One of the most important chores when grooming your pet, is definitely the trimming of the nails
One of the most important chores when grooming your pet, is definitely the trimming of the nails. Pet owners with wooden floors are likely to hear the long nails on their pet very clearly, as they tick, tick, tick when they walk. This usually means more than an irritating noise, it also means the time has come to groom your pet and trim his nails. Trimming of the nails is very important since they can be painful on your pet when he walks, and in some cases they can prove to be dangerous and cause unfortunate accidents, either on purpose or by mistake. We are not going to even start talking about what long nails in your pet can do for your carpet and furniture.
Professional pet groomers active in the trade use special tools for clipping nails on felines and canines. The trimmer tool must be able to surround the nail completely, never in an angle but straight all around. In order to attempt this at home you must be trained in some aspects of nail clipping. First, you should know how far you can go in relation to length, and where to apply a cut. The secret is to identify the cuticle and not cut into it. There are veins, blood vessels and nerve endings that run part way up the nail. If you should cut into this area by accident, there will be bloodshed and a great deal of pain involved. The case may also be one in which your pet shows some discomfort because your cut was too close to this area.
Animals in general dislike any type of grooming activity and will turn away from it every chance they get. In order to be successful, approach your pet and calmly start caressing him. Create a soothing moment that makes him comfortable, and then slowly pull out his paw and begin caressing it without showing him the clippers. Massage his paw as if you where playing a pet game with him, and then slowly take out the clippers and begin working.
Note that professional groomers clip the nails differently, faster and more efficiently than novice groomers at home. Be aware however, that professional groomers are able to do this by holding down your pet tightly, mostly due to the fact that they are not interested in a relationship with him, and won’t have to see him again tomorrow. You, on the other hand, want to remain being friends with him, thus, you are best advised to take the slow approach.
Let’s face it, for some animals the entire process of clipping the nails is a gruesome experience. Your pet may react violently, and try to hurt himself or the person doing the grooming. If for any reason you are hesitant about trimming nails on your pet, thing about getting help before trying anything. Ask your veterinarian for advice, and let him decide whether you are ready for the job or not.