Does your dog make a clicking noise when he walks across the floor? If so, Fido may need a pawdicure! Overgrown nails can be very problematic for our canine friends. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a local Savannah, GA vet discusses cutting your furry buddy’s nails.

Potential Issues

Overgrown nails can be quite uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend. Your pet may change his stride a bit to compensate, which can put quite a lot of stress on Fido’s bones and joints. This can aggravate or contribute to painful bone/joint disorders, such as arthritis. Long claws can also easily get snagged on things, which can lead to painful tears and even infections.

Clipping Fido’s Nails

Many people are nervous about clipping their dog’s claws, and with good reason. If you cut too close, you could cut into the quick, which is where Fido’s nerves and blood cells end. This can hurt a bit, and may cause some bleeding. One thing that may help is to get clippers that are equipped with sensors. These will indicate exactly where to cut, taking the guesswork out of the process. Of course, you can still use old-fashioned clippers. With those, what you’ll want to do is start making thin slices. Inspect each trimming. When you start to see a pale oval appear, stop cutting. Also, you can simply schedule a nail trim for your furry friend. Ask your vet for more information.

Tricks

If you have a hard time getting your four-legged friend to give you his paw, you may find it tough to cut one claw, never mind 20. (Note: some of our canine buddies have 18 nails, some have 20, and some have 22.) A bit of desensitization training may be helpful. Teach Fido that he will get a yummy treat if he obeys you when you tell him to Give Me Paw, or Shake. Your furry pal will miraculously become much more willing to hand his feet over! Then, start running the clipper over his nails before you give him his snack. Keep in mind that you don’t need to do all four of your dog’s feet at once. One paw at a time is fine. Do you need to set up a peticure for your canine companion? Call Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA pet clinic, today! We are dedicated to providing excellent veterinary care!