If you have a dog, our Okemos, MI, dog groomers urge you to keep up with a grooming routine so they look and feel their best. One task that tends to get neglected is . It’s easy to forget that their nails need regular maintenance, as they often get naturally filed down by sidewalks or other rough textures.
Here’s what you need to know about .
Do I Have to Trim a Dog’s Nails?
Yes, it is important to regularly . When a dog’s nails get too long, it can make walking and movement uncomfortable. Long nails affect your dog’s ability to distribute their weight properly, and can even lead to injuries.
How Often Should I Cut My Dog's Nails?
Our dog groomers advise not letting your dog’s nails grow so long that they touch the ground when they’re standing normally. While the exact amount of time between clippings will vary depending on your dog’s level of exercise and overall lifestyle, in general, you should try to clip your dog’s nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long.
What Tools Do I Need to Clip a Dog's Nails?
There are a few different on the market. The safest option to prevent you from cutting your dog’s nails too short is to use a grinder or dremel tool, which can file down your dog’s nails quickly and effectively.
You might want to consider using a nail dremel even if you prefer to cut your dog’s nails with a nail trimmer first, as the dremel can round off any sharp edges so the nails don’t get caught on any flooring or furniture.
How Do I Cut My Dog's Nails Safely?
It’s important not to cut your dog’s nails too short, as this will hurt them and make it uncomfortable for them to walk. Dogs have soft tissue inside of their nails called the “quick”, and if you accidentally nick it while trimming, they may start to bleed.
The best way to avoid cutting to the quick is to go slowly, trimming a little bit of your dog’s nail at a time. If you start to see a dark spot in the center of your dog’s nail, stop cutting, as this means you’re close to the quick.
Help! What If My Dog Doesn’t Let Me Trim Their Nails?
There are a few ways to train a dog so that he or she allows you to trim their nails. A popular trick is to spread peanut butter on a plate or spoon and let your dog lick it while you clip them. Make sure the peanut butter does not contain any artificial sweeteners that are dangerous for dogs, like xylitol.
If your dog simply will not sit still, it’s worth taking them to our Okemos dog groomers to have their nails clipped professionally. Pricing is affordable, and our experts have experience in trimming the nails on unwilling dogs.
Ready to Make an Appointment?
Our dog groomers in Okemos, MI, can trim your dog’s nails safely and effectively if you’re not able to do so at home. We also offer services for doggy daycare and dog boarding for when you need to go to work or take a trip. To schedule dog grooming, call Dog Gone Fun today at (517) 657-4300 or contact us online.
This blog post has been updated.