Harmony Housecalls

Veterinary Services

Nail Trimming

** Click through the photos to see cat nail trimming as well, and the "cat care" page for more information and links specific to cats.

There are a few different tools that can be used to trim your pets nails:

Clippers of many different kinds are available and people have different preferences. Sturdy, good quality clippers with sharp blades are essential.

The most important thing to remember is to not take too much at a time, this helps to avoid cutting the "quick" which is the blood supply to the nail. Keeping styptic powder on hand, flour or corn starch in a pinch, can stop the bleeding if a nail is clipped too short. The bleeding usually stops quickly.

Our dog photos show the use of a battery operated dremel tool (which runs at a slower speed). This keeps the nails from having sharp edges (which can also be filed). Care must be taken when using the dremel to keep it continually moving lightly over the nail tip. Staying in one place too long can cause that spot to heat up and can damage the tissues below. The fur on long-haired dogs can catch in the spinning file. Carefully trim the hair first or use a clipper instead for them. Dremels are not recommended for cat nails.

*Removing small amounts of nail regularly (every 1-2 weeks) helps to avoid the quick and keeps the nail from growing too long. Some active animals keep their nails at a good length just by running around outside.

If you would like some help in learning to trim your pets nails, that can be done at your next veterinary visit.

** For more information on trimming cat nails, here is a link to the catvets website and a nice video from Cornell.

Nail Trimming

Trimming the nails with the animal in a relaxed posture helps prevent stress and
helps the process go smoother. Keep the time spent on each nail to a minimum.

Here a battery-operated dremel tool is used to slowly file the tips of the nails, this keeps them smoother and less likely to scratch our skin. Care must be used with the dremel to always keep it moving to different areas as heat necrosis can occur if used forcefully in one spot. Let me know if you would like a demonstration at your next visit.

Using plenty of treats makes it a positive experience for you and your pet.

Find a comfy position. This may not be the favorite of every cat, but Siri likes it.

Sometimes you can catch them when they're sleepy.

Often cat nails are clear and you can easily see the "quick" or blood supply to avoid it.

Just remove the sharp tips and as you feel more comfortable you can take a bit more, but never too close to the quick.

Make it a relaxed and positive experience.

Most importantly, keep it relaxed. Use lots of treats if that helps, and don't try to do all the nails at once. If you can successfully do 1 or 2 nails without a struggle, that's great, come back and do more after a break or another day.