An important part in the grooming and care of a dog is the attention to be given to the nails. Cutting or clipping the nails too short could result in bleeding, pain and stress for the animal, as the blood vessels end in the nails. Care should also be taken that the quick of the nail is not cut. In dogs with white or clear nails, the quick is a pink colour and easily seen but in dogs with dark nails this is difficult to see and caution is needed.
It is preferable to have the pet nail clipping attended to by a veterinary surgeon or at a professional pet grooming parlour. Should the owner feel he or she wishes to take on this task then a good pair of clippers is an absolute necessity. It is not a difficult procedure but a lesson from a professional makes good sense
A dog should be taught at a young age to accept a clipping. When the nails can be heard clicking on the floor, it is time for a cut and some dogs need clipping attention more often than others.
To carry out a successful cutting the clippers need to be sharp. Start at the very tip of the nail and gradually work upwards until the desired length is reached, always watching for the quick. However careful a person may be the occasional accident will occur and the quick will be cut and the nail will bleed. Treat the bleed immediately with a styptic powder or stick and apply a slight pressure to the nail.
Should the quick be difficult to see, a nail file may be used for the final touches. While caring for the nails, other parts of the dog’s feet should be examined. Many dogs, especially outdoor dogs, tend to pick up thorns and burs from the vegetation and a thorn that has punctured the skin and left unattended will become infected and require veterinary care and costly antibiotic medication.
The nail of the dewclaw should not be overlooked. Although this claw does not touch the ground, it can become caught up and become twisted. Some people encourage the removal of the entire claw but this is a matter of choice for the owner. It is important the nails are clipped on a regular basis. If not the quick begins to grow further down the nail.
The dog should be made to lie on the floor and when the clipping is done he or she should be praised and given a small treat. Training the dogs this way helps with future teaching. It is far easier to attend to a cooperative dog than one under stress.
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