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Nail trimming

5K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  Kalhayd 
#1 ·
Tried googling- but without sounding like a total goof, how long is too long for a dogs nails? On average how often should you trim? We've had our vet doing them- but at $12 a pop, it's adding up. She just did them 3 weeks ago and they look too long to me, but when I went to cut, the kiwk is close to the bottom of the nail so I chickened out!

She also digs like crazy on one paw(it's wet from her digging) not sure if her nail is bothering her or it's some other issue. I've examined the pads and between her toes and haven't seen anything causing discomfort. Help!
 

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#2 ·
Those look a little long still. I judge ours by the noise they make on the hardwood or tile floors. When the nails are done, there isn't any clicking.

One thing you can try - it is pretty simple, is to teach your dog to use a scratch board. I made one by gluing a sheet of sandpaper on a scrap of plywood. Using a clicker, I was able to teach our dogs to scratch the board pretty quickly. It is a good way to keep the front nails ground down at least, then you only have to trim the back ones.
 
#3 ·
I see the Kwik so close to the end that's why I'm scared to cut more. I ordered a dog nail grinder/file. It has good reviews and she's tolerant of my cutting so hopefully this helps and eases my mind that I won't hurt her.
 
#5 ·
The tutorial Mylissyk posted is very good. Consider purchasing a nail grinder or talk to your husband, do you all own a 'dremmel'? I have taken over our dremmel and use the sanding attachments to do my dogs' nails. Ellie is very good about having her nails done but my collie, Mack, hates it. He tolerates the grinding.

Honestly you should be doing her nails every week, if you can hear her nails clicking on the floor, it's time. When the dog's nails get too long, it puts pressure on the joint alignment in her legs and over time it is not good for her. Keeping them as short as the diagram in the attachment is ideal. If you work on it gradually, you can get them that short without hurting her, the quick pulls back. Just don't let them get that long anymore. Quit paying the groomer and do it yourself :)
 
#6 ·
Thanks! I did buy a dog nail grinder on Amazon and will use that once it comes. I do not hear clicking, but I am sure they're too long. She digs at one paw even the same day she was at the vet so I will mention that as a precaution- although, I agree they're likely too long.


Thank you again!
 
#7 ·
I bought a nail grinder when we first had Seamus but I haven't used it. I used to cut his nails and then accidentally cut one too short and got a lot of blood. Now he has them done at the vet or at boarding.

I'd like to use the grinder but when I googled it I got a lot of cautions about their not letting their fur get caught up in the grinder. Any advice? Seamus has the furriest paws.
 
#8 ·
We just trimmed her paws- she wanted nothing to do with the grinder, so we just used clippers and cut a tiny bit off & will do again every few days to move the kwik back.
 
#9 ·
Good progress with trimming the nails. Just keep at it with the grinder. I just worked up to it by doing a quick touch to a nail and giving lots of treats. I would put it away, do it again a day or so later and quickly touch 2 nails. I had my husband help. He would hand out the treats as I quickly touched each nail. Eventually we got to the point they let me do it. Did they love it? No, but they let me do it. I like it because if buffs the sharp edge left by the clippers. Good luck!
 
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