Trimming a dog's nails Is an important part of pet grooming and one of the most effective ways to keep our four-legged friends in good health. Ingrown nails cause inconvenience and pain to the dog itself, and problems to its owner, in the form of scratched furniture. To prevent this from happening, the dog should have its nails cut regularly. But there is an issue — dogs do not like to cut their nails. Having consulted with specialists — professional groomers — I came up with simple rules of how to properly cut a dog's claws at home.

Train your dog to trim nails.

Even as a puppy, the dog should be accustomed to the fact that you touch its paws and nails. When it's time to cut its claws, start by cutting one claw a day of your dog, already accustomed to touching its paws. Once accustomed to you, the dog will trust you. After each procedure, praise and reward your pet with a treat and your attention. This will help build a positive association with your dog's nail hygiene routine.

Dogs claw anatomy

Claw (lat. ungues) — it is the keratinized skin on the terminal phalanx of the toes of terrestrial mammals. The function of the claw is to help the animal cling to surfaces in order to move. An alternative function is weapons for offense and defense. Underneath the keratinized skin are blood vessels that provide the claw with the nutrients it needs to grow. 

How to cut a dog's claws.

Your task is to cut off a smaller part of the keratinized skin from the tip of the dog's nail with the help of special scissors (nippers). To do this, place the pet on its side and, playing the usual game of touching with the fingers, press the dog's finger with your fingers on the base of the nail so that the claw sticks out. Then grab the claw with pliers and cut it off. 

Claw shear angle: If you imagine the dog's fingers to be horizontal, then the claw should be cut at 45 degrees.

If the procedure is carried out correctly, without touching the nerve endings located at the blood vessels inside the claw, then the dog will not feel any pain or discomfort. 

Note: you can make the process fun for your dog by letting him lick peanut butter off a silicone wall mat.

What to cut besides the claws.

In addition to the claws, the hair between the fingers and pads of the dog should be cut. This should be done as regularly as the claws. The tool is ordinary scissors. Your task is to shorten the hair between the dog's toes without touching its pillows. If this is not done regularly, dirt builds up on the coat over time, which can become a source of infections.

Which to cut a dog's claws with.

It is recommended to cut a dog's claws with the help of special clippers. They are sold at a veterinary pharmacy. Any other tool can harm the dog — split the claw. 

What if you can't cut your dog's claws yourself.

For various reasons, you may not be able to cope with this procedure. For example, you picked up a lost dog on the street, and in order to train it to trim its claws, you do not have time — they already need to be trimmed. If so, seek the help of a professional groomer. If the found pet has problems with the nails, then you should contact your veterinarian or veterinary clinic. In which your pet is disinfected, washed, trimmed and vaccinated, if necessary.