How to Clip Your Dog’s Nails At Home

Clipping your dog’s nails at home can be a daunting task, especially for the first time. At The Dog Buzz, we understand that it can be scary to consider that your dog may bleed if their quick is cut too short, which is a common occurrence when learning to clip your dog’s nails. We’ve compiled a list of tips and useful methods for navigating and creating a successful at home nail trimming experience–read below for our best advice!

1. Get the Right Tools
   Use dog-specific nail clippers (either guillotine or scissor-type) to ensure a clean, safe cut. Ensure the clippers are sharp to avoid crushing the nails. You can purchase them from your local pet supply store or at an online retailer.
   
   

2. Take Your Time
   Don’t rush the process. If your dog is anxious, it’s better to do one paw at a time and give lots of praise and treats in between. You can also break the session into smaller parts so that they do not become overwhelmed. An option for very anxious dogs is to give them a calming treat before doing the nail trim.
   
   

3. Know the Quick
   The "quick" is the sensitive part of the nail that contains blood vessels. For light-colored nails, it’s easier to see the quick, but for dark nails, you should trim a little at a time to avoid cutting into it. As you trim your dog’s nails more regularly, the quick should recede over time, allowing you to clip their nails even shorter. If you accidentally cut into the quick, apply styptic powder, corn starch or flour to stop the bleeding.
   
   

4. Trim in Small Sections
   Trim the nail gradually in small amounts rather than trying to cut the whole nail in one go. This reduces the risk of cutting too deep into the quick and allows you to see where the quick is located.
   
   

5. Desensitize Your Dog
   Get your dog used to having their paws handled by gently massaging their feet and nails regularly before attempting to clip. This helps reduce anxiety during nail clipping sessions. If you have a new puppy, it helps to start handling their feet and nails as soon as possible.
   
   

6. Use Positive Reinforcement
   Reward your dog with treats and praise after every successful trim. This helps create positive associations with the process, making future sessions easier.
   
   

7. Check for Splits or Cracks
   Before you start, check if your dog’s nails are split or cracked. If they are, use a nail file to smooth the edges or avoid clipping them altogether to prevent further injury.

8. Consider Nail Dremelling

   After you have mastered the art of nail clipping, you’ll be ready to add in nail dremelling. A nail dremel is a rotary tool that sands down your dog’s nails, grinding the nail shorter and smoother than can be achieved with just nail clipping. Nail dremelling does introduce a different sensation for dogs, so be sure to take it slow and let your dog get used to the process. We recommend clipping your dog’s nails first and then dremelling them afterwards.

These tips should help you clip your dog’s nails safely and efficiently at home. If you have any questions, or if you have a tried and true tip that you’d like to share, please comment below!