nails

[ang]

ok I need to know how to clip my pups nails.I also have a blue heeler that needs cliped
I have never done this before and need to know all the how tos <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm28.gif" border=0> how short how often all that stuff <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm1.gif" border=0>
Ang

[OwnedByChaucer]

You need a doggie nail clipper, and you need to be careful not to cut the quick. On some dachsies, you can see where the nail changes color, and you can actually SEE the quick. On others, the nail is all dark, and it's very hard to know where to clip.

You want to clip right at the curve-under point. With puppies, it's important to not go too short and clip more frequently, cuz once you zing them they will always be resistant to nail clipping.

If you are going to do it yourslef--make sure you have Quickstop with you, incase you cut too short.

Frankly, my chocolate/tan baby has real dark nails, so I leave his nail cutting to my friend who is a vet tech. You can have it done for $5-$10 at most places that offer grooming so if you are faint of heart, that might be a good option. Also, if you are going to do it yourself, the pup may be wiggly so you may need a second set of hands to hold the paws still.

It is very important to keep the nail clipped, as if they aren't, eventually they will begin to curl under, and eventually will dig into the puppy's pads on his feet, which, I'm sure you can imagine doesn't make for happy puppy feet.

[ang]

<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm24.gif" border=0> Got to go back to the vet next week think I will let them do it and show me how
Thanks
Ang

[Penny's Aunt]

Puppies are the easiest nails to cut. You will notice that the nail has a thick base & a narrower tip. Just cut off all the narrow part, but not past where the nail immediately gets thicker. This applies to both dark & light nails.

Light adult dog nails are fairly easy too, since you can often see the quick (the vein). Just don't cut that high.

Dark nails are the worst, but if you go carefully, you can do it. The trick is to cut a little at a time. Keep an eye on the CENTER of the toenail. As soon as you see a darker spot in the middle, you are approaching the quick, so it's time to stop, even if the nail still seems too long.

If your dog is just on carpet & grass most of the time, his nails may get too long for you to do a proper job. If you cut as high as you dare, & they are still 'way too long, your vet can shorten them. Usually, it is best done when they are asleep for something else, like dental work, or emergency repair. The vet can cut the nails short (he is cutting into the quick - you CANNOT do this yourself), & he will instantly stop the bleeding with a preparation just for that. When the dogs awake, they never seem to notice that anything has been done, no favoring paws, or licking, etc. But it can't be done without anesthesia.