Trimming Your Pets Nails for Their Health and Wellbeing

Most pet owners do basic care for their pets. For example bathing and brushing their hair. However, many pet owners are unaware that clipping their pets nails is also very important to an animals health and well being. Below are some steps to help make it easy to clip your pets nails. To start out only do one step a day so that your pet can ease into it.

1. Get your dogs used to the clippers. Let them smell the clippers and see them. If you just start clipping the pet may get scared of the clippers and this will lead to a bad experience.
2. Take the clippers and touch each paw. This will get them used to the clippers being next to their paws. Make sure to praise your pet for the good behavior.
3. Put the clippers next to each paw and pretend to clip. This will allow the dog to hear the noise of the clippers and be aware that it is by its paw.
4. Repeat step two to remind them that the clippers go near the paw.
5. Trim just a tiny piece of one nail. Even if the pet allows you to do it with no problem you should still only do one nail. Each day increase and do one extra nail until you have all of the nails clipped. Be sure to praise your dog and give them a treat each day so they know they are doing a great job.
6. If you find your pet is still a little nervous  you can pretend to clip their nails even when they do not need it so they will become more familiar and less scared of the clippers.

Below are 3 main reasons to clip your pets nails:

• Mobility - If your pets nails are too long it will make it difficult for them to walk or run. This can cause them to become what is called a "lazy pet". Becoming a lazy pet can in turn cause other health problems.
• Health - Long nails can crack and cause infections in the foot or even the leg. They can also cause a lot of pain for your pet and your evening walks become painful instead of joyful.
• Bonding - Taking the time to trim your pets nails will help create a bond of trust for you and your pet. When an animal trusts you it will be easier to trim their nails. This will eliminate the pressure to clip the nails fast and you will become relaxed. Remember a pet can sense your mood and will react to that.

Rewards: Positive reinforcement go a long way for good behavior.

The Groomy Team - We hope this information was helpful.