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| Nail care is an important part of a proper grooming and healthcare regimen. Neatly trimmed nails are not only about comfort, but also reduce potential pet injuries and damage to your home. |
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For many pet owners, lax nail care results from fear of hurting their pet during trimming. Keep home nail care simple and stress free with our following tips.
PROPER WAY TO TRIM YOUR
DOG'S NAILS |
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Sit on the floor with your dog and hold your dog in your lap. Firmly grasp your dog's paw and push on his pads to extend the nail.
Trim very thin slices off the end of the nail using a nail trimmer for dogs. Maintain the trimmer at a 45-degree angle and continue making small cuts. Stop when you see a black dot appear towards the center of the nail when you look at it head on. This is the start of the quick and a visual cue for you to stop.
File the nail in a sweeping motion starting from the back of the nail. Follow the curve of the nail to the tip to remove any burs.
If you accidentally cut the quick, use our CutStop® pads to wipe off the blood and to stop the bleeding.
Avoid regimental, "all-or-nothing" trimming – keep nail-trimming sessions short and pleasant. You don't have to cut all the nails at the same time, but don't forget to trim the dewclaws.
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Incorporate tactile exercises to train your pet
Like all behaviors, your dog can learn to sit still during nail-trimming sessions. Begin by holding your pet’s feet and toes firmly for 15-30 seconds. During these sessions, do not let him mouth or bite at you. Praise your dog after each success. Tactile conditioning requires patience and consistency, but you will be amazed at the difference. Nail-trimming sessions are much easier when your pet feels comfortable having his feet held.
Keep nail-trimming products on hand
Assemble a kit to make nail trimming easy and convenient. The kit should include a quality pair of nail trimmers and nail file specifically designed for dogs, CutStop® styptic pads, and a pair of grooming shears to clip excess hair that gets in the way of trimming. Store all these items together in a small container for easy access.
Grow healthy nails
Proper nutrition is the key to healthy skin, coat, and nails. In addition to a nutritionally balanced diet, consider a multivitamin for your pet. Our Lifestage Select® Adult Dog Vitamin Supplement provides essential vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy nail growth. To prevent brittle nails prone to splintering or tearing, consider our Premium Plus Skin & Coat Tabs rich in essential fatty acids. Strong, healthy nails are easier to trim and also reduce the chances of snagging and tearing on surfaces.
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