Are you trying to learn how to trim a dog nail? Thankfully, you will not need an entire arsenal dedicated just for your dog’s grooming just these few handy tools will do the job: Dog grooming scissors, dog nail clippers, nail file, and nail polish remover. Trimming dog nails is a must for a dog owner for many reasons: it helps reduce the risk of infection, it keeps your dog healthy and happy, and it also improves its appearance. In addition, dogs like being groomed and will enjoy playing with their human friend as long as the trimming remains above their heads.
To begin, it is important to understand that there are basically two types of dog grooming tools today: the traditional straight-edged trimmer and the guillotine cutter. These are the two main choices you will have when it comes time to pick up one. Although these names sound similar, they are very different beasts. The straight edged trimmers have a metal piece attached to the end of it; when you lift it up, it slices the nail straight down. The guillotine, on the other hand, has a blade that, when clicked, will cut along both edges.
The best way to differentiate between the two, however, is by understanding that in order for a guillotine nail trimming tool to work, it must be held straight. If you hold it at an angle or rotate it at an angle, the cut is made at an angle. It is important, then, to keep your dog grooming trimmers at an even, straight angle as well. This will reduce your dog’s chances of having its legs or tail hurt from improper trim. Many good dog grooming groomers will remind their customers to keep their equipment straight while they are grooming.
Once you’ve made sure that the trimmer is on a straight and level surface, take a good and steady grip on both the dog grooming clippers and the dog’s claws. Claws should be directed away from the chopper’s blades. Let the claws drop to the floor softly. Do not pull, push or tug at the clipper or your dog will most likely resist, or try to avoid the trimmer altogether.
A good clipper tip should have a sharp point that will cut quickly. The tip of the blade, called a “toot” or “nub”, should be pulled back quickly and aggressively so blood vessels do not get injured by the sharpened tip of the blade. With a few careful pulls back, you should be able to trim the nail without harming your dog. Be prepared for some bleeding as well; this is normal.
If you find yourself in this situation with a bleeding dog, get used to using human clippers first. Don’t use any dog nail clippers until you are comfortable with your ability to get used to the speed, control and sharpness of a human pair of clippers. Your dog may take a bit to get used to the amount of pressure you are applying when cutting. You may also find it helpful to keep a towel handy to wipe the area after each treatment to keep the bleeding under control. A dog’s nail can sometimes bleed excessively if you are not careful.
It is important to realize that when you find yourself cutting into a bleeding dog’s nail, there will be some damage done to the nail bed. This will cause the nail to come out at an angle, which can make it more difficult to shape the nail. It is possible to reduce this damage if you apply styptic powder to the area immediately after the procedure.
If you accidentally cut into the styptic powder, blotting the area with a towel and then covering it with a bandage will help reduce the bleeding. If the wound is not readily visible, try cutting the area straight across, this will prevent any severe bleeding. To finish the process quickly, cover with a bandage and apply pressure for about five minutes. After this time has passed, clean the area and apply another coat of styptic powder to stop any bleeding. How to trim a dog nail should not be a problem if you follow these simple steps.