How to Trim Your Dog's Nails at Home Without the Stress

Hear clicking on the kitchen floor? According to VCA Animal Hospitals, nails that touch the ground or click on hard floors are too long. Overgrown nails can be uncomfortable for your dog and tough on your floors, furniture and skin.

How often?

Most dogs need a trim about once a month. Dogs that walk a lot on concrete may need it less often, while less active dogs may need it every three weeks or so (VCA).

Watch: trimming nails, step by step

Video: "Grooming 101: Trimming Nails for Dogs" by the ASPCA (YouTube).

Avoid the quick

The quick is the sensitive blood supply inside the nail. VCA's advice:

• On light nails, you can see the pink quick. Stay about 2–3 mm away from it.
• On dark nails, take off only the very tip, in tiny 1–2 mm steps.
• Don't forget the dewclaws.
• If you nick the quick, apply styptic powder. Flour or cornstarch work in a pinch.

Clippers or grinder?

Both work. VCA notes that grinders leave a smooth edge and carry less risk to the quick, and may suit dogs that resist clipping. They can catch on long hair, though, so hold fur back, use short touches, and work outdoors to manage dust.

Help a nervous dog relax

1. Start by simply touching paws, paired with treats and praise.
2. Introduce the tool gradually. Let your dog sniff it and hear it running.
3. Do one nail at a time and build up over several weeks.
4. Ask a helper to hold and comfort your dog.
5. If stress is severe, talk to your vet.

Sources

• VCA Animal Hospitals: How to Trim a Dog's Nails at Home
• ASPCA: Grooming 101, Trimming Nails for Dogs (video)

This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.