What's the best way to clip a dog's nails?

Answer 1

use a really good pair of guillotine clippers (from any good petstore...and you get what you pay for...they should be about 15-20 bucks at least!)...if the dogs nails are clear, it's easy, the quick is the darker or pinker part toward the back...don't cut that...you should also buy somt Styptic powder which will stop the bleeding in case you do cut it (and we've all done it). If the dogs nails are black then just cut a tiny bit at a time...i usually do a couple millimeters and that's it...I cut them once a week. Good luck.

Answer 2

use dog nail clipes not human ones. Cut the nail just befor the quick starts. Have some quick stop on hand in case you hit the vein to stop the blood. Dogs nails should be cut 2-3 times a month and dont for get the dew claws

Answer 3

Yes, those "guillotine" clippers work well (the name is awful, tho'!). I've read that you should stand OVER your dog's shoulder area, and clip from behind, so you won't get nipped and it's harder for him to yank his paws away. It also establishes dominance...if you're dog is well-trained. I'd also ease into it gradually (one or two nails at a time), rather than attack them all at once!

I don't use treats to train my dog, but in this case, I do, since he REALLY hates getting his nails clipped! Also, I've trained him to respond to the words "It's okay", when he's upset and I'm calming him with touch and restraint. So I use that phrase here, too.

IF your dog is not obedient or just plain spastic, then yes, take him to a groomer...or some even make house calls!

Answer 4

First off make sure you know how too, if you don't you could clip them to short and really hurt your dog. Also pick up a good pair of dog clippers (Gilitones) are good. We usually wait until they are asleep or one of us hold's the dog and places a towl over head or snout while calmly talking to them and praises them until the job is done then we give them a pig ear. If it is a puppy then play with it's feet alot so it can get used to it then clip when they're out cold.

Answer 5

Here is a good illustrated site> http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/dog_nails.asp
However, I like to use the broad nail emery board..the kind made for acrylic nails ( 4 for $1 at the dollar store)
When relaxing in the evenings, just file away a little every day until they are as you want them..Dogs don't mind this, and you don't have to worry about any mistakes..

Answer 6

I use a slide type clipper to trim the dog's nails in my care. It takes some getting use to but they work well. Be sure to get one that has a depth stop. You dont want to cut too much off and 'quick' the dog's claw. This could lead to lots of bleeding, pain, and distrust on the dogs part. Get with your vet, have him show you how its done.

Answer 7

not exactly an answer to your question - but if you do trim your dog's nails, have some flour or cornmeal on hand just in case you hit the quick - dip the bleeding nail into it and it will help stop the bleeding - and the dog can lick it off later.

Answer 8

I have my dogs lie down and roll the over on their backs and then start snipping. When they're on their backs I can see what I'm doing easier. My puppy squirmed a lot in the beginning but now he's used to it.

Answer 9

If you have not done it before take him to the groomers. If you cut them to short you will cut the quick, which is extremely painful for the dog, My vet cut both of my dogs' quicks by accident and now they are terrified to have it done.

Answer 10

go to a pet store and get nail clipper that has a safety on it.
becareful if you cut to deep to the nerve you could kill the dog.
the dog could bleed to death.
i would go on yellowpages.com and find a groomer..