Trimming Dog Nails
The Pain Free Way

Many pet owners forget that grooming also includes trimming dog nails and the hair between the pads of their feet. You can learn to do this yourself or have it done by your veterinarian or groomer. Many pet owners are somewhat squeamish about doing this themselves for fear of hurting their pup.

How often is dog nail trimming necessary?
It depends on the breed and the lifestyle of your dog. If your dog walks a lot on hard surfaces such as concrete sidewalks he may not need as much as a dog who mostly walks on grass or sandy areas. Small dogs like the Coton de Tulear often need more nail care because they are lightweight and don’t wear down their nails as much as larger dogs.

Why do dog nails need to be clipped?
Clipping dog nails is important for overall comfort and health. Overgrown nails can be uncomfortable for your pup and can lead to bleeding nails, infections, ingrown nails, and bone problems. In addition, the long nails can be a hazard for your wood floors and furniture.

How to Clip Dog Nails:

Hold your dog steady as you begin trimming his nails and hold his foot in your hand. The hardest part of trimming dog nails is keeping him from wiggling and trying to break free.
Make sure you have good tools such as nail clippers, a nail file, and a styptic pencil to stop bleeding in case you accidentally cut the quick.
The ease of clipping dog nails will depend on what color their nails are. Some Cotons, like my dog Luc, have white nails which make it easier to trim because you can clearly see where to cut. Show quality Cotons have black nails which makes it hard to see the quick. The darker nails should be clipped a little at a time or use a file where the quick isn’t visible.

Click here to learn more about Coton de Tulear grooming and clipping dog nails by watching these very informative videos.

Return to Grooming Basics