Dog nail care

Nails that click clearly on a hard floor are often too long. Long nails change the way a dog stands and can make walks uncomfortable, so a little regular attention is kinder than an occasional battle.

If you trim at home, work in a bright space, take off a small amount at a time, and learn where the quick sits. On light nails it is the pink area; on dark nails it is harder to see, so conservative cuts matter more. A file or a grind can tidy a rough end. Stop if you get close to the quick, and if you do nick it, apply a styptic powder or a clean press and stay calm — the dog will take their cue from you.

Some dogs will not allow a clipper near a paw, and some nails have grown so that the quick sits very long. Do not wrestle a fearful dog on the kitchen floor. A salon can often help with routine tidying; if a nail is split, bleeding repeatedly, or the paw itself is swollen, that is a vet job.

Getting a puppy used to having paws handled, even without clippers, pays off for years. When you would like us to include nails as part of a visit, bring your dog to our Banbury salon and call to ask how we usually handle it.