Fur babies are like humans: some really love to be pampered and groomed while others prefer hands-off love. Regardless of their preference, our domestic animals need to have their nails trimmed and maintained on a regular basis. This week we’ve gathered some important tips and tricks to make pet nail care as easy and stress-free as possible.
- If possible, begin handling your pet’s feet at an early age and make the experience positive. This is important to get them accustomed to the feeling of having their nails touched and handled regularly.
- Figure out how comfortable your dog feels about having their feet touched. Do they need to sit on your lap? Do you need someone to help restrain them to make the process safer?
- Figure out which type of clippers/dremel you’ll need. This is dependent on nail size and your comfort level. We recommend having some styptic powder on hand in case you cut the nail a bit too short. Both clippers and styptic powder can be found in most pet care stores.
- Clip only the tip of the nail; avoid cutting close to the point where the nail begins to curve. In general, less is more. It’s better to cut smaller amounts more often than to cut too low and cause pain/injury.
- Make sure to be positive and reward them after you’re done. It might even be helpful to give them some peanut butter to lick off of a spoon to keep them distracted during the process.
- For expert advice and a detailed explanation of clipper styles, visit the AKC’s expert guidance page.
Some owners are uncomfortable with cutting their pet’s nails; that’s totally understandable! The Village Pets team is happy to help with nail trimming and/or dremeling. We have the ability to do quick and seamless house calls to make the entire process stress-free. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation and quote if you need some assistance!
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