2006-10-12 03:55:12 · 11 answers · asked by s.a.f. 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This can be a problem, if, like my small dogs, the nail is black-colored, and you can't easily see where the vein inside the nail ends. If you have to do it yourself, make sure you never cut too close to that vein. Not only will it hurt the dog, but, it will bleed like crazy. If by accident this DOES happen, grab a bar of soap and, holding your dog's paw, gently but firmly drag the nail across the bar of soap. The soap acts as a temporary "plug", allowing the blood to clot, and will not harm the dog in any way (even if they lick/eat it, it's such a tiny amount, it can't hurt them).
My best suggestion is, call around to all the pet shops, groomers, and vets in your area to see who clips dog's nails the cheapest, and go there. I get my two Yorkies done for $5.00 each, and it is worth every penny to not have to deal with it myself.
If you HAVE to do it yourself, at the very least, have another person help you, by either holding the dog while you clip (or vice-versa), and soothing the jumpy dog by talking calmly to it and possibly even covering its eyes with a small, soft towel. I also recommend doing this chore in the bathroom, with the door closed. Otherwise, the dog will see a chance for escape and immediately run under the bed, where they will stay for as long as they possibly can. After that, they won't trust you too much, and the chore will be even harder to accomplish.
Good luck and good for you for being a caring pet owner. Too-long nails can be painful for any dog, so, however you get it done, get it done!
2006-10-12 04:11:20 · answer #1 · answered by happy heathen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cutting a dogs nails is something that should be done with extreme caution. My sister cut her dogs nails too short one time and she had to rush her to the vet because she cut a nerve in the dogs toenail which almost caused the dog to bleed to death.
There is a new product coming out from Miracle Corp. - Quick finder. It has 3 lights on top and when you put the dogs nail in one of the lights will turn on - red meaning there is blood in the nail area, yellow meaning caution that you are getting close to blood in the nail and green means no blood in the nail and you are safe to cut. It will not be out until the Jan. 1 2007 but this is a product that you might want to consider.
I hope this helps!
2006-10-12 11:05:52 · answer #2 · answered by Tessa J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never trim below the quick...this is the line in the middle of a dogs nails that is dark colored...that will cause bleeding. Try using a special made pet nail trimmer that allows you to slide the nail in only so far
2006-10-12 11:02:57 · answer #3 · answered by GD-Fan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you might be pulling on the nail or bending the leg/foot in a funny way, if not, you are probably cutting into the nerve. you should bring it to the vet and ask them to show you how to do it. most will be happy to show you. there are certain nail clippers that have a guide so that you cant cut it past a certain point, they work really well and then you're certain to cut the same amout off all the nails. we're now training our pup to get use to the clippers so we usually wait till they get pretty long and just cut about 1/8inch off to get her used to it right now, its about a once a week thing, but at least she's getting the hang of it. once she's better we can make it longer and go longer inbetween the clippings
2006-10-12 11:58:32 · answer #4 · answered by mickey g 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could be putting too much pressure on his foot to spread the pad while cutting. It pinches and will cause a little yelp. Like the others, I suggest a vet or groomer and see how he acts with them and maybe ask for a pointer or two.
Also will help if after they're cut, start playing with his feet and toes. I do it to the hubby's beagles all the time, and look in their mouths and ears and flop them around like rag dolls, just so they're used to be handled and don't protest when the vet or groomer do it.
Tessa J; Thanks for the info. I'll be watching for that to come out. Sounds easier and safer than flying blind with regular clippers.
2006-10-12 11:13:48 · answer #5 · answered by Lucianna 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're supposed to trim them so that you don't hit the vein in their nails. If they have clear nails rather than black, it's easier to see.
If you're at all unsure about the length, most vets will do it for free at a vet visit, or you can get it done on a walk-in basis at pet-smart or someplace like that for under $10.
Better safe than sorry.
2006-10-12 11:02:39 · answer #6 · answered by jframeisu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it does that thenn I would go to a vet...because something might be wrong with its nails to were you need to have a pro help you out...so go see your dogs vet for answers and they usually trim them if you ask...your only suppose to trim them a few centimeters....not too far!!!!! or you will get a vessal.....and will bleed.
2006-10-12 11:01:14 · answer #7 · answered by blondesaresexy13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you didnt say if the nails were black or white, with white you can see the quick and please dont cut into it it hurts! if they are very long take it to the vet or groomer they can help you. the dog might just have you fooled too. knows that you will quite when it starts whinning. they learn those tricks very fast. good luck
2006-10-12 11:08:48 · answer #8 · answered by olecreaux 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the dog to a professional groomer. See if the dog reacts the same way. If not, ask the groomer to show you what they are doing. Maybe you are not doing it right.
2006-10-12 11:04:00 · answer #9 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hold them and talk to them while cutting so you can preoccupied there minds.
2006-10-12 11:00:33 · answer #10 · answered by vick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