Nail Care for the Terrier

Cutting your terrier’s nails can be a very big challenge! Improperly cutting the nails can cause your pet pain which can be very traumatic both to him as well as you.

Getting your dog accustomed to having his feet touched at an early age will be a great help when it comes time to trim his nails. You can do this by petting them, holding them, and gently tugging on them. This will allow your terrier to feel more secure and trusting when it comes time to cut his nails.

There are a couple methods you can use to trim your terrier’s nails, you can choose to use the traditional canine clipper method or the filing method.

The Clipper Method

If you choose to trim your terrier’s nails with clippers you will need a pair of canine nail clippers, a flashlight, a flat surface, about waist high and good lighting.

Avoid cutting the pink part of the nail called the quick which can cause pain and bleeding. Some dog’s have white nails making it easy to see the quick. If your dog’s nails are black, use a flashlight under the nail to help see where the quick ends, and start off by slowly trimming from the top. You should cut your dog’s nail from the underneath cutting toward the top, also you should be sure to make a smooth quick cut holding the clippers steady.

Even the most experienced clipper will occasionally cut too short and cause bleeding, if this happens – Hold a piece of tissue on your dog’s nail for a few seconds or until the bleeding has stopped. Most pet stores sell products that will also help stop the bleeding.

The Filing Method

If you choose to use the filing method, there are many products available now that allow you to file your dog’s nails down a little at a time. The benefits of this method are little to no pain, as there is no danger in cutting the quick. However this can also be more time consuming. I would only recommend using this method as regular maintenance and not if the nails have been allowed to grow very long. Some of these products such as the Pedi-Cure, Pedipaws and Pedizoom are available for sale online or at larger pet supply stores such as Pet Smart or Petco.

To maintain a reasonable and comfortable length you should cut your dog’s nails at least once a month.

Don’t be affraid to ask for help!

Last, but not least – Don’t be affraid to ask someone who has some experience with dog nail care for some guidance if you are unsure. Be it your vet, groomer or friends. It is always better for both you and your dog to ask the questions beforehand!