need help

[Aspen and Misty]

How often do they need doing? I have never cut my dogs nails, do they wear down naturally?

When your dog walks on a hard surface there should be no noise. So if you hear the click click of there nails then the nails are too long. You may not be able to get the nails to a proper length at first only because if you don't take care of a dog's nails like you should then there quick (the part that bleeds if you cut to short) grows too long for the nails to be cut to a proper length. I have heard that if you start takeing proper care of the nails the quick will recede and the dog's nails will gradually get shorter. Long nails can also lead to many health problems such a early hip dysplasia because the dog has to walk improperly in order to adjust to the longer length of the nails.

I cut my dog's nails every 4 weeks and they stay at a healthy length. However I have heard that if the quick is long you should trim your dog's nails every 2 weeks. I was told this will make the quick draw back and the nails to go back to a normal length. (I have never tested this theory though, however everyone says it works)

I would have your dog's nails looked at by a vet, it is rare for dog's to be able to keep the nails naturally worn down to a length that doesn't cause them issues or discomfort.

Ashley

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Thanks for that. I don't hear their claws when we are out but I will have a look at them when I get home tonight.

[pitc9]

The first thing I tell anyone that gets a new dog or puppyis to get get and Keep them used to having their feet touched and held!!

Sierra was about 6 months old when I got her and I started right away but had no problem with her, she's very calm about a lot of things. Buddy was already a year old and I doubt he'd ever had his nails cut, it took quite a while to get him to let me cut his nails but now it's not a deal a all!
I (Try to ) cut their nails every 2 weeks or so.

Just work in baby steps with your pup, a little at a time.
Also, "special" nail triming toys or treats work well too! My sister gives her husky a kong that is only given to her while her nails are being trimmed.
Make it a Happy Time!!

[Muddy4paws]

I cut nails everyday, Make it fun! We had a puppy in today that didn't like his nails done he was only 4 months old so they way I did it was do one nail then plenty of hugs and kisses then move on the next one. Yes it took along time! Build up their confidence and dont make it something they will grow to hate. Make sure you only cut off the tips of the nails too especially if hes very nervous you dont want to risk cutting off too much and causing him to have a fear about them being done.

If you dont feel you can do them why not ask a groomer? They are used to nervous dogs and will take their time to ensure its done carefully.

[Freedom]

Some clippers come with a nail guard, which prevent you from cutting too short and hitting the quick. That is what was suggested for me when I got Sugar last December.

Here is just one example (happens to be the one I bought)
http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...l+clippers&N=2

Sugar is a small dog, just 12 pounds, so this is perfect. I have cut the wuick, both times I was at fault. Once I moved the guard aside to clip more; and the other time I clipped three times. Well, duh!

I usually cut her nails one every 4 weeks. I can tell when I hear her click - click - clicking on the kitchen floor that it is time to cut them. She does NOT like having them done. She lays on her back on the sofa and I clip a few. I spread it out over a few days to get through all of them, she looks so sad eyed when I'm doing it!