Whether you’re sharing your home with a teeny tiny Chihuahua or a larger than life Husky, one thing all dogs need is regular nail care. Overgrown nails are uncomfortable and can put strain on joints, cause pain, lead to infections, and are more likely to split or break. They can also wreak havoc on your home – scratching floors, snagging carpets, and leaving marks on furniture or you!
The good news? With regular nail trims, you can keep your dog’s paws healthy and your home scratch-free. It can be a little tricky at first, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it can take as little as 10-15 minutes every so often. Here are a few tips to get you started.
How often should you trim your dog’s nails?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule for how often you should trim your dog’s nails, whether they’re a puppy or fully grown. Very active dogs often wear their nails down naturally through walking, running, and playing, and some may never need their nails trimmed at all. Less active dogs, on the other hand, will usually need their nails trimmed regularly.
Let the “quick” be your guide on how often you trim your dog’s nails. The quick is the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail that supplies nutrients and sensation to the nail. Ideally, there should be about 3–5 mm of nail beyond it. If the nail grows more than around 5mm past the quick, it’s time for a trim, but never cut right back to the quick, this will cause bleeding and pain.
Ideally, your dog’s nails should be short enough that they don’t touch the ground when standing. Veterinary Surgeon Dr Megan from 4 Paws Vet recommends staying on top of them rather than letting them grow too long.
“The problem with leaving dog’s nails to grow too long is that they can break, which is quite painful, and then that can cause a secondary infection,” she explains. “And we know dogs love to lick something painful on their bodies, which doesn’t help the healing process!”
If you’re a Best for Pet Wellness Plan member, nail care is even easier. Your plan includes four nail trims a year, plus additional benefits like unlimited consults, core vaccinations, $250 off a dental clean, and more.
What tools do you need?
To trim your dog’s nails, you’ll need either a pair of dog nail clippers suited to your dog’s size, or a pet nail grinder, which is designed to file the nails which can be a safe alternative to traditional clippers. You’ll also need lots of treats to keep the experience positive and stress-free.
“A good-quality pair of clippers that have a spring on them are key,” says Dr Megan. “There’s small ones for toy breeds, and bigger ones for bigger dogs.”
How do you trim your dog’s nails?
The best technique for cutting dogs’ nails is:
- Hold the paw: Gently but firmly push the paw pad to get a clear view of the nail. In most cases it’s easier with two people, one to help your dog stay still and reward them with treats, and the other to focus on trimming.
- Locate the quick: Look to see where the quick ends (the blood supply inside the nail) and aim to cut 5mm below it. Avoid trimming within 2-3mm of the quick as this will cause pain and bleeding.
- Clip in the right direction: Cut the nail parallel to the walking surface and the paw pad.
Don’t forget the dewclaws: These small, extra toes (similar to a thumb) are located higher up on your dog’s front legs and sometimes on all four legs. Originally designed to help hold down prey, dewclaws don’t get much use in domestic life and don’t wear down naturally. As a result, they can easily overgrow, snag on objects, or become damaged.
What is the quick and how do you find it?
Inside every dog’s nail is a small, pinkish area called the quick, similar to the area under your nails. Cutting it is not only painful for your dog, but it can also cause bleeding and distress.
“If your dog’s nails are pale, you can see the quick pretty easily,” says Dr Megan. “Basically, the quick is the blood and nerve supply to the nail so you want to just make sure that you’re not cutting the nail too far back.”
For dogs with dark nails, it’s harder to spot the quick, she adds. A good approach is to trim a little at a time until you notice a dark spot appearing in the nail — that’s a guide to where the quick is.
What if you cut the nail too short and it bleeds?
Accidents can happen, says Dr Megan, especially with anxious dogs or dogs with dark nails.
“Sometimes we do make mistakes and cut the nails a little too short, but don’t panic,” says Dr Megan. “Use some styptic powder like Kwik Stop or if you don’t have that on hand, use some cornflour, which basically acts as a clotting agent.”
Place the power or cornflour on a small piece of cotton wool and hold it gently against the nail until the bleeding stops, she adds. Monitor them for the next few days (with regular cuddles!) and if you’re concerned take them to your vet.
How can you make cutting nails a positive experience?
Dr Megan suggests the following:
- Desensitising your dog: “I would recommend, start trimming their nails from when they’re a puppy, and practice running your hands all over them, getting them used to being touched, getting them used to touching their ears, touching their paws, having their paws held. It’s helpful to get them desensitised to that.”
- Offer treats: “You can try having a helper to give treats to train with positive reinforcement. And have a keyword like ‘yes’ after each treat can be really helpful too.”
- Create a calm, safe space: “Choose a quiet room, no TV or loud noises and seat your dog somewhere comfortable. You could even try a calming spray like Adaptil to help.”
When should you seek professional help?
There are several reasons why you might need help from a professional groomer or your vet clinic team, including
- You are not confident trimming you pet’s nails
- Nails are severely overgrown or growing into the paw pad
- Your dog is too anxious to let you cut their nails or they become aggressive
- Your dog has dark nails and it’s hard to find the quick
- There’s bleeding or swelling around the nails or paw pads
Professional help can ensure your dog stays safe, comfortable, and pain-free.
