Angela is a cat and dog lover who has made special efforts to learn as much
as she can about the animals she cares for.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to properly and
safely trim your dog’s nails.

ulisesbeviglia, CC, via Pixabay

Puppies are a huge responsibility. You need to bathe your dog, protect your
dog against toxins, brush their teeth, decide whether to get pet insurance and
clip their nails. Of these, clipping the nails often brings the most anxiety
for the dog as well as the human.

Included are tips on how to hold the dog while clipping, how to clip the nails
correctly, and what to do if you accidentally cut the quick and your dog
starts bleeding.

Dog Nail Trimming Tips

Prepare Your Puppy for His First “Peticure:” It is ideal to begin
clipping your dog’s nails while he is still a puppy so that he is used to it
by the time he is an adult. Sometimes this is not possible, but that doesn’t
mean you should forgo cutting the dog’s nails altogether. It may take longer
to get them used to clipping their nails, but well worth it.

The most important part of preparing your dog is getting them used to touching
their feet and extending out each claw individually. As they get used to this,
progress to putting a little more pressure until you have complete control of
their paw, just as you would while clipping their nails. Anytime your dog gets
agitated, pet him and praise him.

Once the dog allows you to handle his paws, bring out the clippers, and watch
his reaction as you bring the clippers closer to his paws. If he gets
agitated, hold the clippers near the dog for at least thirty seconds while
praising and petting him. Then repeat this step the next day until he is okay
with the clippers. If he doesn’t react or seems curious, then it is okay to
proceed with cutting the nails, which may take a couple of days to a few weeks
before he is comfortable enough to let you clip his nails.

Typical Behavior and How to Handle It: When dogs are in a pack, they
fight to be the alpha dog. When trying to gain dominance—especially when they
are afraid or nervous—they will growl, bite, or nip to gain status. As you try
to cut his nails, he will feel vulnerable; therefore, he may try to assert his
dominance. Assuming your dog is not aggressive, proving you are dominant can
eliminate any growling and nipping.

Growling: If your dog tries to growl at you as you clip his nails, then
make it clear that growling is unacceptable. They need to understand that you
are the alpha dog, which can be done in several different ways. I grab the
scruff of his neck and say, “no, growl.” You need to make sure your grip is
firm but not harmful. If your dog does not submit to this command, then you
may need to work on obedience with your dog. He will learn to be submissive to
you through obedience classes and will less likely try to assert his
dominance.

Nipping: Another typical behavior your dog might show is to try to nip at
the clippers or your hand. Most dogs are not trying to bite you but show you
that they do not want you near their paws. There are a couple of techniques
you may want to do.

The first is to find a distraction, such as treats. My dog resisted any
attempt at a treat. As soon as I got near his paws, he didn’t care how yummy
the treat was; he did not want me near his feet. In this case, peanut butter
is an ideal distraction because it takes them a while to swallow it, plus they
love it.

When I first began clipping my dog’s nails, I did not know the peanut butter
method; therefore, I chose to use a muzzle. Keep in mind that a dog does not
like a muzzle and should not have it on for an extended period. On a side
note, a muzzle should never be used to keep a dog from barking, but only as
protection for themselves or others. When cutting your dog’s nails, it will
take less than five minutes, which is an acceptable amount of time to leave a
muzzle on a dog without being cruel. The dog will still try to nip at you, but
they will be unable to. After several months with the muzzle, I now can easily
clip his nails without any distraction except praise and pats.

How to Trim a Dog’s Nails

Distracting the dog is only a portion of what you need to know to clip the
dog’s nails. You need to be able to hold its paw firmly without causing harm.
When you press slightly down on the paw, their claws will extend.

For dogs who have white nails, it is very easy to see the quick. The quick is
the pink section of the nail. If cut, then the claw will bleed because it
contains veins. You must be prepared ahead of time in case this happens.
Please read the section about the quick bleeds later on in the article.

Dogs with darker nails are much trickier to see where the quick is. You can
tell where it is by how the nail curves. When the nail starts to arch downward
is where the quick ends. If you are unsure, only clip a little bit off at a
time. Once the nail is short enough, you will see a dot at the tip of the nail
that signifies you have reached the quick. Any further will cause pain and
bleeding.

Some believe that the more you clip the dog’s claws, the shorter the quick
becomes. I am unsure if this is true, but it does make sense, which would
indicate that it is a good idea to trim their nails often; I recommend at
least once a month. Some choose to do this once a week when they bathe their
dog.

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How to Hold a Dog While Clipping Their Nails

Many people can set the dog on a counter or table, so the dog’s nails are
close up and can get at them thoroughly. Others will get down on their level.
I choose a very different method with my small dog that makes it quick and
painless.

Tuck and Dangle Method Used for Smaller Dogs: In some ways, small dogs
are easier than larger dogs when trimming their nails due to their weaker
status and smaller size. Unfortunately, small dogs can easily slink away and
are more apt to nip at you while clipping their nails.

One method that works well, especially to get the front paws, is the Tuck and
Dangle Method. You tuck your puppy under your armpit so his legs are loose,
but his body is firmly tucked under your armpit. He will feel vulnerable in
this position, making him more docile and willing to allow you to clip his
nails. The dog must be small enough that you will not accidentally drop him.

Once your dog is securely under your arm, take the front paw and clip just the
very tip of the point off. It should take less than two minutes to get all the
front claws. The back feet will be trickier but not impossible from this
position. Ideally, you could have someone else get the back paws in this
position. If not, place the dog in your lap, and use the same method for a
larger dog, which is explained next.

