How to trim your dog’s nails

Hints and tips before you get started

• Get them comfortable with you touching their paws: before you start clipping your dogs nails spend a few days getting them familiar with you handling their paws and touching their nails. Start by picking up each paw for just a few seconds, then gradually extend the amount of time until they are comfortable with you handling their paws and touching their nails. 

• Get them familiar with the clippers: let them see and sniff them. You can also cut spaghetti while holding their paw so they can hear the sound of them in action. Reward them along the way with treats, praise, pats etc. so they associate trimming nails as a positive experience.  

• Allow plenty of time: trimming your dog’s nails should not be rushed. You need to spend time looking at the nail prior to cutting. This will help you identify the nerve and blood supply and how to avoid this when cutting the nail. It can also take time for your dog to get used to having their nails cut. You may only cut a few nails or one paw at a time, with other activities or resting in between.

• Wait until your dog is relaxed: choose a chair or place in a quiet room where you can both get comfortable. Wait until your dog is calm and ready. Make sure there is no distracting action around or through nearby windows and ideally no other pets around.

• Keep it positive: don’t forget to reward them along the way to make it a positive experience for both of you. Give your dog plenty of praise, pats and treats to encourage their good behaviour. Never punish them if they resist. Rather seek help from a professional groomer or speak to your local vet for assistance.

How to trim your dog’s nails

The first step is to examine your dogs nails to identify the nerve and blood supply. You want to avoid cutting into this area as it will result in bleeding and pain.

Most of the time the blood supply can be seen in a white or non-pigmented nail, which gives an idea where the nerve and hence pain sensation is likely to be felt. In most cases the nerve and blood supply appear to extend approximately the same distance down the nail. So if you cut 2-3 mm beyond this point you will rarely get bleeding or pain.

If the nails are all black the task can be very difficult. There are a variety of ways to determine where to cut the nail, depending on the dog. However, all it takes is one cut that hurts and that will be the last time they will let you near their feet without considerable restraint and anxiety. In these cases it is best to speak to a groomer or your local vet for guidance before cutting your dogs nails for the first time.

A word of warning. In about 5 per cent of dogs you will still get a spot of blood and some pain sensation. These dogs need their nails to be left a little longer than normal and until their nails are trimmed you will be none the wiser. 

What if I don’t want to cut my dog’s nails at home

If you are unsure or would rather leave cutting your dogs nails to the professionals you can book an appointment with our groomer or speak to one of our vets. They can trim your dog’s nails for you and can also show you how to cut your dogs nails in the future.

If your dog shows aggression or is uncomfortable during the clipping session it is worth seeking professional help.

Whenever a patient in our care is given an anaesthetic we trim their nails routinely, probably a little shorter than when they are awake and can see where the blood supply ends. 

Cat’s nails can be trimmed following the same guidelines and we find they are much easier to trim than dogs.