Pawfect: Why You Should Keep Your Dog’s Nails Trimmed

Any pawrent knows that keeping your furbaby’s nails short is a priority. The old-fashioned way to trip your dog’s nails is to lay the dog on the floor and have someone hold the paw. That is not easy and not consistently successful. Dog grooming is a tedious task that can be time-consuming and irritating.

If you are tempted to ignore this dog grooming chore, you should read this article. It will compel you to take this task seriously. 

Why Is It Necessary for Dogs to Have Their Nails Trimmed?

Most dog owners do not bother to trim the nails of their dogs. They assume that the dog has a tough, protective covering over its nails. This assertion is not true because this covering is not hard enough to protect the underlying tissue and blood vessels.

The skin on the paw is sensitive to injury. It provides your dog with a sense of touch and makes it more susceptible to pain. Long nails can cause your dog a great deal of pain.

If the nails are long, they can bend back into the paw pads, causing the dog to become lame and hobbled. You must remember that a dog in pain can be a cranky dog. The problem with this situation is that many dogs with their nails trimmed have learned to dislike it. The owner may be able to get away with cutting a few nails and leaving the rest, but you are asking for trouble, especially if you have a Great Dane or another large dog.

You can trim the dog's nails yourself or schedule a dog grooming appointment. Dogs should be trimmed regularly, as recommended by your veterinarian or a professional groomer.

The Basics of Trimming Dog Nails

The first thing you must do to trim a dog's nails gets the right tools. You will need to get a dog nail file and a pair of dog nail clippers. You can purchase clippers that you can leave on your keychain or purchase a pair of dog nail clippers specifically designed for grooming. Be sure to have styptic powder on hand because you will probably have a few 'missed' nails.

You probably need to bring your furbaby to dog groomers if you have an aggressive dog. The professional dog groomer would probably sedate your dog.

Otherwise, you can hold it on its side with the paw exposed. Use the file to file the nails to the desired length. Once the nails are at the length that you like, you can use the clippers to clip them.

Conclusion

Trimming a dog's nails is not a time for a novice. If you have an elderly dog that has not been trimmed for a long time, you can trim the nails with the minimum of problems. However, if you have a younger dog that has been allowed to have its nails grow, you may have a tough time. 

Clipping a dog's nails is something you will have to do for your dog for the rest of its life. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes a lot less difficult. Once you make it a habit, the dog will look forward to the attention and the treats. 

Instead of going through such troubles to trim your dog’s nails, why not schedule a mobile grooming session for your fur baby with The Happy Hounds Mobile Pet Grooming? We are professional dog and pet groomers, so we know how to handle all types of dogs. Book an appointment now!