Nail clipping
Clipping your pets nails is an essential part of grooming your pet and with a little knowledge it is possible to do this at home.
- What type of clippers should I use?
There are many types of clippers available to buy for dogs and cats choose a size according to how big the animal is. These are the ones we regularly use in practice (see below). We try to avoid using the “guillotine” type as we find dogs seem to resent the crushing action that occurs with this type, and it is more difficult to see exactly what you are cutting.
- How do I cut the nails?
With dogs there is lots of variation in the pigmentation in dogs’ nails, from completely black, to the whiter type through which it is possible to see the pink colouration associated with the blood vessels and the quick. The quick is the sensative part of the nail that contains the blood vessels and must be AVOIDED.
Ideally it is a two person task, and is easier performed on a table at waist height (particually with cats and small dogs). Whilst one person holds the animal still, with their leg outstretched, the other person holds the paw and clips each nail tip. Have a look at the diagram below you will see an area of the claw marked with dotted lines called the ungual process. This is the sensitive part of the nail which has the blood supply (know as “the quick”) and should NOT be cut.
If you look at the claw from the side, often the tip of the nail will be much finer, and then it thickens as you look towards the base. The fine tip is the part that needs to be clipped – if in doubt clip less not more.
- What if I cut the quick?
Dogs generally have a very good blood supply to the quick, and if cut it can bleed profusely. We would suggest applying pressure to the cut surface of the nail with a cotton wool or pad of kitchen roll. You can use a silver nitrate or styptic pen if available. You may need to apply a light bandage to apply pressure to the cut end of the nail and bandage the whole foot, if it is still bleeding after applying pressure. If the nail is bleeding after 10 – 15 minutes, you’ll need to call your vet.
- How often should I cut my pets’ nails?
If your dog walks on concrete or other hard ground regularly this should wear the nails down naturally, and you may not need to clip them at all. Other dogs may need them cutting more frequently if walked on soft ground, every few months. If your cat goes outside, or uses a scratching post you may never need to clip their nails. However nails can grow quickly, and so can be clipped whenever the sharp points have regrown. If in doubt every 3 months should be sufficient.
- Dew claws on dogs.
These may not wear down as quickly as other claws, so clip these following the same instruction as above.
- Back paws VS front paws.
The nails on the back paws often wear down more that the nails on the front paws, and so usually don’t require as much to be clipped off.
Don’t forget clipping your pets nails, can be tricky, so if in doubt then take your dog into your vet.
