I think I’m pretty safe in saying that most pets don’t like having their nails trimmed!

 jane-bernard-logo  But unless your pet walks on pavement every day so its nails wear down on their own, he or she probably needs a nail trim once or twice a month.

   While you’re doing the trimming, the key is to stay calm and relaxed. Be firm but positive. And give your pet praise and plenty of treats.

   Here are a few tips:

   — Handling the paws: Help your pet become accustomed to having its paws handled. It’s best to start when he/she is a puppy or kitten. Touch the paws and toes gently. If your pet is older, try starting out with a belly rub and work your way down to the paws. Although your pet may not require trimming twice monthly, checking nails every week or two will help to keep him or her used to having paws handled.

   – Nail trimming tools: You will need sharp nail trimmers designed for pets. There are two types of trimmers: guillotine style and scissors style. Guillotine-style trimmers have a hole at the top where the nail is inserted and a blade cuts in both directions. Scissor-style trimmers cut in both directions.

   – Restraint: It is always helpful to have someone to hold your pet. Overall, the less restraint, the better; heavy restraint often stresses the pet and encourages struggling. Some dogs will endure nail trims while standing on a table; others are more comfortable lying on their sides. With cats, gently holding the scruff of the neck may calm them. If your pet is likely to bite when stressed, consider using a muzzle or having the nails trimmed by a professional.

   — Nail anatomy: Each nail has a blood vessel in the center called the quick. If your pet has light-colored nails, the quick will appear pink. You will want to trim the nail just below the end of the quick. If your pet has dark nails, you will not be able to see the quick. You will need to start at the very tip of the nail and make a series of small clips. As you get closer to the quick, a darker circle will start to appear in the center of the nail tip. This tells you that you have reached the quick and it is time to stop.

dog nail

This illustration of a dog's paw shows how you should avoid cutting the quick.

   – If you cut the quick, DON’T PANIC! Even the most experienced nail cutters cut the quick periodically. The nail will bleed a little, but applying styptic powder should make it stop within a minute or two.

   – Unlike dogs, cats have retractable nails. If you hold a cat’s toe between your thumb and forefinger and press down on the top of the toe, the nail will extend from the paw. This will stabilize the nail and help you to see the entire nail.

   – Making the cut: If you are using the guillotine-style trimmer, insert the nail through the hole at the top of the clipper, with the blade below, facing away from the paw. When using a scissors-style trimmer, press down on the handles firmly and decisively.

   – If your pet becomes distressed, take a break. It’s OK to trim only one or two nails at a time. If you’re still uncomfortable, ask a professional, like a veterinary technician or groomer, to demonstrate the procedure to you.

   Paws till next time — Jane

   JANE BERNARD is director of the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter. Visit the shelter at 2855 W. Ind. 2. Hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Or call 326-1637 or visit http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IN89.html.