How to cut your dog's or cat's nails the right way

Why cut claws for a cat or dog
How often to cut the nails of a cat or dog
How to cut and file the claws of a cat or dog
How to choose a nail clipper and filing tool
How to train your dog or cat to trim its claws
How much to cut and file the claws of a cat or dog
How to properly cut and file the claws of a cat or dog
What to do if your pet is injured while trimming its nails

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Here's how to make the process as comfortable as possible for you and your pet.

Why cut claws for a cat or dog

Many people notice that purring pets often scratch with their claws a scratching post, and sometimes any furniture that gets under their paws. The reason is simple: animals need to grind their claws, and they simply do not know any other way.

Free-walking cats do not have such a problem, because they have trees and more at their disposal. But pets simply do not have a choice. Therefore, in addition to scratching posts, they need to regularly do a cat's "manicure". After shortening the claws, animals damage furniture much less, and they scratch significantly weaker.

Dogs have a similar problem. Even daily walks do not always help to shorten the claws, especially when it comes to the dewclaws (fifth) toes, which do not touch the road when walking.

In addition, too grown claws are a danger to the animals themselves. While walking around the apartment or playing, a cat or dog can catch on something and injure a paw. And the ingrowth of claws causes great discomfort.

How often to cut the nails of a cat or dog

Pets need to trim their nails about once a month. The procedure can be carried out more often if the claws grow quickly: this is often observed in animals that move little. Or less often, for example, if you take your dog for a long time every day on asphalt and other hard surfaces.

Please note that in normal dogs, claws should not touch the floor when walking or make sounds. And if your dog moves around the apartment with a characteristic clatter, do not postpone the procedure. By the way, because of the soft carpets, this symptom may go unnoticed, so do not forget to check the paws regularly.

As for cats, clattering when walking can also be a sign of overgrown claws. Although the reasons are different: paw injuries, age-related changes and more. Therefore, inspection is also indispensable.

Note that clipping is only important for pets. Allow the cats walking the streets to take care of themselves. Without their sharp tools, they simply cannot hunt, climb trees and defend themselves from danger.

How to cut and file the claws of a cat or dog

Handy home manicure tools are not the best choice for grooming procedures, because our nails are different from the claws of animals.

Better use one of the special tools.

Scissors

In appearance, this tool differs from the scissors we are used to. There is a rounded notch on the inside of the blades. The cutting surfaces are connected when pressed and cut off a part of the claw.

Scissors work well for cats and small dogs.

What to buy

Animal scissors from AliExpress, from 55 rubles →
Nail Clipper Hello Pet, 185 rubles →
Nail clipper Moser, 341 rubles →

Guillotine

As the name suggests, the claw clipper works like a medieval execution device. The claw is inserted into a special hole and is cut off when pressed.

Well suited for clipping dogs, as well as adult and especially large cats. Dealing with such a tool is not easy at first. But once you get used to it, the procedure will go smoothly.

What to buy

Guillotine-claw cutter from AliExpress, from 180 rubles →
Guillotine from Hello Pet, 294 rubles →
Steel claw cutter, 399 rubles →

Secateurs

This tool cuts nails quickly and easily. For convenience, it usually has a stopper that moves up to the blades and helps to remove the desired length. Although if you get used to it, you can completely do without it. Most secateurs also have a lock for safe storage.

Good for cats and dogs.

What to buy

Clipper-pruner with AliExpress, 130 rubles →
Clipper-pruner from Hello Pet, 274 rubles →
Clipper-pruner from Hello Pet, 452 rubles →

Grinder

The grinder, or electric file, shortens the claws by grinding against an abrasive surface. Of course, the process takes a little longer than with a regular haircut. But after processing, the claws remain smooth, even and do not split. The accessory is suitable for both dogs and cats.

It is not difficult to get used to the tool, moreover, it works quite quietly and usually does not frighten animals. For convenience, some models are equipped with protective caps with holes for the claw, which eliminate hand injuries and simplify the grinding process. Also, the caps can prevent the scattering of dust that forms as a result of work.

Electric files work from the mains, built-in accumulator or batteries.

File

This tool will help you sharpen sharp edges after clipping your cat's or dog's nails. It works on the same principle as an ordinary human nail file.

What to buy

Nail file from AliExpress, 45 rubles →
Nail files from AliExpress, from 61 rubles →
Nail file, 195 rubles →

How to choose a nail clipper and filing tool

When choosing any "manicure" accessory, it is important that it is comfortable for you, holds well in your hand and does not slip. Without it, clipping the nails can be a real challenge for you and your pet.

Another criterion is quality. The steel from which the blades of scissors, pruning shears or guillotines are made must be of high quality, smooth and without chipping. Otherwise, the tool will quickly become dull, and instead of cutting it, it will injure the claws.

Also claws come in different sizes. To comfortably trim your dog's or cat's nails, buy the one that matches your pet. For example, small scissors are not suitable for a large dog, and it is inconvenient to shorten a kitten's claws with a large pruner or guillotine.

