddoghelpline.org.