Can anyone recommend nail clippers for someone who has never used them before? Two of our dogs are really needing regular clippings. How hard could it be? I am most terrified of cutting to the quick.
Thanks!
Millers Forge make great clippers that are SHARP, so they cut very well. And they are very inexpensive. You can find them online. Sharp are better b/c they actually cut and don’t crush the nail. Good Luck.
I use a dremel. Weekly.
Dremel
Another vote for grinding nails with Dremel
A dremel is great if your dogs will let you use one. My dog goes completely bonkers if I try to use a dremel on him, likes to snatch it out of my hand and play keep-away.
If your dog’s nails are grown out it’ll be easier to use clippers in the beginning. Here’s a diagram showing where to clip: http://media.wiley.com/Lux/70/109570.image0.jpg
And here’s one explaining the growth of the kwik in relation to clipping: http://hqbullies.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/dog_nails2.gif
Here’s a nice little how-to from the ASPCA website: http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/90/Trimming-Your-Dogs-Nails.aspx
My dog’s nails were ridiculously long when I got him and it took diligent regular trimming to get them shortened up to where they needed to be. I found the guillotine clippers easiest to use: http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Puppy-Dog-Manicure-Pet-Nail-Guillotine-Clippers-File-Set-Grooming-Tools-/00/s/NDgwWDQ4MA==/$%28KGrHqV,!lsE8FbzwPMnBPQ3SBUFkQ~~60_35.JPG
If your dog’s nails are long you might want to start off regular clippers and then switch to a dremel for regular maintenance.
You have good advice, but I have to address the “terrified of quicking my dog” issue - it is important, but not for the reason you think it is.
When you make your cut, cut with conviction - right or wrong. I have clipped dogs’ nails professionally for decades, and my observation is that people who are nervous about clipping nails often pull away as they cut, which yanks the dog’s nails in the nail bed. That yank seems to be far more painful to the dogs than quicking the nail. The dogs become really stressed about the nail clipping process very quickly that way.
I suggest spending a few days practicing cutting a wooden dowel the same diameter as your dogs’ nails with your nail clippers. Get comfortable using them. Also, spend the time to look at the dogs’ nails to determine where you will cut: this helps you get comfortable with the idea while your dogs learn to allow your to handle their feet. (HINT: foot handling time is treat time) (HINT #2: keep your hands soft, like handling an explosive horse. As long as the dog is tense, keep a hand on the dog, and set the foot down when he is relaxed. Treat and praise. Don’t make it a fight - you need a cooperative dog while you are getting comfortable clipping nails.) Spend a little time to see what positions it is comfortable for you to hold the dogs’ feet in. Sometimes, too, people will force the carpals up uncomfortably to see the bottom of the foot - I find it far more comfortable for both me and the dogs if I approach from behind, as if I were inspecting a horse foot.
Lastly: start with one nail or paw at a time. There is nothing in the rule book that says it all has to be done at once.
Review:
Get comfortable with your tools.
Get comfortable with handling your dogs’ feet.
Cut with conviction - that cut won’t hurt as much as shying away does.
Relax. Breathe. It’s a long way from the heart…
Have treats handy. For both of you.
Thank you, everyone! Clipper shopping time.
