Nail Trimming
How to trim your pet’s nails like a pro!
Nail trims are a key part of keeping your pet healthy and happy, but they aren’t always the easiest procedure. Our pet’s nails are different than our own and they require special care when being trimmed. If you feel intimidated or unsure when it comes to tripping your pet’s nails then you aren’t alone. Here you will find all the information you need to trim your pet’s nails like a professional!
Why does my pet need nail trims?
Nail trims may seem trivial, but their importance quickly becomes apparent if they are ignored. When the nails of dogs, cats, rodents, birds, and many other species grow unchecked, they can cause significant issues. Long nails can change the way your pet walks, they are more prone to tearing, and in extreme cases, overgrown nails can curl back into the feet.
The ancestors of our pets naturally wore their nails down through behaviors like digging, scratching, and regular movement over wild terrain. Housepets may not engage in these behaviors as frequently if at all, allowing their nails to grow to a detrimental length. It is our job, as pet parents, to step in and help our pets out with this problem by providing proper nail trims.
How do I know when it is time for a nail trim?
Providing your pet with a beneficial nail trim starts with identifying when they are in need of a nail trim. For cats, nail trim timing can be based on the needs of your household. Cats’ nails naturally wear down from scratching, but a quick trim can help prevent that scratching from being applied to your skin or your furniture.
When it comes to dogs, you will know that it is time for a trim when you see their nails nearly touching the floor as they walk. You may even hear the tell-tale tip-tap of log nails, signaling that it is time for a trim. Some dogs may reach this point weekly while others may go weeks between trims. How frequently you have to trim your dog’s nails depends on their lifestyle.
For more exotic pets, nail trimming time can be harder to identify. In general, it is recommended to trim any nails that look like they may curl back into the feet, inhibit natural walking, or cause other complications. If you are unsure of when to trim your rodent, bird, or reptiles nails, then it is best to consult a trusted veterinarian for advice specific to your pet’s species.
What do I need to perform a nail trim?
Human toe-nail clippers just won’t cut it when it comes to nail trims on some pets. Specialty nail trimmers exist for dogs, cats, and even birds. These nail trimmers are shaped to cut rounded nails and the size of the clipper is suited to the size of the pet. For example, a dog nail trimmer may have the same cutting machine as a bird nail trimmer, but it will be much larger. You will want to choose a nail clipper that is easy for you to hold and squeeze, and you should look for one that is created for your pet’s species and size. You will also need to make sure that the blade on your clippers stays sharp and clean to prevent any uncomfortable dull pressure or possible infections.
If your pet will tolerate the noise, dremels are also an option. These tools are like rotating nail files that wear down your pet’s nail and smooth out the tip. This will create dust and require electricity to function, but it is a worthy option for pet parents who want dull nails and pets that aren’t skittish.
Aside from the necessities, there are also good proactive tools to keep on hand. Blankets can provide a lot of comfort and control for small animals who are spooked by nail trims. Kwik-stop and other pet-safe clotting powders are also helpful as they can stop bleeding almost immediately if your pet tears a nail or you clip their quick.
How do I know how far to cut the nail?
Determining how far to cut your pet’s nails can be one of the hardest parts of a nail trim, so here are some tips to help. Start by identifying the quick if possible. This is an internal part of the nail that circulates blood. In light-colored nails, the quick will appear pink, and in dark nails, it may be impossible to see. You never want to cut the quick, so if it is visible cut a safe distance in front of it, and if it is invisible, trim in small increments until you see the beginning of a circle inside of the nail.
It is also best to trim at an angle to maintain the natural curvature of your pet’s nails. If you are using clippers and not a dremel, you can still smooth the ends of your pet’s nails using an emery board.
What if my pet hates nail trims?
Some pets are naturally fearful of having people touch their feet or clip their nails. The best thing you can do if you have a fearful pet is to provide them with as much comfort and as many distractions as possible. Associating nail trims with positive experiences, like receiving special treats or a lot of affection can help them become less fearful over time.
Many pets may require an additional person to help with the nail trim, so be sure to watch your pet’s cues. If they seem stressed or dont enjoy restraint, you can give them breaks between trimming each nail or minimally restraining them. In extreme cases, it may be best to seek advice from your veterinarian, but the truth is that most pet parents are more than capable of trimming their pet’s nails at home!