Clipping of dog's claws is an important part of maintaining your dog's health and well-being. We all need to take care of our nails and hair – that is, our claws and fur. However, it is not always claw clipping in the cat or the dog the most enjoyable activity – and for some, clipping your dog's claws can seem a bit daunting and scary. Fortunately, the right method and practice can go a long way. Read our best tips to make claw clipping as easy and stress-free as possible!
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Clipping of dog's claws
Do you have to cut a dog's claws?
From the point of view of biology, the dog's physique is basically meant for a life outside in nature. As the furry friend has become accustomed to a modern indoor life, the claws will not necessarily be ground down on their own. Therefore, it requires you as the owner to help with the pot set.
If the claws become too long, it can actually cause discomfort, pain and damage to your dog's paws and joints. Overgrown claws are more likely to break or grow into the footpad - which can be very painful for the dog. Long claws can also cause Fido to slip and have a poorer grip on slippery surfaces or get caught in things. By regularly trimming and clipping the nails, you are doing your four-legged family member a great favor.
Can I cut my dog's claws at the vet?
Many people choose to have their claws clipped by a veterinarian. A-Vet Smådyrklinikk has a great offer for anyone who needs help with clipping. We can offer VetPlan – a health plan consisting of a package of health services that makes preventive health affordable. It includes, among other things, unlimited clipping of dog claws at the clinic in addition to many other benefits. Read more about VetPlan here.
How to cut a dog's claws?
The first step when trimming your dog's nails is to have the right equipment. A good quality pair of nail clippers is essential, and you should make sure they are sharp enough. It is also important to start training your dog to clip nails early in their life. The earlier you make your dog comfortable with grooming, the more natural it will feel – and the better equipped they will be to remain calm.
You must know this
When trimming your dog's claws, you can start by gently touching their paws and claws while they are still young, and offering treats and rewards when they are calm and cooperative. This can help your furry friend get used to having their claws trimmed – and make the whole experience much less stressful.
When you are ready to trim your dog's claws, start by taking a close look at the claws. Look for the living part of the claw, or the dermis, which is the part that contains the blood vessels and nerves. This is often visible as a darker part of the claw and should not be cut into. If you cut too far in, you risk the claw starting to bleed – and that can be painful.
A trick when trimming your dog's nails is to trim them a little at a time. This makes it easier to avoid cutting too far in. Also, always start by trimming the outer tips of the nails first. Once you're done trimming, you can use a nail file to smooth out the edges to prevent the nails from splintering and breaking.
Remember that it is better to trim too little than too much when trimming your dog's nails. If you are unsure how to trim your dog's nails, or if you do not feel confident doing it yourself, you can bring your dog to our clinic. At A-Vet, we help you with both regular nail trimming and personal advice and guidance on how you can try it yourself at home next time.
Book an appointment for clipping claws here!
Dog claw trimming summarized in simple steps
- Make sure you have the right equipment in place – good, sharp nail clippers, and possibly a nail grinder.
- Train your dog to become comfortable with the touch of paws and claws, and give plenty of praise and treats when he is calm and cooperative.
- Carefully inspect the claws and find where the leather begins.
- Cut a little at a time, and start by cutting the outermost tips of the claws.
- Please note: If you are unlucky and cut too far in, it is important to stay calm and not stress the dog further. This usually goes well – but there may be some bleeding. To stop the bleeding, you can apply gentle pressure to the claw with a cotton ball.
How often should a dog's claws be clipped?
Your dog's claws grow at a steady pace, so it's a good idea to trim them regularly. Aim for every 7 to 14 days to prevent them from growing too long. By making nail trimming a habit, the activity will feel natural and safe for both you and your dog - and in the end, you'll both be well-trained!
