WHEN TO CUT YOUR CLAWS?
On average, it is assumed that claws should be trimmed once a week or other week, but there is no set rule regarding this. Depending on the breed of the dog, its lifestyle and the food it eats, its claws will grow at different rates. A diet rich in micro- and macroelements will promote their growth, but on the other hand, in active dogs, they will wear out faster. Therefore, everyone must determine for themselves when the dog's nails should be shortened
OPTIMAL CLAW LENGTH
The claws should not be too short, because they are useful for the dog, for example for digging in the ground or holding various things. However, of course they cannot be too long, because then they may make walking difficult and hurt the paws. The claws should never touch the ground. A sign that it's time to trim them is their characteristic clatter when walking on a wooden floor, for example, or the dog's reluctance to go for walks or the curling of its paws. Ideally, the nails should end flush with the fingertips.
HOW TO CUT YOUR CLAWS?
If you live locally, you can bring your dog to my salon, Waffle's Dog Grooming in Derby, and I will be happy to do it for you.
If you have decided to trim your dog's nails at home, prepare:
-pliers or grinder,
-file,
-styptic powder to stop bleeding.
Place your dog in a comfortable position. It's ideal if you can place your dog higher, e.g. on a washing machine or on a table. You will be more comfortable, and the dog will be calmer in a limited space. Make sure your pet is comfortable and place an anti-slip mat under its paws.
It is worth starting to trim the claws from the hind legs. My many years of observations show that dogs tolerate manipulation of their hind legs much better than their front ones.
We grab the paw, press the pad of the paw so that the claws become more visible and cut off about 1-2 mm at an appropriate angle (graphic). Remember to place the cutter perpendicular to the line of the pad. Cut the claws in small pieces so as not to damage the core.
If the claw is significantly overgrown, we cannot shorten it much.
After a few days, the claws should be gently trimmed again. With each shortening of the claw, the blood will slowly recede and in this way we are able to bring the claw to the appropriate length.
The final stage of shortening dog claws is grinding and smoothing them using a grinder or file.
When trimming your dog's claws, remember to make quick and confident movements. The sooner we complete the entire procedure, the less stress it will cause for the dog.
USING NAIL GRINDER
A nail grinder is a type of electric device used to trim down a dog’s nails, making them shorter and smoother. It has a rotating head that works as a filer for you to smoothly grind and shape the nails. It should be done at home with your dog being totally relaxed and comfortable, so no need to step out of the house.
Taking your dog on a walk regularly is the most natural and effective way to trim his nails. By this method, all stray dogs shorten their nails.
The ideal situation is when the dog trim its claws itself while walking on a hard surface, e.g. an asphalt sidewalk. Then only the claws on the side toes should be shortened. For dogs that lead a couch potato lifestyle, walk mainly on soft grass or are less active due to age, it is necessary to trim all their claws. Unfortunately, even dogs living in cities and walking on hard pavements often do not always grind their claws to the appropriate length.
Many dogs have a fifth claw-called a dewclaw that does not touch the ground and is therefore unable to wear off on its own. It requires regular trim. A neglected dewclaw can curl and begin to grow into the paw. This causes pain and discomfort for the dog.