How to trim the pomeranian claws at home?
When a funny fluffy dog of the Spitz breed appears in the house, the whole family rejoices. After all, this animal charges households with energy, gives an excellent mood for the whole day. However, only a healthy dog can give joy, and the main task of the owner is to preserve the health of his pet. One of the most important stages in keeping a Spitz is claw cutting. This procedure performs not only aesthetic, but also health-improving functions.
Why cut your claws?
Regrown long, unkempt claws in a dog can become a source of serious diseases. Infections, growths, pustules - all this lies in wait for a spitz with uncut claws. At the same time, long claws cause serious discomfort to such a mobile and energetic dog, they affect its gait, disrupt posture and general muscle tone.
In addition, an active Pomeranian in the house often becomes a companion of any children's games. And its long claws can seriously injure a small owner. Timely cutting of nails will protect not only the skin of the owner, but also the surface of the furniture.
Not everyone is serious about clipping their nails. Some owners do not see this as necessary, citing arguments that, for example, no one cares for the claws of a stray dog, and its paws are in good condition. Meanwhile, in nature, animals, including stray dogs, grind their claws on asphalt, trees and other hard surfaces. The domestic Spitz does not have such an opportunity, and therefore the owner must monitor the condition of his claws.
Too long claws interfere with the dog when walking, her fingers hurt, hair grows between them, a subcutaneous tick or fungus occurs... All this leads to the fact that the dog begins to bite off its own nails on its own. Seeing this behavior, the owner should take the pet to the veterinarian. The fact is that biting claws is typical not only for animals with long claws, but also for dogs that have got parasites.
The veterinarian will conduct a competent examination, name the exact reason for this behavior, prescribe appropriate treatment and carry out paw hygiene and clipping.
Nail structure
Before you start cutting a claw, you should study the structure of this part of the body. It is very important not to touch the pulp during the cutting process; it contains nerve and blood vessels. If you injure this part, then the dog will experience pain, bleeding will begin. That's why the process must be done very carefully... In dogs of light color, the pulp layer is clearly visible and it is almost impossible to confuse it, but in dark-haired varieties it is quite problematic to distinguish the border.
It is recommended to examine the nail in dark-colored Spitz from the bottom side. For this, it is better to turn the dog on its back. In this position, the line between the claw and the pulp is better visible. Often, when cutting, a dark spot can be seen at the edge of the trimmed surface. This indicates that the blood vessels are close and should not be cut off.
If the procedure is carried out regularly, the pulp will gradually move, and over time it will be easier to trim the claws.
Preparation
The clipping procedure is not that difficult. It is not necessary to take the dog to the veterinarian or groomer and provoke stressful situations for it once again. You can also cut your claws at home. Perhaps the first time the animal will be scared, but over time it will get used to it. Correctly carried out the process will not give the dog painful sensations.
It is best to start grooming your puppy at a young age. Usually, the procedure is performed twice a month. For animals that walk for a long time and often, you can reduce the number. In winter, it is recommended to cut the claws more often, as the snow prevents the dogs from grinding their claws on the asphalt.
When preparing for a haircut, you will need:
- a nail clipper, you can buy it at a pet store or veterinary clinic;
- file;
- hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate and baby powder;
- cotton buds;
- optional varnish.
How do I trim my nails?
The process of claw cutting itself consists of the following stages.
- Place the dog in a well-lit area so that it is not scared and you feel comfortable.
- Take the pet by the paw, lightly press on the pad, then the dog will show its claws.
- Determine the border where the pulp begins, it is darker than the rest of the claw.
- Trim the tip of the claw without touching the pulp. There should be 2 mm to the border with the living area.
- Pay special attention to the lateral fingers, on them the claws practically do not grind off on their own and therefore especially need a haircut.
- If the vessels are still touched, then the claw will begin to bleed. In this case, carefully treat the paw with peroxide, moisten a cotton swab in potassium permanganate or dip it in powder and press it against the injured surface. In the near future, make sure that the dog does not get this paw wet.
- File the claws for smoothness.
- Paint your nails as desired.
Recommendations
Check out some additional tips for trimming your pomeranian's claws.
- For the first time, it is recommended to carry out the procedure together. Let one person, familiar to the dog, hold the dog, and the second performs the procedure directly.
- While cutting, talk affectionately with your pet, praise him for his patience, iron and scratch behind the ear.
- After the session, treat your pet to a treat. The next time the dog will know that after such an uncomfortable procedure, it will be rewarded, and will not be so scared.
For information on how to trim the pomeranian claws at home, see the next video.