How To Seamlessly Trim Your Dog's Nails
Nail trimming can be a nerve-wracking experience for both you and your dog. You don’t want to hurt your dog, and your dog doesn’t want to get hurt — hence the mutual anxiety.
Today we’re going to give you a crash course on everything you need to know about trimming your dog’s nails.
Why You Need To Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Many people think that trimming the nails of your dog is done purely for cosmetic purposes, but this is far from the truth. In fact, it’s more for the dog than it us for us.
When a dog has long nails, it will push on their paw and joints leading to constant pain. Studies have even shown that dogs with consistently long nails have a much higher chance of developing arthritis.
Furthermore, long nails can also lead to bad posture in your dog as they will generally hold their limbs closer together rather than leave them in a more comfortable arrangement.
How To Trim Them
Now that you understand why long nails need to be trimmed, it’s time to actually do it. Start by gently — but firmly — holding the paw of your pet. Once you’ve got a good grip on them, start cutting from the edge of their nail.
You should be cutting at a 45-degree angle. Take off a little bit at a time until you see the white inside their nail. Upon seeing the white, stop cutting and proceed to buff the edges of the nail.
Tips
Corn Starch
If you accidentally cut the quick of the nail, it’s going to bleed a lot — and fast! If you want to stop the bleeding, the best thing you can do is plug the wound with a pinch of corn starch.
Hemp oil
Giving your dog hemp oil before trimming their nails will keep them calm to ensure that they don’t shift while you’re cutting — which could lead to injury. It will also reduce the odds of them biting you in the event that you inadvertently cut them.
Be sure to check out our article on 4 Ways To Administer hemp oil To Your Picky Pet if your dog doesn’t enjoy the smell or taste of hemp oil.
Where To Buy hemp oil
Want to get some hemp oil to ensure you don’t end up with a bite mark on your forearm? Log onto the official Friendly paws shop to purchase some high-quality tinctures.