Nails grow on a dog exactly in the same manner that they do on people. Nail development can actually be thought of as a reliable indicator of the well-being of the dog’s nourishment. That is why nails should be correctly preserved. Nails that are neglected can also cause the dog pain and will impair over time, impair his ability to function normally. When the dog creates that clicking sound while walking, it’s definitely time to cut his nails.
Dog nails are provided nutrients thanks to small blood vessels and nerve endings at the base of the dog’s nails. As time goes on, unless the dog’s nails are trimmed very frequently, the nail grows more and more to the point of growing nearer to the border of where the paw meets the nail. The dog’s nails will then recede from the tip of the nail if routine trimming is not taken care of. Have patience when cutting so that you don’t disrupt any of the nerve endings or blood vessels found in the area. Cutting into it’ll create immense pain and have the dog bleeding. Always have some styptic powder around to help stop the flow of blood.
Comparing the Two Kinds of Dog Nail Cutters
There are two varieties of dog nail cutters, the scissor-type cutter and the guillotine-type cutter. The scissor-type cutter appears much like a routine scissor except that both blades are short and possess the internal part of the blades inwards. As the scissors are closed, they encircle the target and eventually the circle is constricted. The guillotine-type cutter uses a fixed framework and a moving blade instead. In both cases, the one doing the cutting should have complete control over their dog while cutting their nails.
The scissor-type cutter is handled like any type of scissor, while the guillotine-type cutter ought to be held by the individual’s dominant hand, together with the handle against the palm of the hand as well as the lever arm against the fingers. This ensures a sense of ease and firmness while manipulating the lever. In both cases, the blades of the cutter ought to be held perpendicular to the dog’s nails, while keeping all moving parts away from the dog. This will certainly decrease the probability of inadvertently cutting the most sensitive parts of the nail.
The so-called “quick” of the nail can be found most easily in light colored nails, as it resembles a darker pinkish area in the center of the toenail close to the paw. In dark-colored nails, the quick cannot be seen easily at all. However, by cutting off small pieces off the very tip of the nail and making a cross section of the nail the very core of the nail will eventually be revealed. When you get a glimpse of pinkish color from middle of the nail’s surface, you’ll know that enough of the nail was cut. To make sure that the “quick” is not cut inadvertently; you should always cut the nail in tiny increments, while holding the dog solidly in position.
Most dogs will start out by acting very resistant towards getting their nails cut, but don’t worry, as this will pass in time, with exposure.
Doing this job yourself is not out of the question, there is a video on this site that breaks it down into easy to follow baby steps, (Same rules apply to people, as well as the training of dogs)