Nail trimming is an essential part of pet care. Clean and trimmed nails for the pet are a sign of good hygiene and health. With the correct knowledge and the right tools, we help you to feel more comfortable while caring for your pet’s hygiene needs.
Long nails in pets can cause pain and in a few cases causes damage to the paw. If it is left untreated, the long nails can even deform the feet, injure the tendons and soft tissues, and can even cause complications in the leg as the nails to place pressure on the foot and leg of the pet. Trim now and that can help to prevent foot problems in the future.
Before you begin cutting the pet’s nails, it is important to locate the quick. The quick is the center portion of the nail that contains the nerves and blood vessels, Like the pink part of our nails, this area is very sensitive, and cutting into the quick will likely cause bleeding and severe pain.
For light or clear nails, the quick is easy to locate due to its natural pink or red color. For darker nails, it can be difficult to locate and you need to cut in small increments. We recommend making small cuts rather than one large one. Continue cutting and look at the end of the pet’s nail after each cut. As you get closer to quick, the center of the nail will change color. The trick here is to trim a short portion of the nail at a time and stop once the colored center appears.
Perform nail trimming only when needed. The best way to find if the pet’s nails need to be trimmed is by examining the toes and the length of their nails. The clue here is, that if the pet’s nails scratch the floor when they walk, it’s time for a trim. In the case of cats, their nails are often worn down naturally and might not need to be trimmed as often. In case of indoor pets, we recommend nail trimming regularly at least once a month.
Nail trimming can be difficult for first-timers and in the case of anxious pets. We recommend handling the pet’s feet while they are young, so they can become normal with this process. It is very important to remain calm and patient while trimming the pet’s nails and always remember to create a positive experience with instant praise and treats.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable or think you are causing pain to your pet, stop immediately and contact the local vet or groomer for further instructions.
For pups and kittens, pick up the paw and place the thumb on the pad of the toe and gently press down to expose the nail.
If a nail is cut too short by mistake, do not panic. Quickly pack some styptic powder over the end of the nail to stop the bleeding. Cutting the quick does hurt, but the styptic powder contains a numbing agent that provides relief to the pet. Unless the nail has been cut too short, there is no reason for alarm if you accidentally cut the quick.
After the nail trimming is over, make sure you reward your pet with treats and love. The more consistently you cut the nails, the lesser the pet will associate nail trimming with stress and discomfort.
