Trimming Nails!
Trimming nails is an important part of keeping your Chihuahua healthy and happy. Lets start with the problems that can occur when nails are not trimmed or not trimmed often enough.
Not trimming your dog's nails can cause pain when the dog walks and if left long for too long, could cause irreversible damage. When the nails get a certain length, they start to curve outward. This causes the foot to splay out and the bones in the toes are at a different angle, which cause pain every time the dog walks(picture below).
Clipping at the "alternative angle" helps the quick recede without quicking the dog and causing pain(picture below). The best method to getting the quick to recede and keeping the nail short is to use a dremel to grind the nail slowly and gently. With grinders it’s not as easy to get into the quick. When you grind close to the quick, the dog will let you know it so you can stop. With clippers, you can instantly cut the quick and it’s too late.
A lot of people say that their Chihuahua doesn't like to have its nails clipped, so they let them get long and stay long. There are several methods to getting a dog used to clippers or dremels. You have to start slow by just touching and messing with their feet/toes. Every time you touch the dog's foot give them a treat. After much repetition, the dog will associate getting their foot touched/held with getting food. Eventually you will start touching the dogs foot with the clippers/dremel instead of your hand and give a treat right after. When the dog is comfortable with its feet being handled and being around the clippers/dremel, you can cut a nail and immediately give a treat. Work slowly and be patient, it will be worth it!
If you cannot work with your dog to get it used to having its nails cut, or really do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, take your dog to a groomer! Groomers are more than willing to help people with their dog's nails. Usually it cost $5-$10 for a groomer to cut your dog's nails, and some do it for free! Groomers love when people try to keep their dog healthy and happy, and don't mind helping!
Not trimming your dog's nails can cause pain when the dog walks and if left long for too long, could cause irreversible damage. When the nails get a certain length, they start to curve outward. This causes the foot to splay out and the bones in the toes are at a different angle, which cause pain every time the dog walks(picture below).
Clipping at the "alternative angle" helps the quick recede without quicking the dog and causing pain(picture below). The best method to getting the quick to recede and keeping the nail short is to use a dremel to grind the nail slowly and gently. With grinders it’s not as easy to get into the quick. When you grind close to the quick, the dog will let you know it so you can stop. With clippers, you can instantly cut the quick and it’s too late.
A lot of people say that their Chihuahua doesn't like to have its nails clipped, so they let them get long and stay long. There are several methods to getting a dog used to clippers or dremels. You have to start slow by just touching and messing with their feet/toes. Every time you touch the dog's foot give them a treat. After much repetition, the dog will associate getting their foot touched/held with getting food. Eventually you will start touching the dogs foot with the clippers/dremel instead of your hand and give a treat right after. When the dog is comfortable with its feet being handled and being around the clippers/dremel, you can cut a nail and immediately give a treat. Work slowly and be patient, it will be worth it!
If you cannot work with your dog to get it used to having its nails cut, or really do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, take your dog to a groomer! Groomers are more than willing to help people with their dog's nails. Usually it cost $5-$10 for a groomer to cut your dog's nails, and some do it for free! Groomers love when people try to keep their dog healthy and happy, and don't mind helping!