Nail Clipping

Purchase a Styptic powder before clipping nails and have it out and ready each time you clip your dog's nails. A popular brand is Kwik Stop. When in doubt simply clip the nail tip only. Clip the nails before you walk your dog. This way the dog gets a huge "treat" for behaving during the process. Remember to clip the dewclaws.

Of all the grooming requirements of dogs (and cats for that matter), nail clipping seems to frighten dog owners the most. I hear it all the time, "my dog wont let me clip it's nails" or "I am afraid to cut the nail too short and hurt the dog and cause a nail bleed".

The first comment always pushes my buttons. Your dog wont let you? You are the alpha dog and you should not allow your dog to get away with fighting you on this. It is an important part of caring for a dog. It is a myth that all dogs will naturally wear their nails down while out on a walk. Many dogs end up with nails that have grown around and into their pads. Imagine the pain and discomfort that causes and understand that clipping your dog's nails on a regular basis is in their own best interests and it is your responsibility as their care provider.M

Having said that, I do understand the fear of hurting the dog. No on wants to do that. And, despite being professionally trained, I have clipped a bit too short and nicked my own dogs quick. My best advice is, when in doubt just take the tip off the nail and always have Qwik Stop close at hand.

Clear nails are a bit easier to clip than black nails. This is because you can see the Quick inside the nail (light pink to red in colour). The quick is the blood vessel that is inside the nail. If you cut too short you will cut into the quick, which will cause the dog some discomfort and may cause a lot of bleeding. In most cases, Qwik Stop powder will stop the bleeding. I have also read that baking soda or flour will work as well. Pack the powder into the nail and it will stop the bleeding, it will often stop on its own as well.