Believe it or not, many dogs do not mind having their nails trimmed, especially if you begin trimming their nails every two weeks or so from the time they are puppies.

Trimming your pet's nails is important because nails that are too long can make walking or running uncomfortable for your pet. In addition to trimming nails for health reasons, a pet's blunt nail tips are less likely to hurt you or your furniture.

Generally, dogs need their nails clipped frequently. If you hear a scratching noise as your pet walks across a bare floor, his nails are too long. Never use scissors to trim your dog's nails.

Use an appropriate strength nail clipper that you can get at a pet store. Trim only the end of the nail, at the point where it begins to curve downward. And trim only small amounts at a time, so that you're less likely to cut the "quick" of the nail which contains the nerves and blood supply. If you accidentally cut into the quick, use a gauze pad with slight pressure until the bleeding stops.

Don't forget to reward your dog when you are done!

Posted by Paula.