Sunday 31 August 2014

Make Dog Nail Clipping A Safe Experience With This Handy Guide

By Mattie MacDonald


Owners of dogs understand the importance of keeping their pet's toenails trimmed. The idea of attempting this feat may intimidate some people who know how most dogs dislike having their paws handled, but it can be done without much fuss if these basic dog nail clipping guidelines are followed. Dog owners in Marlton, NJ can help their pups not only cooperate for this procedure but even learn to enjoy it.

The use of rewards goes a long way in easing a dog's anxiety about this procedure. A lot of patience is also needed and talking to the dog in a soothing voice can help. Trimming one nail at a time and immediately following it with a treat or fun, interactive game is the best way to make the animal comfortable with the procedure and associate it with being rewarded for cooperating.

Nail clippers designed for dogs come in two types, guillotine and scissors. Most people have a preference for working with one type over the other, if uncertain, a vet or pet store associate will be able to suggest a good one. Before attempting to trim the dog's nails, it's advisable to take it for a long walk or engage it in other vigorous activity, as a sleepy dog is a more cooperative one.

One should also be sure to purchase a product known as a styptic stick or powder, as this will be needed if bleeding were to occur due to trimming too close to the quick. Proper cutting form is needed when using clippers. The nails must be positioned in a perpendicular manner and snipped from top to bottom with guillotine clippers, and with the scissors type, each nail must be inserted to form a right angle.

The quick of the nails is the inner part which contains blood vessels. It is necessary to first determine where the quick is located so it can be avoided during toenail clipping time. Dark nails will need a flashlight illuminated behind them to make the quicks visible, whereas clear toenails allow one to see this part easily as a pinkish area. Generally, it's safest to cut no more than two millimeters from the quicks.

In the event that one accidentally does cut into the quick it's necessary to promptly attend to the affected toenail. Applying pressure to the nail with a cotton ball may suffice, but if not, the styptic powder or pencil should put an end to any bleeding. The owner must also soothe the dog to ease its fears and perhaps offer it a treat as a diversion.

People who are uneasy working with clippers, may prefer to file the nails down with a specially designed sanding tool called a "Dremel". As the rotating drum is pressed gently against the nails, it shortens them and also makes their edges nice and smooth. This method also requires the owner to be careful not to touch the quicks.

Another alternative to clipping a dog's nails oneself is to take the animal to have this done at a veterinarian's office or dog grooming service. These professionals know how to safely perform this procedure, but some animals will get even more upset because of the unfamiliar setting making it a better choice to carry out this task at home.




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