Ever hear that click, click, click as your dog runs to greet you at home? It’s a sure sign that it’s time for a dreaded nail trim. Or, does it have to be a dreaded task between you and your dog? Nope, it doesn’t.
Start those puppies young with trimming their long needle-like nails. Trimming them every two weeks not only gets a good habit started, but if done right, and with enough praise and a couple treats, will make this task much easier life-long.
As soon as you bring your puppy home around 8 weeks, get a good quality nail trimmer like these in the picture to the left. I use this trimmer on tiny kittens, all the way up to 150lb dogs. Click here to purchase this nail trimmer on Amazon. (For page transparency: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Guillotine or grinder-type nail trimmers have never been my favorite; either you can’t see what you are doing, or they take way too long and scare the pet with the vibrations they make. Let’s get this done quickly, happily, and get on with the more fun activities of the day. Start by trimming your puppy’s nails every 2 weeks. Even if you are not taking much off, you are instilling a good habit for yourself, teaching your dog good manners during this task, and ensuring that your dog’s quick (the sensitive part of the nail with the blood supply) is not growing too long, making the nails longer over time.
I find it best to trim nails with a helper. Gently lay your dog down on his/her side for the nail trim, giving you better visibility of each paw, and making it so that you’re not having to twist your puppy’s leg in odd ways to see the nails. If your pet has white nails, this will be an easier job. DON’T HIT THE PINK PART! Trim as close to the pink as you can, taking a smaller amount off with each trim as you get closer and you are done! Now, if your dog has black nails, it will be a bit tougher. Don’t wimp out, let’s figure this out! 
Of course! I’ve got this, I’m in Veterinary school!
Yep, I hit a quick and on a big Collie, wow did it bleed. The flour/water didn’t work, pressure on the nail didn’t work, and I finally wrapped about 10 napkins and some Duck Tape around the foot while I quickly made a trip out to the local pet supply store to pick up some Quik-Stop. Never did I do another nail in the house again without that product there.
Now, on the subject of older dogs….yes, you can teach older dogs new tricks! This may take more time and effort than training a puppy with nail trims, but over time you will get there. I still recommend laying them on their side, and having a friend/spouse help out. However, depending on how much or little they like their feet touched, you may only get a couple nails done per attempt. Remember, keep this light and keep this fun! Don’t turn this into an all out wrestling match. If they are good for one or two nails, give him/her a big hug, a cookie, and resolve to get a few more the next day.
While I make this sound pretty easy, the reality of the situation is that some dogs simply will not let you near their feet/nails. Even with all the happy vibes and well-placed effort in the world, sometimes this simply does not go well. However, it is necessary to prevent broken nails, nails curling into the pads, and orthopedic disease from walking differently to relieve pressure from too-long nails. If all else fails, consider two alternatives. First, discuss a sedative with your veterinarian. He or she may be willing to send home an oral medication that you can give one hour prior to trimming your dog’s nails to ease this situation. Second, take your dog into the Veterinarian for the nail trim. Our clinics are equipped with staff who know how to safely restrain even very difficult dogs. And, if necessary, injectable sedatives can be given to get the job done.
If there is one white nail, use that one as a guide for how much to trim off. If not, look under the nail. Usually there will be a long hook, but as you get closer to the paw, the nail gets thicker. That is a good indication of where the quick is.
Take small cuts with the trimmer at a time, until you get close to the thick part and start to notice a “bullseye” appearance to the nail (see picture on right. 
Aren’t you proud that you figured it out! You may sweat the first couple times, but you’ve got this! Always always always keep “Quik-Stop” at home for nail trims. Yes, they will bleed A LOT if you hit the quick. This product is worth its weight in gold, and is mandatory to have at home for nail trims. Dab a tiny amount on the bleeding nail, and the bleeding will usually stop in seconds.
No one is perfect at nail trims, not even me. Many many years ago when I was in Veterinary school, I came home one weekend and my Dad asked me to trim the dog’s nails.
Yep, I hit a quick and on a big Collie, wow did it bleed. The flour/water didn’t work, pressure on the nail didn’t work, and I finally wrapped about 10 napkins and some Duck Tape around the foot while I quickly made a trip out to the local pet supply store to pick up some Quik-Stop. Never did I do another nail in the house again without that product there.
Now, on the subject of older dogs….yes, you can teach older dogs new tricks! This may take more time and effort than training a puppy with nail trims, but over time you will get there. I still recommend laying them on their side, and having a friend/spouse help out. However, depending on how much or little they like their feet touched, you may only get a couple nails done per attempt. Remember, keep this light and keep this fun! Don’t turn this into an all out wrestling match. If they are good for one or two nails, give him/her a big hug, a cookie, and resolve to get a few more the next day.
While I make this sound pretty easy, the reality of the situation is that some dogs simply will not let you near their feet/nails. Even with all the happy vibes and well-placed effort in the world, sometimes this simply does not go well. However, it is necessary to prevent broken nails, nails curling into the pads, and orthopedic disease from walking differently to relieve pressure from too-long nails. If all else fails, consider two alternatives. First, discuss a sedative with your veterinarian. He or she may be willing to send home an oral medication that you can give one hour prior to trimming your dog’s nails to ease this situation. Second, take your dog into the Veterinarian for the nail trim. Our clinics are equipped with staff who know how to safely restrain even very difficult dogs. And, if necessary, injectable sedatives can be given to get the job done.
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