Manicure and Pedicure for pets
Nail trimming can be a very stressful event for both you and your pets.However it is important to keep their nails healthy and trimmed to prevent overgrown nails digging onto the footpads, torn nails, bad posture and poor gait.
Dog’s nails will need more attention compared to cats. Cat’s nails do not need to be trimmed as they sharpen their claw by scratching on different surfaces. However, as they get older, they may have arthritis on their paws, which will lessen their scratching habits. So it is still important to check on geriatric cat’s paws regularly.
You can make nail trimming a pleasant experience for your best friend!
Try to desensitise your pet from having their paws touched and massaged since a young age. Associate paw handling with their favourite treat so they’ll associate paw handling with something pleasant. Once they’re used to or accept their paws being touched without pulling away, then you can start placing the nail trimmer close to their nails. DO NOT CUT THE NAILS YET! Always reward your pet after each step. Only start trimming their nails once they’re comfortable with having their paws handled.
Tools for nail trim
There are multiple nail trimmers available on pet shops and supermarket. Choose a nail trimmer that is an appropriate size for your dog. It is important to make sure you’re comfortable with the grip of the nail trimmer.
We use these nail trimmers for dogs on pound road veterinary clinic.
A human nail clipper is sufficient to trim a cat’s nails. However, there are small nail clippers that you can purchase in pet shops too.
Natural nail trimming
Walking your dogs on concrete pavement will wear down the nail naturally. Don’t forget the dew claws, which are the ‘thumbs’ on the front legs and backlegs. Most dogs does not have dew claw on the back legs, but if your dog does, remember to check them as they don’t get worn out by walking.
Cats as mentioned before does not require regular trimming as they sharpen and shave down their nails by scratching on different rough surfaces. However,regular checks are still essential.
Nail trimming
So we’ll start off examining your pets’ paws first. Nails will only need to be trimmed if they dig into the ground or if the nail is growing in an unnatural angle. If you walk your dog regularly, you may not even need to trim them at all!
If the nails do need trimming, try gently holding on to your pets paw. Then placea nail trimmer close to their nails. Once they’re comfortable with the nail trimmer, you can trim the tips of the nails off. Do not attempt to trim too much at the first time. It is better to trim little part of the nail twice then trimming the quick.
Most cats and some dogs have white nails. If your pet has white nails, you will be able to see the quick of the nail.
Trim the nail off a few millimetres away from the quick. It is better to err on the side of caution than to trim off too much.
If your dog has black nails, it is advisable to take small slither of nail at a time. Look on the edge of the nail that is trimmed. When the nail is close to the quick, you will be able to see a grey or pink oval on the edge of the nail. STOP once you see the oval shape.
Try starting off by trimming 2-3 nails per day and don’t forget to praise and reward your pet after trimming each nail. Stop nail trimming if your pet show any sign of distress (ie: panting, drooling, crouched, licking lips, pulling paw away, trying to escape, trembling, whinging, snarling, growling, snapping or biting).
What if you have made a mistake?
If you have trimmed the nail down to the quick by accident, the bleeding can be profuse and long. Stay calm, talk to your pet in a soothing voice and give it lots of treats.
Try to get a paper towel and place pressure on the nail for as long as the pet allows. Stop all nail trimming and try another day.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race!