TRIMMING YOUR PET’S NAILS

Utica Pet Supply LLC

May 21, 2010

Roxanne Goeth

Trimming your pet’s nails can be an anxious time for your pet and you.  But with calmness and patience anyone can learn to do this simple procedure.

The best way for you to be able to trim your pet’s nails, is to be able to touch your pet’s feet without your pet feeling anxious.  To accomplish this your pet must trust you, and feel comfortable with you handling their feet and nails.  Start by holding and touching your pet’s feet often, when ever you are holding your pet.  Just hold their feet in your hands and stroke them in a non-threatening way, talk softly and encourage your pet to relax. Do not attempt to trim nails until your pet is calm and relaxed.  This may take days or weeks for your pet to allow you just to touch their feet without feeling anxious.

When you feel that your pet is able to tolerate their nail trimming, start slowly and calmly, one nail at a time, little bits at a time.  You can always go back in a day or two and trim more off.  As noted on the picture below there is a “quick” or blood line that runs inside the nail, this starts at the base of the nail and runs about three quarters of the nails length.  If the nail is trimmed too short into the “quick” the nail will bleed and will cause some discomfort to your pet.  The easiest way to avoid the “quick “ is to only take a small amount of nail off at a time, go back and take more off is necessary. Taking off only the curved part of the nail tip is an easy way to avoid the “quick”.

Use the proper size nail trimmer for you pet.  Ask your pet care professional to assist you in determining the proper size nail trimmer if you need to.  You will probably need to trim your pet’s nails about once a month depending on your pet’s activity level and surface your pet walks or runs on.

Learning to trim your own pet’s nails will save you time and money. And will make your pet happier that they will not have to visit the groomer again.  Making the procedure a fun game, and one  that will end with a treat, can only enhance your trusting relationship with your pet!

Below is an illustration to help you understand where the “quick” is in your pets nail.
Trimming your Puppies Nail - Location of Quick.

Fun Fact: Purina Puppy Chow and Purina Dog Chow are two of the most popular and recognized brand names of pet foods today.

Fun Fact: In addition to being the smallest dog ranging from 1-6 pounds, the Chihuahua is one of the shortest ranging from 6-9”.

For more information on Designer Puppies / Pure Breed Dogs go to www.uticapet.com and click on any of the articles that are of interest to you.  If you are interested in purchasing a Designer Dog or if you are interested in purchasing a Pure Breed Dog you can check our inventory at

www.uticapetsupplyllc.com/price.php

Also, please consider Utica Pet Supply if you are considering a puppy adoption.  Our adoptions are simple, fun, and extremely cost effective.  Sometimes, you can adopt a fully vaccinated puppy between 12-16 weeks of age in some cases as low as $99.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, we hope you enjoyed it and found it informative.

About the Authors

John and Roxanne Goeth established Utica Pet Supply LLC in 1999 and assisted in developing Reliance Animal Hospital with their Staff Veterinarian Y.D. Youanes DVM in 2002.  John Goeth also serves as Director of Reliance Animal Hospital LLC.  Both John & Roxanne publish a variety of articles related to the pet industry.  Utica Pet Supply LLC is conveniently located in Macomb County at 45460 Van Dyke Ave. Utica, Michigan 48317.