Nail Trims
Nail Trims - the dreaded monthly task for many pet owners. Let's explore how to successfully complete this at home.
The Basics
What To Know Before the Trim
​Anatomy of the Toe
Understanding the anatomy of the toe, as well as the nail, is necessary to prevent trimming the 'quick'. This area contains nerves and provides the blood supply to the nail. Trimming the nail too short and exposing the quick can be painful for your pet and it may be difficult to stop from bleeding. The links below will help you to further identify the anatomy for an accurate trim.​​​
​The Right Tool(s) for the Job
To be able to trim the nails we must first have a nail trimmers. For any pet (dog or cat) our technicians often choose 'Millers Forge Dog Nail Clippers (large)'. For some cat owners, this tool can be big and difficult to manage along with holding your pet. We then would recommend a Cat Nail Clippers. We sell these at Creekside if you are interested in purchasing one. ​
​​While these tools are the ones most commonly used, we understand not every pet responds well to nail trims. There are MANY other options available for nail trimmers/dremels. We will provide links to some additional options we would recommend if this is the case.
Additionally, we must be prepared if *disaster strikes*. Not to worry, we have just the product for a quick fix. if a nail gets trimmed too short, and a quick begins to bleed, it is important to have a styptic powder available and within arms reach. This powder will provide a quick and effective way to prevent further bleeding. In a pinch, flour or cornstarch can be used, however we would recommend the styptic powder that is specifically made for these situations.​
​Making a Plan
Commonly most pets will need their nails trimmed about every 4 weeks. Like people, that time frame can depend on a variety of factor as to how fast the nails grow. They will likely not need it any sooner than every 2 weeks, but may be able to wait 6-8 weeks between trims depending on the rate of growth.
When is the best time to complete a nail trim? This is a difficult question to answer as it is different for every pet. Maybe your pet is food driven and a meal time is a situation that you can be discrete and slowly trim nail by nail. Or after a crazy round of play time, right before a nap, they are worn out and ready to let you do what is needed for the trim.
What is important is thinking ahead and not making the nail trim as scary as your pet believes it to be. Keeping your behavior neutral, as if this nail trim is a normal as going for a walk or playing with a toy will help to keep your pet more at ease.
*Optional* "Phone a Friend"
​While not necessary, as the saying goes 'two is better than one'. Pets can be lightning quick and wiggly worms when needing to stay still to trim each nail. The benefit to an extra set of hands to hold the pet (or complete the trim) can greatly reduce the time necessary to complete this process. ​
​Alternatives to Clippers (Dogs):
​Alternatives to Clippers (Cats):
How To
The Process
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Pick a Location: As referenced above while 'making the plan', finding an acceptable space for the nail trim is important. A large space on the floor for a big dog or a coffee or kitchen table for a cat or small dog can give a space to hold them with control. For cats, wrapping them in a large blanket or towel and only exposing one foot at a time can be an extremely helpful tool.
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Gather supplies: See the above section for what our recommended tools are. If these tools are kept in a specific cabinet or space, get them out 1-2 hours prior to beginning the nail trim. That way we can work to prevent a "negative" association to that space (cabinet = nail trim).
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Trim the nails: We will link some videos that show how to appropriately complete a nail trim at home. Making this as positive of an experience as possible is important. A high value treat once each foot (or even as each nail) is complete can work to promote an environment that your pet is comfortable with and can look forward to.
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Positive one-on-one time after the trim: Nail trims can be a stressful experience for your pet. Taking them for a walk, playing with a toy, or providing an exciting puzzle toy or treat afterwards will help to re-enforce the all around upbeat and comforting environment we hope to create. ​
​​Keep us in the loop! We want to know what is working for your pets (as well as what isn't). Every pet is different and we would be happy to talk through additional options, or even schedule a demonstration in clinic if you would be interested.
The Trim
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Acquire appropriate restraint/hold of your pet: For some dogs, laying on their side on the floor or sitting in your lap will be all that is needed. Others may need a hug under the neck and chest to keep them close by and standing. Additionally, some may do best with other material restraint, for example a thick blanket or towel often works well for cats.
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Determine which foot is best to start with: Depending on your pet's reaction to nail trims, and if they have feet that are more sensitive than others can be an important factor to a successful nail trim. Cats tend to be 'more' accepting of their front feet being completed first, as they are commonly longer/easier to complete, since they are the feet that would be used on scratching posts. Dogs 'commonly' are more accepting/less reactive to the back feet being completed first. However, every pet is different and this process may need some time and trial to perfect.
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Refer to your nail anatomy (links above): Trim the nail prior to the quick. "Less is more" in this scenario, as anything you are able to remove is less than they had before the trim. Elevating your emotions with the stress of trying to get the nails 'as short as possible', will only escalate the situation as a whole. If the nail trim is able to be completed at home, be happy with what you are able to accomplish, and possibly schedule a time in your schedule more frequently (weekly or bi-weekly) to trim smaller amounts more often.​​
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Know when to stop: Some pets will be okay will all nails being trimmed in one sitting. If this is not the case for your pet, do not fret. Work to complete what you can and determine an appropriate stopping point to keep everyone safe. Maybe one foot a week is all that can be successfully completed, that's okay (that's a full trim every month! YAY!). Do not force a situation that may get you or your pets injured, but be cognizant that you choose the stopping point. If your pet becomes unruly, squirming, trying to get away, and that is when the end is determined, be mindful that may re-enforce the behavior of 'I don't want to do this so I just have to act out to make it stop'.
Interested in having a nail trim completed but not comfortable doing it at home?
Reach out to our groomers to see what they can do for your pet!
Grooming: 608-767-1404