Headlock Method: This is an excellent method for most dogs that will not
stay still while clipping their nails. Larger dogs may require a second person
to help you clip their nails: one to hold the dog still, the other to cut
nails. One of you places the dog in front of you and tucks his head in your
armpit so your dog’s face is pointing behind you. The person holding the dog
should talk very soothingly to the dog and pet him.

If there is a second person, they should quickly clip the dog’s nails. With
smaller dogs, one person should be able to do this with ease. With this
method, I can cut my dog’s back claws in less than two minutes.

Before you begin clipping your dog’s nails, you will want to have a solution
that will stop the bleeding—just in case you cut the quick.

Elf, via Wikimedia Commons

Bleeding Dog Claw: What to Do When You Cut Toenails Too Short

****Before you begin clipping your dog’s nails, you will want to have a
solution that will stop the bleeding. I use Nail-Safe Styptic Powder. Another
favorite of many is QuickStop Styptic Powder.

If the dog’s nail begins to bleed, immediately place the styptic powder on the
nail, and be sure to cover the entire nail. Then, take a cloth or several
paper towels and press firmly on the paw until it stops bleeding. Do not check
on the progress of the bleeding because this may take away the cells forming
the clot. If he bleeds through, rather than replace the cloth, add another one
over it to allow the clot to develop well. Usually, one minute is sufficient,
but I recommend leaving it on for a little longer if your dog allows it.

Throughout the process, the most critical part is to remain calm. Dogs are
much like children in that if you get excited, they will get upset.

You can buy styptic powder at most pet stores. I buy mine at a shop that clips
the dog’s nails professionally.

If you cannot find styptic powder, you can use corn starch instead. I am
unsure of the effectiveness of this since I have chosen to stick with styptic
powder. One drawback of using cornstarch is dogs will want to lick it off.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It
is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription,
or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional.
Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a
veterinarian immediately.

© 2012 Angela Michelle Schultz

Comments

Phyllis Holton on July 16, 2020:

Our pugs too screamed their heads off during nail clipping even at the vets.
But the job has to be done and now that they have had it done regularly and
are use to it they are no problem at all. They have fully accepted having it
done at home.

Nikki on September 22, 2018:

My pug wiggles tries to get away and screams bloody murder when getting his
nails trimmed. He is so bad that even the vet techs can barely get through it.
It takes two to hold him and one to clip. He is 5 and it has been this way
since he was a pup.

C dog on July 28, 2018:

She mentions everything except how to clip the nails!!!

Beth on January 19, 2018:

AWESOME info!!! My new 8 month old 45lb dog is very well behaved but won’t
stay still and herder nippy. I think the peanut butter may do the trick (and a
2nd person). THANKS!!!!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on July 31, 2012:

Thanks!

Ann1Az2 from Orange, Texas on July 31, 2012:

Very good information here and interesting, too. Well done. Voted up.

Dianna Mendez on July 30, 2012:

I don’t have a dog, but if I do get one some day I will keep this great
information in mind. I do have a sister who trims her dog’s nails as you
suggest and he is a very happy pooch!

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on July 29, 2012:

That’s good to know, I’m glad to hear that. Have you tried someone holding him
in the headlock hold while you click his nails.?

Susan Zutautas from Ontario, Canada on July 29, 2012:

Excellent tips for how to trim a dogs nails. I have no problems trimming my
female dogs nails but my male does not like to have his feet touched by
anyone. Because he is around 160 pounds I find it impossible to hold him. I
get someone else to do it for me.

When I worked for a groomer/kennel we would use corn starch and it really does
work.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on July 28, 2012:

You would need to take it slow, so she gets used to you being around her paws.

Judi Brown from UK on July 28, 2012:

Until now our kind vet nurse has trimmed our dog’s nails, but I keep thinking
that I must learn how to do it myself. Reading your hub, I don’t have an
excuse not to! Having said that, she is a big girl (Airedale Terrier) and
knows her own mind – we could be in for a rocky time…

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on July 28, 2012:

Dawn Morrison that is a really good suggestion. Thank you for sharing it with
me.

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on July 28, 2012:

Sharyn, my dog was pretty horrible at first as well. That’s how I came up with
several of those tips. I do believe there are the dog’s that need to be
brought to a professional that has the right tools. There is a place down the
street from me that only charges five dollars. That’s a really good deal and
worth it. But I prefer to do it myself to save the five dollars a month.
Epecially since I’ve learned how to keep my dog calm while doing it.

With the muzzle which I should probably explain in the article, they will bbe
a lot like a horse who is getting a saddle on for the first time. You kind of
have to let them get their anger out of their system first. Then they get used
to it. The more they wear it, the more they get used to it.

adawnmorrison from The Midwest on July 28, 2012:

Great Hub! I do use cornstarch, and it works pretty well. One suggestion I
would give people who have dogs with white/clear nails is that having a strong
lamp or taking them out in the sunlight makes the quick much easier to see. Of
course, if they have black nails, you have to “shave” the nail off in tiny
increments, just as you said, until you see the end of the quick. My chihuahua
has clear nails and doesn’t mind having his nails trimmed, so I can get it
done in a few minutes. My schnauzer has black nails and has severe anxiety
over anything involving grooming. We usually try to take him for a long walk
before trimming his nails or giving him a shave so he has less energy to
wrangle with us.

Sharon Smith from Northeast Ohio USA on July 28, 2012:

I have been through the nail trimming “process” on dogs and cats many times.
For me, it’s not as easy as it seems. Currently my Dad’s dog is so horrible
anytime you get near his paws. I have tried a muzzle which really makes him
scared and angry. And my cats give me a really hard time too. I always have to
ask someone else to hold them while I clip. It ends up being a big process. I
have no doubt this is because these animals are rescues and are not used to
this and also, it wasn’t started when they were babies. I appreciate the
information and tips.