Human nail clippers can be used to clip your puppies nails, but it will be much harder to do effectively as they grow up. Your adult dog's nails will likely need to be cut using a specialised tool. Petbarn has a variety of nail trimmers designed specifically for dog claws for a safer and easier process.
You can use a dremel tool or a simple file to get your dog's nails in shape. These alternative ways of cutting your dog's nails may just make the process easier for both you and your dog.
Always use a pair of dog nail clippers. Never use scissors or human nail clippers - they aren't designed for dog claws, so are likely to squash them and cause them to split. Hold your dog's paw in a position that is comfortable for them, but also easy for you to see their nails.
Technically, dog nail trimming can be done with a human nail file, but the larger or harder your dog's claws are, the less effective it's going to be.
Dogs need their nails clipped on a regular basis, approximately every 3-4 weeks; however, it is common for owners to wait too long in between trimmings which can lead to a number of health issues for the animal. For cats, a routine claw trimming every 10-14 days will keep your pet healthy.
The cutting blade should be closest to you, not the dog. Be sure not to cut too short, as the nail will bleed. Nails should be cut from underneath at a 45-degree angle.
Filing reduces the chances of hitting a nerve.
The quick provides nourishment to the nail which allows it to grow and aids sensation. Most pet owners accidentally clip the quick, causing bleeding and varying levels of pain depending on how deep and far up the quick the cut is made.
Nail grinders get the job done in a fraction of the time it takes clippers. You can also round off the tip of the nail with much more precision. Once the super efficient grinding heads wear down, they are easy to replace. Once clippers have dulled, most people toss them out and have to buy another pair.
Some pet owners prefer to use a grinding tool, such as the nail Dremel for dogs. This method of trimming can be quite effective, although using a grinder necessitates doing the job more often. But, many dogs are quite relaxed around the tool. Investigating this method may prove the same for your furry companion.
The short answer is no, you should not use human clippers on dogs. You can however safely use dog clippers on humans.
Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once monthly. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go a bit longer between nail trims, because walking on a hard, rough surface can help file the nail.
Just like human nails, dogs do not have any feeling in the nail itself, but the quick contains a nerve that transmits sensations back to the brain. When trimming the nail, it is important to stay far enough from the quick to avoid causing pain or drawing blood.
Before you start, it's important to know the anatomy of your dog's nails. The 'quick', which is at the centre of the nail, is a fleshy area with blood vessels and nerves inside. So, when cutting, it's important to avoid this as it can bleed a lot, be very sensitive and painful.
According to BeChewy, medium and long coat dogs should bathe every four to six weeks, and owners of dogs with short coats should bathe their pets somewhere between every month and every three months. Dog owners should be warned not to wash their pup's coats too much, though.
Generally, your dog's nails shouldn't touch the ground when he's standing upright on all four feet. There is no hard and fast rule as to how far from the floor those nails should be; it varies from dog to dog. If the nails click on the floor, they are usually too long.
Correct length for a dog's nails. If a dog's nails are too long, you will hear them clack when the dog walks on hard surfaces. Deciding if your dog's nails are too long is quite simple. The claws should not protrude over the pad and should not touch the ground when standing.
Nails soften if soaked in water. Try trimming nails after bathtime or let your dog stand in a few inches of water in the bathtub for about 15 minutes.
Trimming black nails
Hold your dog's paw firmly but gently. Position the clippers to cut the nail from top to bottom (not side to side) Trim a very small length of the nail, about 1/16th of an inch.