Help for trimming nails

[Hagrid]

Can somebody let me know how to trim my pups nails. My last dog I easily could see the vein but with my newfie it is entirely black. Is it best for me to take him to the vet or can I learn to do this on my own. Should I only cut when I hear them clanking on the floor. I'm terrified of hurting him.

 

[charlieinnj]

With my pups, I'd generally only clip off what was clearly the pointed tip of the nail. I didn't focus on taking much off at all but rather wanted them to get used to the experience.

 

[Jeannie]

Start by taking off what if obvious. Look at the end of the nail, see how it is white/gray? Take little slivers off until you start to see a black spot. That black spot is the quick.

 

[Sue M.]

Also, you should always keep some "Kwik Stop" styptic powder on hand in case you do accidentally cut the quick.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I use a Dremel for my dogs. It is easy to maintain the nails and not worry about cutting the nail too deep. If you do use a nail trimmer, just cut off the tip. If you do a search here, you will find lots of threads on trimming nails and using a Dremel.

 

[NessaM]

If you drag a fingernail along the underside of the pup's nail, working from closest to the dog's toe to furthest out, you'll feel a spot towards the tip of the nail that sort of hooks, or catches, your fingernail. I never cut the nail closer to the toe than that point - usually I will cut it just a bit before that hooky spot, and that works fine.

 

[newfy]

I use a Dremel for my dogs. It is easy to maintain the nails and not worry about cutting the nail too deep. If you do use a nail trimmer, just cut off the tip. If you do a search here, you will find lots of threads on trimming nails and using a Dremel.

Thtis is exactly what we use, our trainer recommended it in puppy class when we took Merlin, it was part of the class, getting the pups use to the tool for doing their nails.

 

[RetPara]

I use a Dremel for my dogs. It is easy to maintain the nails and not worry about cutting the nail too deep. If you do use a nail trimmer, just cut off the tip. If you do a search here, you will find lots of threads on trimming nails and using a Dremel.

X2 - Low power setting

 

[cajanddj]

I use a Dremel for my dogs. It is easy to maintain the nails and not worry about cutting the nail too deep. If you do use a nail trimmer, just cut off the tip. If you do a search here, you will find lots of threads on trimming nails and using a Dremel.

X+3

 

[Wayne A]

I use to have a heck of a time with Chloe and clippers and then I sat and got her used to the dremel and she doesn't mind near as much and it's great.Gives you total control so now it's the only way for us ,highly recommend.

 

[mrsnamsherf]

I also love the Dremel, for the nails, and highly recommend it. :sunflower:

Marie

 

[dumainedogs]

Dremel here as well.. and it gave my tool/gadget addicted husband one more thing to add to his collection

 

[lisaperp]

I see there is a battery-operated and an electric model. I'm assuming everyone uses the electric?

 

[mrsnamsherf]

I use the electric, but I have heard favorable comments about both. Sometimes the cord does get in the way (this actually has more to with where I plug it in), but I was afraid the battery operated would not have enough power.

Marie

 

[Elly May]

I have the cordless/lithium and it works great - love that I don't have to worry about a plug and- the power is more than strong enough.

 

[Tara B]

Its all about the dremmil! My husband got one for his birthday one year and i stole it!

Its the best thing for big black nails.

I also find it works well on dogs who do not like having their nails cut. My lab would scream every time i clipped a nail. With the dremmil she is much calmer.