Do you ever wonder how your dog’s nails are so long? It is important to trim your dog’s nails regularly. If you own a dog, you probably know by now that they can be a complete headache when it comes to nail grooming. Long, unbrushed, dirty or poorly groomed nails are a clear indicator that your dog does not get the routine nail trimming that everyone else does. If you do not already know how to do it yourself, the good news is that there is an easy way to keep your pooch’s nails short and on fleek! Check out these 10 steps on how to trim your dog’s nails at home.

What you need to trim your dog’s nails at home

You are going to need:

 

 

• Nail clipper
• Nail file or buff
• 2-3 wet towels
• Mask for breathing
• Sponges for washing nails
• Shampoo for dogs with long nails
• Conditioner for dogs with short hair
• Dog nail picks
• Dog nail polish
• Dog biscuits
• 1/4 cup of water
• Essential oil for dogs such as Eucalyptus, lavender, or lemon

Step-by-Step Guide to Trim Dog Nails

Let us have a look at these simple steps to groom your doggie:

Start with a nail clipper

To start trimming your dog’s nails, it is best to start with a nail clipper. These are perfect for clipping long, thick nails. You can also use it to trim your dog’s teeth. It has two different settings, so you can easily control the amount of force you use when trimming your dog’s nails.

Also Check, Follow These 5 Basic Steps Before You Introduce a Dog to a Cat

There are many different types of nail clippers, so be sure to read reviews online to find the perfect one for your pet. Some cheaper nail clippers on the market may not be safe for your dog, so be sure to get a proper nail clipper before using it on your pet. A good quality nail clipper should cost you less than $40. If you are on a budget, some nail clippers can be found for as little as $15. There are also electric nail clippers that you can purchase at most stores that work better than regular nail clippers.

Remove the nail first

After you have clipped your dog’s nails, it is best to remove them before bathing or swimming. You do not want to expose your dog to harmful bacteria or chemicals while bathing or swimming. There are nail removal wipes that you can purchase for this purpose. However, if you do not want to spend a lot of money on a luxury item, you can always use a wet towel to remove the nail polish and excess oil from your dog’s nails.

Clip from the quick

The nail that is on the quick is the hardest to clip. If you are not familiar with how to clip your dog’s nails, here are a couple of steps to follow.

• Start by making sure that your nail clipper is set to the “short” setting.
• Your dog’s nails are usually long, so start by clipping the nails to the front paws and working your way back to the back paws.
• Once you have clipped all of your dog’s nails from the front paws, it is time to remove them. Use a nail file or buff to get the nail polish off of the claws.
• Then, use a mild cleanser to get any excess oil or dirt off of the nails.
• Finally, scrub your dog’s paws gently with a sponge to get rid of any remaining dirt and oil.

Trim the remaining hair

After you have removed the nails, the next step is to remove the remaining hair from the nails. There are many ways to do this. You can use a dedicated nail trimmer for dogs, or rabbit ear scissors for humans or you can even use a pair of tweezers to remove the remaining hair from your dog’s nails.

There are many different types of hair removal tools, so be sure to read reviews online to find the perfect one for your pet. Some less-than-ideal nail trimmers can cause the risk of dogs accidentally getting heart or brain diseases. Be sure to get one that is appropriate for your pet.

Do not forget to massage your dog for relief!

After you have finished the above steps, massage your dog’s paws for 10-15 minutes to help remove any remaining toxins from the body. Consuming a small amount of oil such as coconut, almond or olive can also be helpful for dogs with nail issues.

After your dog is all groomed, do not forget to massage his/her feet for 5-10 minutes to help calm them. You can also add essential oils such as eucalyptus, orange, eucalyptus, lavender, and more to your dog’s shampoos and conditioners to help with digestion and skin conditions.

Dry, brush, and oil your dog

After you have groomed your dog, it is time to dry, brush and oil his/her coat. This process should be done 2-3 times a week to maintain healthy, short hair. Wet the coat by running a towel over the dog’s body and finishing with a towel-dried coat. Brush the coat gently using a soft brush (not a shedding brush) to remove all of the excess water from the body. Once the coat is dry, use a comb to gently comb the hair from the head and ears.

Use natural oil for dogs such as almond, coconut, olive, and canola oil for longer-haired breeds. You can also use a natural oil such as grapeseed, sesame,e or EVOO for curly-coated dogs. Condition the dog’s skin with a clear, non-greasy moisturizer after the bath to help reduce the risk of skin conditions such as warts and skin infections.

Wash, dry, and bag

After you have finished bathing your dog, it is time to wash, dry, and bag his/her hair. This process should be repeated 2-3 times a week to maintain a healthy, curly coat. Wash the dog’s hair with a mild cleanser such as shampoo or dog shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to rinse the dog’s hair thoroughly to remove all of the shampoo and conditioner.

Then, the towel dries the dog’s hair to finish the drying process. Bag the dog’s hair with a plastic bag to help contain the excess water and prevent tangles. This step is also helpful when training your dog to always sit. After the bag is secure, tie the end of the hair tie to a table or other firm surface so that the dog can not wriggle out of the tie while you are trying to teach him/her to stay.

Brush and comb your dog’s teeth

Your dog should not be given a special diet to prevent tartar buildup. However, it is recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week. You can also use a toothbrush or toothpaste for long-haired dogs and a soft-bristle brush for short-haired dogs. Comb your dog’s teeth to remove any remaining food or drink remains. Using mild toothpaste or a natural toothbrush, follow the steps above to give your dog a clean mouth.

Wrapping Up!

So these were a few simple steps that may help you to trim your dog’s nails handily. Even if you are new to this concept, you can easily perform this activity. Just make sure to be gentle and patient. Follow the steps as stated and be extremely careful. It is important to groom your dog regularly, just like you would do your human baby. Happy pawrenting!