Nail trimming is one of the essential responsibilities of being a good dog owner. It can be quite a task, especially if your dog has some ‘not so good memories’ with nail trims. Luckily, there are many tips and tricks to getting you and your dog more comfortable with nail trims.
Before going in-depth, let us understand some basics regarding dog nails.
They Vary In Color- This usually depends on the color of the surrounding area, such as the fur and hair. The colors range from white, pink, brown to black. Sometimes, a change in nail color can signify a health-related problem which you should bring to the vet’s attention.
They Contain Blood Vessels- The keratin is the crucial part that takes much of the nail composition. Apart from this, there are blood vessels present that extends from the nail outwards called the quick.
Just like humans, bacterial and fungal infections can too infect dogs’ nails. In an extreme situation, this can cause life-long nail growth damage. You can quickly identify diseases by a change in coloration along with a waxy substance. They can be a site of squamous cell carcinoma, i.e., cancer, and hence their toe should be regularly monitored for any swelling.
Therefore, I urge you to follow these five essential steps rightly to groom your doggies well.
Step 1: Begin When Young
Have you ever wondered why dogs bark at things when they see them for the first time? That’s because dogs have an in-built response to everything they see or hear. They bark to make you cautious about something, or it’s just their way of communicating.
If dogs are adapted to the nail trimmer since young, they know its uses and after-effects. It will also help you maintain a good rapport and understanding with your pet. It will be a kind of exercise that will familiarize them with all the equipment, their work, and how it will change their nail anatomy. Hence, your doggies will not be scared and will cooperate reasonably.
However, imagine, you suddenly get this tool and cut a small part of their foot! It is evident for them to be exasperated. Simply because they do not understand what is going on and the importance of grooming, you do.
Now, if you’re an adult pet owner and are still trying to cope up with this activity, start it right away. Firstly, acquaint your dog with all the grooming tools. Picture the entire set with the help of a dog toy so that your dog sees the whole process. Maybe, after the whole procedure, act as if you are petting the toy and giving it some snack or treats.
Step 2: Know When It Is Required
Did you know, dog nails are a part of their defense mechanism, and you are not supposed to get rid of them all the time?
Apart from this, nails also help them maintain their grip on the ground. If not the nails, they surely will slip and roll off the floor. Nail growth depends on genetic factors, breed, age, lifestyle, motility as well as diet.
So how does one know it’s the right time to get your dog’s nails groomed?
Ideally, it would be best if you trimmed nails after a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Remember, if they have grown too long, there will be clattering every time they move on hard surfaces. They should not touch the floor while standing and should not project out of the pad. Dog’s nails are supplied with blood vessels called ‘quick,’ and you are supposed to chop off just above the quick. The general advice is to cut 2mm above the quick. Now, this sounds simple, if it’s a light-colored nail. If your dog has a dark-colored nail, there are chances for the quick not to be visible. Therefore, in such a situation, try filling the nail edges, or on your next visit to the vet, make sure to ask and get your doubt cleared. If not, you could even request a professional dog groomer to locate it for you.
Some tips on cutting dark-colored nails
- Try focusing on some flash or bright light to locate the quick.
- It is sometimes visible on the under-side of the nail.
- Apply some baby lotion to smoothen the surface for an easy cut.
- It is often recommended to trim nails after a shower, as water retention aids in softening the nails.
- Invest in good quality trimming equipment.