When choosing an electric nail file, also make sure it fits comfortably in your hand. The protective cap will create additional convenience, although it is quite easy to work with the device without it.

Pay attention to the quality of the attachments that come with the kit.

How to train your dog or cat to trim its claws

It is better to accustom your pet to everything related to care from a young age. So the procedure will bring minimal discomfort. Try not to make the kitten or puppy feel unpleasant and painful when shortening the claws. Do not scold for resistance and be patient.

Before the procedure, make sure that the pet is not frightened and calm. First, introduce a new instrument, show it and let it smell. The next step is to take the paw of the puppy or kitten in your hands, stroke and slide along the claws with a nail clipper. Repeat the approaches several times a day.

When the pet gets used to it and you can calmly hold his paw, you can proceed to the haircut. To begin with, limit yourself to one claw, next time trim another one and gradually increase the number. If the pet starts to get nervous and tries to escape, take a break and after a while, resume trying. Remember to reward good behavior.

How to train your cat and dog to trim their nails

When you understand that the animal is calm about the procedure, start cutting the claws at one time. Cut very little so that during the habituation stage there are no negative emotions due to pain and the pet does not have a fear of the procedure.

As for adult animals, you can train them to trim their claws in the same way. True, there is a possibility that this will take more time and patience.

If an adult pet strongly opposes the procedure, ask a family member to help you restrain, distract, and calm him down. Or, use a towel or thin blanket to swaddle your cat or small dog.

An alternative option is a grooming bag to secure the animal.

But it is better to try to peacefully negotiate with your pet and gradually teach him not to resist cutting his claws.

How much to cut and file the claws of a cat or dog

When cutting or grinding, it is important to remove only the keratinized part and leave the pulp intact, because the vessels and nerve endings pass through it. Damage to this living tissue is painful enough for animals.

Sack cut the claws of the cat and the dog hard

Moreover, in dogs, the pulp grows along with the claw. But even if the dog's paws are in disrepair and literally scratch the floor with their claws, this can be fixed. With regular circumcisions, literally millimeters of the pulp will begin to recede inward, so over time you can adjust the length.

The pulp is clearly visible on the light-colored claws, so you can easily determine how much to cut to avoid causing harm.

The situation is completely different with black claws, which are often found in dogs, and sometimes in cats. In such a situation, it is very difficult to discern which cut will be safe.

When trimming dark nails, do not cut too much

There are several ways to solve the problem. For example, simply file claws regularly. Or remove a very small area at a time, just a couple of millimeters, using a claw cutter. If, after cutting off the claw, you notice that its color inside has changed and became lighter, you need to stop so as not to touch the pulp.

Save?

How to learn to understand your cat

How to properly cut and file the claws of a cat or dog

1. Examine the paws

Examine the claws carefully. If cracks or breaks are clearly visible on them, limit yourself to sawing, and if there are wounds on the pads, postpone the procedure and be sure to contact your veterinarian.

2. Prepare your pet

Make sure the paws are clean. Wash and dry your dog before trimming. If the paws are covered with thick hair, shorten it slightly in the area between the toes and right next to the nails.

3. Make sure your dog or cat is calm

Take the pet's front paw and lock it in your hands. Check if the animal is scared. If your pet is too playful or aggressive, give him time to calm down and try again. If you see that your dog or cat is acting too nervous during any of the clipping stages, stop the procedure and let him recover.

4. Mark the length

Decide on a safe cut or seam edge. Do not try to shorten the claw as much as possible, this can lead to injury.

5. Shorten the claw

Be calm and confident when trimming your nails

Take a nail clipper and set the blade a few millimeters below the border of the pulp so that the cut is at a 45 ° angle and conforms to the shape of the claw. Press down on the tool with a quick and firm motion. Repeat for the rest of the claws.

If using a grinder, also hold it at an angle and gradually grind down the nails to the desired length.

6. Grind the edges

Use a file to smooth sharp cut edges.

7. Reward your cat or dog

Praise and treat your pet with a treat after you shorten the claws.

Remember? ‍?

How to walk your dog properly

What to do if your pet is injured while trimming its nails

If the pulp is damaged in a dog or cat, discontinue the procedure immediately and treat the wound. Try not to be nervous or raise your voice at the frightened animal.

Be sure to treat the wound if you accidentally injure your pet

Be sure to keep products handy to help stop bleeding. For example, you can use hydrogen peroxide or special antiseptic powder. Alcohol-based drugs are not the best solution for such situations, they will increase the painful sensations.

Another undesirable consequence of clipping a dog's claws is claw blowing. It can occur if the dog jerks his paw sharply at the moment when you slowly and hesitantly bring the blades of the tool together. As a result, the skin and sometimes soft tissues are injured.

If your pet has an explosion of the claw, tie up the paw with a bandage or tourniquet and lift it up. This will help stop the bleeding. Make a cold compress. To do this, remove ice or food from the freezer, put it in a clean bag and wrap it with a towel. Leave the compress for a couple of minutes, and then take a short break. When the blood stops, treat the wound with a healing ointment from the veterinary medicine and bandage it. After that, be sure to contact your veterinarian.