Does your canine companion make scratching noises when he walks across the kitchen? Does Fido sometimes scratch you when he puts a paw on your leg? If so, your pooch may need a pawdicure. A Bowmanville, ON vet discusses cutting your dog’s nails in this article.

Why Nail Trims Are Important

Overgrown claws are quite uncomfortable for dogs, just as long toenails are for people. Fido may adjust his stride to compensate. This can put a lot of strain on his bones and joints, and can aggravate or contribute to conditions like arthritis. This is particularly troublesome in older dogs. Young pups often wear their claws down by running around. Senior dogs? Not so much. It’s also worth mentioning that long nails often snag and catch on things, causing painful rips. You don’t want that!

Gear

There are actually a few types of clippers available. If you have the classic kind, ask your vet to demonstrate proper techniques. Of course, it’s also a good investment to get some newer ones. Some of these have sensors in them, which beep to indicate exactly where to cut. This is very helpful, because it eliminates the guesswork. As you may know, if you cut too far, you’ll cut into the quick. This is where your furry friend’s nerves and blood vessels end. Cutting the quick can cause bleeding, and can sometimes lead to infections. And, needless to say, it isn’t very much fun for Fido!

Getting Ready

Is your canine buddy nervous about getting his claws clipped? You may want to work on some desensitization training. Start by teaching Fido that he gets a yummy treat for giving you his paw. It shouldn’t take long for him to miraculously become a bit more receptive. Then, start running the clippers over his claw. Don’t cut just yet: focus on getting your pup used to having his furry toes handled. Keep up with the treats! When your pooch has accepted this, you can start clipping.

Tips

You don’t have to do all four paws at once. Just do one at a time, and keep rotating. Another option is to distract Fido with natural peanut butter. Of course, if you still have difficulty, just call us to schedule a pawdicure. Please contact us, your Bowmanville, ON vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re dedicated to offering great veterinary care!