How To Cut Your Dog’s Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide

Life with dogs can be noisy. Whether it’s licking their paws in the middle of the night, or barking at the merest suggestion of a squirrel, your four-legged friend will never be quiet for long.

However, there are some sounds you don’t have to live with. If your pup is “click, click, clicking” along the floor, it may be a sign their nails need a trim. 

Regular nail grooming isn’t something you can ignore, and it doesn’t just protect your floors (or your ears). Overgrown nails can lead to long-term problems for your dog, like injured tendons or splayed feet. 

If you have a highly reactive dog and you break a sweat trying to trim their nails, this article is for you. Here, we break down how to cut your dog’s nails step by step. Let’s dig in.

Cutting your dog’s nails 101

Before you start trimming your dog’s nails, get to know the basics with these essential tips.

When to trim 

One of the best ways to prevent injury is by knowing the right time to trim.  If you cut your dog’s nails when they’re too short, you put them at a higher risk for injury. But if they get too long, your dog’s nails can grow into their paw pads, causing discomfort and infection.

So, when is the right time? If your dog’s nails are touching the ground, or if it sounds like your pup is wearing tap shoes when they walk — bring out the nail clippers.

Where to trim

Inside a dog’s nail is a vein called the quick, and if you accidentally cut into it, you can damage the blood vessels within. This can cause your dog intense pain and bleeding. 

If your dog has white or clear nails, you can easily see where the quick starts. This is because the quick will be darker than the rest of the nail. 

However, if your dog has darker or black nails and you can’t see the quick, it’s a good rule of thumb to trim slowly and carefully, little by little. If you aren’t 100% confident before trimming, you might want to visit a dog groomer for assistance.

Choose proper nail trimmers

With the right dog nail clippers, your job will be easier and there will be less chance of pain or injury for your pup. For medium to large dogs, you’ll want to use large dog nail clippers.

For small dogs or puppies, you’ll need scissor-style clippers. You should also have a nail file on hand to add the finishing touches to your doggy pedicure.

Keep calm and have treats handy

Before you trim, your dog should be calm and comfortable. If they’re jumping around nervously while you’re trying to find the right place to cut their nails, it can lead to injury. This might be a matter of waiting for the right time, rather than springing a pedicure on your pup when they’re full of energy.

Keep treats on hand to reward your pup after trimming each paw. It also helps to have a second person with you to keep your dog still, especially if you have a larger or unruly dog.

Start early in your pup’s life

If you want grooming to be a pleasant experience, start clipping your dog’s nails as soon as you welcome them into your home. The same goes for all grooming practices, including washing, brushing, and teeth cleaning. 

Your dog will learn to accept these grooming sessions as part of their routine if you make it a habit from puppyhood. However, if your dog came to you later in their life, you can gradually expose them to the nail clippers with treats and praise until you’re both ready to dive in.

Learning how to cut a dog’s nails isn’t easy, and if your pup does get injured in the process, give them plenty of kisses and learn for next time. To prepare, you can keep styptic powder on hand to combat any bleeding. Dipping the bleeding nail into styptic powder stops the flow of blood and quickly prevents bacteria from entering the wound.

Step-by-step: How to cut dog nails

Ready to start trimming? Here’s how to do the deed. If you’re nervous, just be glad you aren’t expressing your dog’s anal glands. Ah, the joys of pet parenthood.

1. Prepare your pup

First, you’ll need to make sure your pup is calm. Some dogs behave better with a grooming restraint, no-sit haunch holder, or lead.

You’ll also want to make sure their hair is out of the way so that the nails are visible. For extra fluffy dogs, an old pair of pantyhose or a plastic bag with a hole in it can be used to secure any excess fur.

2. Extend the nail

When your dog is ready for you to start trimming, gently pick up one of their paws.

Place your thumb on their toe pad, and keep another finger on the toe skin above the nail.  Push your thumb up on the pad, while pushing your finger forward, to extend the nail. This works for your dog’s dewclaws, too.

3. Clip carefully

Once you’re ready, clip only at the tip of the nail, straight across. 

Never clip past the curve of the nail, where you may see a pink area, or for dogs with dark nails, a chalky white ring. That’s where the quick starts.

And don’t forget the finishing touches. Consider using a nail file or electric buffer to smooth the surface of your dog’s nail from bottom to tip.

4. Give your dog treats

After the task is complete, make sure you reward your pup for sitting still! Give them lots of love and treats to let them know they’ve been a good dog.

Next time they see the clippers, they will remember how proud you were of them (and how many treats they got), and hopefully, it’ll be easier to get the job done. 

Are you a visual learner? You can also watch this video for more tips on safe nail trimming for dogs:

Why should you cut your dog’s nails?

Nail trimming is an important part of any dog grooming routine. If you don’t keep their nails at a manageable length, your dog may experience:

• Nail breakages
• Infected paws
• Splayed feet
• Long nails that grow into their paw pads
• Discomfort when walking or running

If your dog’s nails do get too long, it can cause them pain and long-term damage. Look out for excessive paw licking and the telltale clickety-clack of their nails as signs they might be suffering from nail overgrowth.

Dogs can get themselves into all sorts of mischief, and you never know when an injury or accident will occur. A Pumpkin Dog Insurance plan can help you with cost of future eligible vet bills if something goes wrong — and gives you peace of mind when everything is going right.

How often should you cut your dog’s nails?

Not all dogs are the same, but you should aim for a nail trim at least once a month or every 6 weeks. You can complement these grooming sessions with a bath for a full pampering experience.

Of course, there are a few factors that can impact how often your dog needs a nail trim. For example, active dogs can file their nails naturally by running on rough surfaces. This means senior dogs or those who live a chill lifestyle often need more frequent trims.

Try to start the habit of nail trimming at a young age so your dog gets used to the routine. It doesn’t matter if you do it yourself or hire a professional dog groomer: your dog will feel more comfortable after this job is done.

Learning how to cut dog nails the right way

Cutting your dog’s nails may seem daunting, but it does get easier over time. With the right tools and techniques, it can be a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your pup.

Remember to start early and make nail trimming part of their grooming routine. Have lots of treats handy and be mindful of the nail quick. 

If you don’t feel confident trimming your dog’s nails, that’s okay too. Your vet or local groomer can take care of it for you.

FAQs

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