To Trim Nails or Not To

Of all the monthly expense of dog ownership, nail trimming is one that is mostly overlooked. Too many people don't want to spend money at the vet or at the pet store for it and wait far too long before trying to do it themselves. The results are often traumatizing for the dog and the owner don't want to repeat the experience, repeating the cycle of waiting too long for the nail trimming.

Unlike human nails, dog's nails are a "living" part of their body. Inside the nail, there is a nerve and a vein, the quick, and it grows as the nail grow. Trim the nail too short and it will bleed and, unlike the general belief, it will hurt the dog. The best way to avoid hurting a dog when trimming its nails is to do it, or have somebody do it, on a regular basis.

Nails that are not cut can grow into the skin of the dog and hurt him in ways that are inhumane. Also, a dew claw that is not kept short, not only will it grow into the dog's skin, but there is a possibility that, while the dog is running, it might get stuck in something and rip the dog leg open.

Nails too long.

Also called the "thumb"

The best way to learn how to trim your dog's nails, is to look at how your vet (or somebody that has experience doing it) does it. It is an easy task that will take you, when you are going to be used to do it, five minutes.

Despite all of your efforts, there is some dogs that will absolutely refuse to have their nails trimmed. In these cases, your vet can choose to give your dog a tranquilizer before trimming its nails. Again, it is possible that your dog won't be affected enough by the drug and it will be impossible to trim its nails.

The only solution that is left is actually the healthier for you and your dog. The solution is...to walk. Yes, you read it right. Walk everyday, on a hard surface and your dog's nails will stay short and round.

Should your dog let you cut his nails, there is some things you can do to help him stay relaxed and more malleable.

1. Make sure your dog is not hungry or thirsty.
   
2. Make sure you are in a room without stimulus. The TV, the radio or children running around your him will, or might, keep him on edge.
   
3. Make sure that YOU are relaxed and that you are in control. If you are not, your dog will feel it. You need to be the pack leader and show your dog that he can trust you.
   
4. Close to you, keep some septic powder, just in case you cut a nail too short and make it bleed. If you don't have septic powder, you might want to use cornstarch.
   
5. EXERCICE your dog before you cut his nails (and before any training or event that might disturb him : a party in your home, before you leave him to go to work all day, etc.). He will be relaxed and tamed and will, most likely, let you do what you need to.

In any cases, should you have a hard time trimming your dog's nails or not, don't be scared or afraid of doing the right thing by your him. Nails trimming is a good way to keep your dog happy and the vet away !

*For more information as to how to trim your dog's nails, please visit the ASPCA website. They have detailed instructions.