March 17, 2022
Have you looked at your cat’s or dog’s paws lately? Are their nails too long, or do they have overgrown hair between their paw pads? If you answered yes, then you are not alone. Pedicure time can be stressful for both you and your furry friends, but it is necessary to keep their paws healthy. Nails that are too long can become embedded in their paw pads, causing pain and may lead to infections. Regular nail trimmings will prevent this.
If you are able and have the patience, learning how to cut your cat’s or dog’s nails safely can save you a trip to the vet that can cause additional stress to your cat or dog. Remember, it is important to make their pedicure experience a positive one by using treats, lots of praise, and affection! You can turn a once dreaded grooming habit into a breeze. So, where should you start? Look at their nails. Are they light or dark?
Cats’ nails, and dogs with light-colored nails, are the easiest to cut because you can see the blood vessel through the exterior of their nails. This blood vessel is called the quick. When trimming the nails, make sure you leave enough space right before the quick to ensure you don’t cut it, causing pain and bleeding. If you do cut the quick, stay calm and apply styptic powder to the nail. You may need to stop and resume the nail trim tomorrow. If your dog has dark-colored nails, it can be tough to determine where the quick is, so just cut off the curved tip. Repeat this process every two-three weeks, and you will become a pro!
Here are a few pointers to help pedicure time go smoothly: