Did you know that overgrown claws can cause a whole slew of paw problems in dogs? For one thing, Fido will have a hard time getting good traction if his nails are too long. This can cause or contribute to slips and falls, which can in turn cause strains, sprains, and injuries. They can also snag and tear on things. That can lead to painful cuts and even infections. Plus, dogs often shift their weight or change their stride in response to the discomfort. That’s really bad for their bones and joints! A Saginaw, MI vet discusses giving your canine buddy his pawdicures below.

Basics

As you probably know, you’ll need to take care not to cut too far. If so, you may hit the quick. That’s where Fido’s nerves and blood vessels end. Those kinds of cuts can be quite painful for your four-legged friend, just like ripped nails are for us. If you aren’t sure how far to snip, ask your vet to demonstrate. Of course, you can also just call us to schedule a nail trim!

Tools

Choosing the right tools may very well be half the battle. There are different types of clippers to choose from. The old-school simple ones are your basic tried-and-true options. You can also get ones that have sensors in them. These indicate where to cut, taking the guesswork out of the process. There are also a few newer options, such as nail grinders. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Training

Needless to say, cutting your furry pal’s claws will go a lot more smoothly if he’s on board with the process. If your pup doesn’t care for having his paws handled, you may need to do some desensitization training. Teach Fido that he’ll get a yummy snack for letting you touch his furry feet. If your pooch begins to associate getting his nails cut with a delicious treat, he may suddenly become much more agreeable about it!

Tips

No matter how careful you are, there’s always a chance that you could slip up and cut too far. We recommend keeping styptic powder and/or a styptic pen on hand, just in case. Generally, this should stop any bleeding pretty quickly. However, if it doesn’t, contact your vet right away. Is your canine companion due for an exam? Contact us, your local Saginaw, MI animal clinic, anytime!