Most pet owners are well aware of the impending necessity of grooming their dog, an important part of which is clipping the nails. As most people see it, clipping the nails is purely mechanical, when in fact a great deal of talent is required to succeed at this task. A certain amount of training with a degree of experience is mandatory for any groomer, in order to clip the nails without provoking an injury in the dog. Similar to the process of cutting the hair, if not cut properly, it may lead to a lack of hygiene, the formation of knots and mats that be lead to disease later on. Clipping the nails, as with most other grooming activities are liable to lead to undesirable health conditions if not carried out the appropriate way.
Leaving the nails uncut, and dismissing the important task of clipping them to the appropriate length will surely have a negative impact on the health of the dog. You will know it is time to trim the nails when you can hear your dog approaching twenty feet away. His nails are so long they make a loud ticking noise when they hit the floor. Keeping the nails at this length is unhealthy, allowing for all kinds of parasites, dirt and garbage to accommodate itself under the nails. It is also an accident just waiting to happen. Dogs cannot easily control extra long nails, and can miscalculate for them when walking and running. Thus, it is not uncommon to find a dog with extra long nails bleeding at his paws because he accidentally tripped somewhere.
Trimming nails as an art form begins when you make your first cut. The object is to cut as close to the cuticle as possible without touching the cuticle. A handful of nerve endings and blood vessels are situated in the cuticle. Hence, this is an area you really want to avoid, since it would cause your dog a great deal of pain, not to mention the trauma. In order to do the job right, look around for clippers that are good quality, sharp and easy to handle. Ask your veterinarian for advice, or better yet, ask him to show you what he’s using. Don’t be afraid to go online into some of the dog forums, where professional trainers and groomers often offer their help for free.
The first time you approach your pet for a nail clipping session, be patient, take it easy on him. Remember that the outcome of your first trimming experience will determine your dog’s enthusiasm for the next session. Just to create the mood, you might want to play a few dog games, in order to get him to relax. Arrange your items in a comfortable place, and start by caressing his paw, then slowly make the first cut. Once you have done this a couple of times it should all flow smoothly. Last but not least, just in case there are any accidents keep a first aid kit and the telephone number of your veterinarian handy. Nobody likes accidents, but in case they should happen, it is a good idea to be prepared for them.
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