Most dogs need to have nails trimmed at some point. Regular trimming will prevent injuries and other problems associated with overgrown nails.
Is clipping required?
If the nails are clicking on the floor or getting snagged in the carpet, it's time for a cliping.
The dog's nails should just touch the ground while walking. Normally it is recommend to clip once or twice a month, depending on the nail growth.
Procedure –
• Use trimmers designed for dogs.
• Make sure the clippers are sharp.
• Start at the tip of the nail and snip a little at a time.
• Have a look at the cut edge of the nail if you start to see pale pink tissue near the top of the cut edge, stop there.
• You can use a nail file to smoooth the edges further.
• Avoid cutting into the quick as it contains nerves and blood vessels. It is painful and will bleed easily. On white nails, the quick is the pink section.
• Be extra careful when cutting dark nails, because the quick is difficult to see.
• If the tip of the nail begins to bleed, apply pressure using styptic powder or a substitute such as baby powder or cotton.
• Remember to trim the dewclaw nail, on the inside of the leg. Since it doesn't touch the ground, it wears down less rapidly than the others.
Grinding
The nail grinder avoids problems of cutting to deep, cracking, and sharp edges. The nails can also be thinned, allowing the quick to recede, resulting in shorter nails & tighter paws.
Tips
• Give your dog a treat after trimming the nails.
• Never use Human clipers
• Never use Blunt clippers
• Always keep ansepetic &cotton pads handy while clipping.
• Avoid wiping the blood clot off the tip of the nail once the bleeding has stopped.
• Get you dog used to clipping when he is a puppy.
Links
http://www.planet-pets.com/clip_nails.htm
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/nailtrim.htm
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