Clipping Your Pets Toenails

Good grooming is very important - it isn't just for looks, it's actually good for the health of your dog.  

Toenails, for example, need special attention; if they grow too long they can break, crack, or even grow into the pad. As a veterinarian, many patients tell me that they're afraid of clipping their dogs' toenails, but it's really not a big deal. All you need is a good nail-clipper. 

What you want to do when you clip your dog's toenails is simply trim off the tips. If your dog has clear nails then it's really easy. You just need to avoid the pink part - or the quick - and your dog won't feel a thing. If your dog has dark nails, then it might be a little more difficult; just make sure no to cut too deeply so that you don't cause pain. 

To avoid clipping too deeply, it's always better to clip your dog's toenails more often rather than not, and just trim off a little bit each time. 

And don't forget that one of the most important things about clipping toenails - or any other type of grooming - is to reward your pet with a treat to let them know how happy you are once you're done. Helping your pet associate nail clipping with rewards can go a long way into making grooming your pet an opportunity for the two of you to bond rather than just a chore. 

Article by Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM