Trimming Nails

Keeping nails trimmed allows dogs to walk easily on different types of surfaces and helps to ensure good foot development in young dogs. When your dog's nails are at the correct length, they will barely touch the ground when he walks. Because most dogs do not enjoy nail clipping, the goal is to minimize discomfort and to make trimming as painless as possible:

Hold one paw gently but firmly and press gently on the pad of one toe so that the nail extends. With your clippers, cut off just the thin "hook" at the end of the nail. Do not attempt to cut too deeply as this will be painful to your dog and can cause the nail to bleed.
Praise using a quiet, gentle tone of voice and give a treat. Continue with the remaining nails and feet only if your dog is tolerating the handling. For many dogs, it is helpful to start with just one or two nails a day.
You may occasionally cut too close and hit the "quick" or vein that runs down the center of the nail. If the nail starts to bleed, place some styptic powder on the end of the nail and hold the toe immobile until the bleeding stops. (It is important to avoid cutting the quick because this pain will soon make nail cutting a very unpleasant experience for your dog)!
Some dogs still have their dewclaws. These are the small “extra” toes that are located on the inside of the front (and sometimes back) legs. The nails on dewclaws should also be kept short and trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and impaction into the toe.

Helpful Tip!
Selecting Nail Care Equipment for Your Dog

There are three types of nail clippers designed for dogs:

Guillotine-style: This type of nail clippers is constructed of a metal loop and retracting blade. The end of the nail is placed into the hoop and when the handles are squeezed, the nail is cut. This style of clipper works best with small and medium size dogs, as the blades are not strong enough for thick nails. The blade on some models is removable and can be replaced when it becomes dull.
Scissor (Pliers)-style: This clipper is similar to scissors with blades that have semi-circular indentations. When the blades are opened, the semicircles make a circular opening into which the tip of the nail is placed. With the nail in position, the handles are closed and the nail is trimmed. The blades on these clippers are not removable, so a new set should be purchased when the blades become dull.
Large dog nail trimmers: These are a scissor-style clipper but have stronger blades to handle the thick nails of large-breed dogs.

Purchase a pair of dog nail clippers that are the correct size for your dog’s feet and that are comfortable for you to use. (Do not attempt to cut your dog's nails with any type of clippers designed for humans!). You will also need styptic powder or a styptic pencil, in case a vein is accidentally nicked.

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