Make sure your animal has it's nails done regularly, at least once a month. An animal with nails that are too long will suffer if the nails aren't worn down or cut. The nails keep growing to the point of curling around into the pads. This puts stress on your animal's feet and makes walking painful. If the nails curl around to the point of breaking the skin, this opens your animal up to infections. Don't forget about those dew claws hidden in the fur. They are easy to miss and need regular trimming.

So you don't think you can cut your own dog's nails... Guess what? You're wrong. Nail cutting is easy if you just take you time and work with your dog. Start by handling your dog's feet as much as possible. The more you handle your dog's feet, the easier it will be to cut the nails. This will help to desensitize your dog to having it's feet handled. Sit back, grab your dog, grab a foot, and start rubbing the pads, pulling on the nails, and get your fingers into those toes! If your dog pulls it's foot away, start all over again. Use plenty of praise when your dog isn't fussing about having it's feet handled. I like to have the big dogs that I work with lay down on their sides on the floor or table. It's more comfortable for you and the dog if you can train your dog to lay down to have it's nails cut. Little dogs can be trained to lay on their backs on you lap. Once your dog feels comfortable in these positions, then work with handling it's feet. If your dog is wiggles, squirms, and fusses, keep at it, you dog will eventually accept your handling it's feet and nails.

Now that you've gotten to the point where you can handle your dog's feet, grab those nail cutters. Click and rub the nail cutters over your dog's feet until you dog becomes accustomed to the sound and feel of the nail cutters. I suggest that you use a "scissors" type nail cutter. You'll be able to see the nail and quick better than you would with a "guillotine" type of nail cutter, and will be less likely to quick your dog's nail. When you and your dog are both comfortable, start with cutting the back nails first. When you cut the nails, only take of a little at a time, just tipping the nails. Look closely and you will see where the nail quick is. It's at the start of the curve of the nail towards the end. Don't try to cut all the way to the quick, just take it slowly, a little at a time. Now that you've gotten the back nails done, it's time to do the front. Take your time, work slowly with your dog and use lots of praise when your dog is doing what you want it to do.

Have on hand some Quick Stop powder to stop the flow of blood should you accidentally quick the nail, and a paper towel. If you haven't gotten Quick Stop or another clotting type of styptic powder on hand, wait to do your dog's nails when you have gotten it. It's much easier to use a Quick Stop type powder if you happen to quick your dog's nail.

Oh No!!! I've just quicked my dog's nail! First of all Don't Panic! Grab that paper towel and your Quick Stop. You can use the towel to catch the blood while you're getting your Quick Stop out. It's best to have the container open and in easy reach before you start cutting your dog's nails. (Note of Caution: Quick Stop will permanently stain fabrics and will corrode metals.) Take a bit of the powder, wipe off the nail, and hold the Quick Stop powder to the nail for up to a minute or two, applying pressure while holding the Quick Stop to the nail. This will stop the flow of blood. Keep your cool and talk softly to your dog. If you overreact, your dog will pick up on this and become upset as well. Dogs pick up on their owners emotions, so stay calm. Don't stop cutting your dog's nails, go right on to the next one.

Care for your animals. You chose to bring them into your lives. You are committed to properly caring for them. This should be a lifetime commitment for the life of your animal. A commitment of all aspects of it's life. You are your animal's life, they depend on you. You are their whole world!