Trimming your dogs nails is a fairly straight forward process if you follow these simple steps and take a little bit of care. You will need a good quality pair of dog nail trimmers.
Step 1: Push Back The Fur
Push and hold back the fur to give you a clear area to work.
Step 2: If A Dog has Black Nails They Are A Little Bit More Difficult to Trim
When trimming your dog's nails it is important not to cut through the vein or quick. This is more difficult if your dog has black nails. You will need to click off a little bit at a time.
Step 3: Check The Claw to See Where It Starts To Hook
Check out the nail to find the spot where it starts to hook. Start by cutting off the tip.
Step 4: Trim A Little Bit At A Time
Just trim a little bit at a time.
Step 5: Then Go Back And Trim A Little Bit More
Keep trimming a little bit at a time. Err on the side of caution.
Step 6: It Is A Bit Easier With Clear Nails
With clear nails it is easy to see the vein and work out where the nail should be trimmed.
Step 7: Only Trim The White Part - Never The Pink
Be very careful not to cut into the pink part of the nail.
Step 8: Never Cut Into The Vein Or Quick
Cutting into the vein or quick will cause the nail to bleed
Step 9: What To Do If The Claw Starts To Bleed
Occasionally you will trim a little bit too far and the claw will start to bleed.
Step 10: You Can Stop the Claw Bleeding With Flour Or Cornstarch
The bleeding can be stopped by dipping the nail into flour or corn starch. You can also use styptic powder. whatever you use, pour some of it onto a lid or other surface and dip you dog's nail into it.
Check out this video by DIY Pet Grooms
