5 Dog Nail Grooming Tips

If you've got canine friends living with you, grooming nails can be expensive unless you know these 5 dog nail grooming tips. Nail grooming is really not that difficult if you can see the quick (the red living part of the nail - just like the bed of your own nail) but can become a bit more interesting if you dog has black nails which obscure your sight. Below are 5 dog nail grooming tips that you'll be glad you know when you start in on the nail trimming.

1. You'll have a much easier time grooming dog nails if you master a Dremel. A Dremel is a small, handheld device which has about a million uses, one of which can be sanding dog nails. However, beware, if not used properly, a Dremel can be cruel and unusual punishment for your pup as it generates heat and can really hurt a dog. Attach a lighter sandpaper head to the Dremel and gently touch the nail while it is slowly revolving. Apply to the nail only one second at the most due to the excessive heat. Remove the Dremel and go to another nail and then come back to sand more if the nail needs to be cut shorter. Remember, do just a teeny bit at a time. Also, you must acclimate a dog to a Dremel so they're used to the sanding sensation and sound of this potentially painful tool.
2. If you choose to use an old fashioned nail trimmer on your dog, make sure to change the blades after approximately ten cuts. A dull blade will cause the dog more discomfort than sharp, new blades.
3. If your dog has mostly black nails but has at least one white or pink nail through which you can see the quick, cut that nail first. Using that nail as a marker for length, cut the other nails just a teeny bit longer. All the nail quicks should grow about the same speed so being able to see even one quick will help you judge the cut on the other nails.
4. If you do happen to make the dog bleed by cutting through the quick, apply a styptic pencil to stem the flow of blood. If you don't have a styptic pencil, you can use flour or, in a real pinch, you can apply dirt right to the bleeding nail. It's best if you keep a styptic pencil right with the trimmer though so that it's handy.
5. If your dog hates having his nails trimmed, distract him by having someone hold some peanut butter in front of his nose. If you're alone, dab a small amount of peanut butter right on the top of his nose so that he's busy licking while you trim his nails.