Pets that do not have
regular toenail trims are at greater risk for broken toenails and/or
toenails growing into the paw pad. It is extremely helpful to accustom
your pet to having their feet handled at a young age. One method of
accomplishing this is to gently play with or massage your pet's paws and
toes regularly. This can be done while the pet is eating, or otherwise
in a relaxed, comfortable setting such as on your lap watching TV. When
first attempting nail trims, it can also be helpful to trim one or a few
nails at any given time, followed by treats and praise.
To safely trim your pet's nails, follow these steps:
1. Have a helper. Until your pet becomes accustomed to nail trims, it will very likely be a team effort. Ideally, both people should be familiar to the pet. It is also recommended that you have your pet's favorite treat handy.
2. Have your helper gently hold the pet in their lap if size permits, otherwise kneeling next to the pet and keeping arms around the head and shoulders is sufficient.
3. Talk to your pet in a calm, gentle voice as you gently take one of their paws in your hand. If your pet keeps pulling their foot away, gently hold it for a few seconds and then give a treat as your pet relaxes. Repeat as needed.
4. Using pet nail clippers (guillotine-style clippers and human nail clippers are not recommended), quickly snip off the very tip of your pet's nails. After each cut, praise your pet generously and give a treat/head scratch.
5. Once you have trimmed all of the nails, again generously praise and reward your pet.
It important to make nail trims a positive experience for you and your pet. Ending on a good note is always advised, so use your judgment about when to stop or take a break so they can relax again.
To safely trim your pet's nails, follow these steps:
1. Have a helper. Until your pet becomes accustomed to nail trims, it will very likely be a team effort. Ideally, both people should be familiar to the pet. It is also recommended that you have your pet's favorite treat handy.
2. Have your helper gently hold the pet in their lap if size permits, otherwise kneeling next to the pet and keeping arms around the head and shoulders is sufficient.
3. Talk to your pet in a calm, gentle voice as you gently take one of their paws in your hand. If your pet keeps pulling their foot away, gently hold it for a few seconds and then give a treat as your pet relaxes. Repeat as needed.
4. Using pet nail clippers (guillotine-style clippers and human nail clippers are not recommended), quickly snip off the very tip of your pet's nails. After each cut, praise your pet generously and give a treat/head scratch.
5. Once you have trimmed all of the nails, again generously praise and reward your pet.
It important to make nail trims a positive experience for you and your pet. Ending on a good note is always advised, so use your judgment about when to stop or take a break so they can relax again.
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