Let’s face it; puppies are cute and playful. However, you will not like the experience if they end up with long nails. Apart from causing them discomfort, they can easily hurt the owner while playing. So, 
As such, it is important to ensure you train your puppy on nail trimming as soon as possible.
There are various theories on how to trim a puppy’s nails, but it is important to ensure that whatever the method you choose, your puppy feels comfortable. The following are some notable steps you can take to help make the nail trimming much easier and efficient.
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Pre-training
Puppies are very inquisitive and this won’t make it easy when trying to trim their nails the first few times. As such, it is important to train your puppy to remain still before and during the trimming process. A slight jerk or squirm and you run the risk of accidentally cutting the nail too close, thus causing injury. So, you need to know the right way how to trim a puppy’s nails.
Get the puppy accustomed to this process even if it means doing some mock nail trimming from time to time. This will help them feel relaxed and ready when it matters most. The best way to relax the puppy is to lift them to your lap and cuddle them. While at it, offer a treat while giving him a gentle, slow massage.
Start by gently massaging one of his paws and head on to the next as soon as they feel more relaxed. Do this for all four paws and let them go. You may opt to do this a few more times before you get into the actual trimming as this will also ultimately determine how often to cut dog nails.
Learn to trim the right way
- Make sure the puppy’s paw rests in your free hand
- Gently but firmly hold each toe with your thumb and index finger
- Cut the puppy’s nail by limiting your trim to the white part of the nail only. Anything beyond this region will lead to bleeding.
If your puppy’s nails are uniformly black, then you may need the guidance of a professional groomer on how to cut puppy nails black. A professional groomer or vet will also help you through the process of sedating a dog for nail cutting in case the puppy takes too much time getting accustomed to the process.
After the trimming process, do not forget to give your puppy a treat. This will keep them looking forward to the next trimming session.
Start with one nail
Nail trimming for most puppies can be anxiety-inducing. As such, you need to take some time to read your dog’s reaction while in the process. The best way to deal with this is to trim one nail at a time. This will help you understand the reaction in future when the trimming process takes much longer.
In case the puppy overreacts during this process, consider going back to the first two steps. Remember, comfort for your puppy is paramount in this process. As such, you want to ease into the process and be as cautious as you can.
Prepare for any unexpected result
No matter how prepared you get for the process, things may not always go as planned. Sometimes, little accidents happen like cutting too deep into the nail, thus causing some bleeding. When this happens, the puppy may squeal due to the pain, but do not panic as this is not an emergency.
Some basic first aid in such cases includes using some styptic powder to help stop the bleeding. Follow this with some reassurance and cuddling to help keep the puppy calm. When this happens in the first stages of the trimming process, then you may want to suspend it till a later day when they are fully recovered. Before that make sure you read thoroughly the steps of How to trim a puppy’s nails.
Put everything together
After all the prep reparation and getting your puppy accustomed, you can put what you have learnt and complete the trimming process in one sitting. Have a seat at a comfortable location, and keep encouraging him while in the process.
When necessary, give your puppy some breaks to stretch out and feel more comfortable. The process may be slow and frustrating the first few times, but with time everything will be smooth and easy.
Why grooming matters for your puppy
For dogs, the early you introduce them to certain habits and processes, the better. This is no different when it comes to grooming. Cutting a puppy’s nails is a noble grooming habit that will set them for good health as they grow into adult dogs. While at it, you will be learning great lessons on animal care and the importance of patience to yourself and others.
Common tools for trimming a puppy’s nails
If you are wondering how to cut newborn puppy nails, then you may need to learn more about some common tools used in the process. These are:
- Clippers – Puppy nail clippers come in handy in cases where you want to isolate the nail while keeping it steady for the cut. This is easily available at a pet store. It works best for longer nails.
- File – A file works best when trimming shorter nails. Otherwise, it can also be used to complement the clipper by keeping the cut edges of the nail smoother.
Your puppy’s health comes first, and you do not want to gamble with their health. If you are wondering how often to cut puppy nails, then this depends on their environment. If your puppy regularly plays outdoors or on concrete floors, then you may not need much regular trimming as these will wear off automatically. If they spend most of their time indoors, then regular nail trimming may be necessary. Nevertheless, it will still need some regular check-ups. For this you need to go through every steps carefully how to trim a puppy’s nails.
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