Step-by-step process
1. When considering how to cut dogs’ nails, choose a time when your dog is relaxed, such as after a walk/playtime or after a meal. Do not choose a time when they are very excitable, such as before a meal or before they have had any exercise.
2. Lay your towel out under or in front of your dog so it is positioned to catch any falling nails.
3. Lift your dog’s paw and gently press the pad. This will release your dog’s nails.
4. Gently position the nail clipper around a nail. Take your time with this. A dog’s nail has a white part (which is the ‘dead’ nail) and then a slightly pinkish part that has all the nerves and blood vessels. It is important to not cut this tender part, so make sure you have positioned the nail clipper properly. It may be harder to judge the tender part and the dead nail on dogs with black nails when cutting dogs’ nails. In this case, only clip as little of the nail as possible.
5. Gently press down on the clipper and cut the nail. Reward your dog with a treat if they have been good and not moved or flinched during the process.
6. Move onto the next nail, treating your dog each time you clip a nail and offering them plenty of praise.
7. If you accidently cut the live part of the nail with all the blood vessels, the nail may bleed. Do not panic. Simply wipe off the blood and cover the nail. If the bleeding does not stop, take your dog to the vet.