Nail clippers for dogs? Styptic?

[Freedom]

Which do you use, and how do you like them?

The scissor type I have for my 7 cats won't be able to handle the thicker dog nails.

I have looked at the "guillotine" type, must admit I'm a bit nervous about such a thing!

I also think I will need to get some styptic. Although I have cut the "quick" once or twice (in 14 years) on the kitties, never needed styptic. A cold damp paper towel was enough. So I've never used styptic. Is it something you apply, or dip the whole paw in or how does that work?

I was hoping to leave this for the groomer; she goes Jan 26th. Unfortunately, one nail is too long and scratching today she got cut and a bit bloody on her head. So it can't wait another 3 weeks.

I've been looking at Sugar's nails getting prepared for this. Most of them I think I can cut, one or two look like the "quick" is right to the edge. So I may just do what I can before the groomer visit.

Thanks for your thoughts, ideas and suggestions!
Sandra

[critter crazy]

I use heavy duty scissor type ones for my big boys. You just gotta make sure they are good ones, dont go cheap. Most come with a styptic. Mine did, i got them from Agway. hey work great for saint. B. and Bloodhound nails!!

[borzoimom]

If you are nervous- about cutting nails- run her by the groomer or the vet for the "offending nail".. Femka has long quicks, and black nails- I use the gillotine to shave the nail, then use a file carefully. Hottie is pathetic about his nails- fine with anyone but us lol, but I also use heavier dog clippers to do the pups.
Borzois are drama queens- I have found they do better with someone else- stupid but true- their attitude is " take my foot off- go ahead" with anyone else.. lol.. My vet charges me 5 dollars a dog- I take them every 3 weeks as a walk in.. No fuss- no muss and its over with...

[Catlady711]

FYI - In case you cut a nail too short and don't have any styptic around, you can use cornstarch or flour.

Clippers- at work we have several types of nail clippers.
1) The 'guillotein' (sp?) type - works for avg. nails, doesn't work for severely curled nails, nails close to the pad, or really thick nails. Tends to leave a sharp 'tab' or causes splitting when the blade needs changing.

2) A pair of 'wire cutter' type - works great on very curled or close to the pad nails, but you have to be careful with them not to accidentally nick the pet.

3) a pair of I don't know what you call them - It looks like THIS and works great if you don't know how much to trim off. It has a 'stopper' on it so you can only trim off a small amount of nail. Does a great job on thick nails.

For my cats at home I use one of two things...

1) A human toenail clipper (the big plier type ones with an open curved blade) - I use that one on the big kitties.

2) A baby regular toenail clipper - works terrific for kitten nails.

[DrKym]

Can you file it? I use a heavy duty double sided emery board (the kind made for acrylic nails) on Goof between trips to the groomer. Just a thought.

[cyber-sibes]

It looks like THIS and works great if you don't know how much to trim off. It has a 'stopper' on it so you can only trim off a small amount of nail. Does a great job on thick nails.

That's the one I have. I'm new at clipping nails but the stopper makes me more comfortable about not cutting off too much. So far, so good. Except that Sherman freaks out when you touch his one paw he broke a toe on. Of course, that's the one that needs cutting. My huskies' claws seem pretty thick, but they trimmed easily.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

3) a pair of I don't know what you call them - It looks like THIS.....

This is what I used when I clipped nails (now my dogs get their's dremeled). I never used the stopper thing as I didn't need to, but I think it's probably good for people who are nervous and such.

[Freedom]

Great, thanks everybody.

I took Sugar in where she will be groomed, but of course didn't take her rabies cert, and since she hasn't been there yet, they couldn't do it. I bought those clippers in Catlady's photo, the ones with the stopper. I should be all set. The woman there today (not the one we have the appt. with) also showed me teh quick on the two nails where I couldn't find it. HAving done the cats for so long, I think I can do this now. Thanks for all your help!

Sandra

[Giselle]

If you ever have trouble seeing the quick, you can take a toothbrush or a paper towel and clean the dirt off the nail. Then, you can shine a flashlight through the nail and you should be able to find the quick in most less-than-black nails.