How To Trim Your Dog's Nails

Due to the pandemic, you may not be taking your dog to the groomers as regularly as you should. This means you may be giving your pup at-home haircuts. I know I did the beginning of quarantine, and it did not go smoothly. My dog had a noticeable bald patch and refused to speak to me for a few weeks. I digress. 

Without regular grooming appointments, you may also be tempted to give your dog a pedicure. Not only are long toenails unsightly but they can be painful.

Thankfully, trimming your dog’s nails is a fairly easy task and can be done at home. That being said, please consult your vet to make sure that your pet’s nails are healthy before you start giving them pedicures. 

Once you’ve got that settled, you can begin the process in 3 easy steps. 

Gather Your Supplies:

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Before you start trimming, you are going to need a few tools. You can either choose a nail trimmer, preferably with a LED light so you can see exactly what you’re doing, or a nail grinder. I, personally, feel more comfortable using a grinder, but it's up to you!

Prepare Your Dog:

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Most dogs hate getting their nails trimmed and may act aggressively out of fear. To avoid being bit or clawed at, you will have to take the necessary steps to make your pooch feel comfortable. The American Kennel Club recommends spending an entire week warming your dog up to the idea of you cutting their nails. During those seven days, play with their paws and allow them to get familiar with the grooming tools through sight, smell, and touch. Giving them a few treats always helps. In fact, it is wise to use a spoonful of peanut butter as a distraction tactic during the pedicure process.  

Trim Their Nails Using The Proper Technique: 

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Again how you will trim your dog’s nails depends on which tool you are using. If you decide on a traditional nail trimmer, the AKC advises to start by “plac[ing] your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail.” You will then want to gently “push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad” so that your dog’s nail extends. From there, you can begin clipping your dog’s nail tips. 

In my opinion, using a grinder is even easier, which is why it's my preferred method. Hold onto your pup's paw and gently press the head of the grinder to the tip of the nail. 

Have you ever trimmed your dog’s nails at home? Let us know in the comments below!