5 Great Pieces of Dog Clothing for Spring

The Spring season inspires you and your pet to trek through the great outdoors or just enjoy an extra hour at the park, you can spiff up your pooch’s look with a new piece of clothing. Whether your canine needs a protective piece of gear or a snazzy shirt, the right apparel can add comfort and style to his warm weather excursions. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite pieces of dog clothing for spring to help your pet feel cozy and look chic all season long.

Ruff Wear

If your dog is hitting the outdoors in wet and windy spring weather, try the K-9 Overcoat from Ruff Wear. Made with recycled materials, this well-constructed coat allows for generous freedom of movement for your active pet and has reflective piping for extra visibility. And the durable overcoat is also a snap to clean.

EcoPup

A stylish shirt that’s also environmentally conscious, the Recycled Benny Polo from Eco-Pup uses 100% reclaimed cotton from “people clothing” to create a classic, comfy garment. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, and for the retail price – under $20 during some online sales – this machine-washable shirt is also a good bargain.

Snuggie

If spring seasonal weather brings more rain than sunshine to your neck of the woods, help your canine stay cozy with the Snuggie for Dogs from As Seen on TV. The comfortable garment attaches at several different settings to help you achieve the right fit, and the insulated fabric did not cause our tester dog irritation during outdoor walks.

Doggles

Functional as well as fun, Doggles Protective Eyewear for Dogs offer your pooch’s pupils 100% UV protection from the sun’s rays as the weather warms up. And these shatterproof lenses – used by military and other working dogs – also give your canine’s eyes a buffer against the dust, sand, and dirt that can be kicked up during an active outdoor exercise session.

Paws Aboard

Dress your dog in an irresistible piece of spring apparel that can also be a literal lifesaver – the Doggy Life Jacket from Paws Aboard. This protective jacket features a top handle to allow you to grab your dog quickly during emergencies, as well as reflective strips for additional safety. And the jacket is available in a range of eye-catching prints for the discerning dog.

Spring Pet Health Tips

1. Toxic Food

With Easter and Passover coming up, certain health hazards present themselves to our pets. Easter lilies and chocolate are toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets and ingestion can lead to serious health problems. If you use raisins in your Passover Seder, use caution, as grapes and raisins are also toxic to our pets.

2. Riding in the Car

Other hazards present themselves as Spring approaches and the warm weather comes. Many of us love to open our windows and enjoy the fresh air, but our pets are at risk or falling or jumping out of windows or through screens, especially mischievous cats! Many dogs love riding in the car with the window down, but we need to be careful that they can’t escape, jump, or get bugs or other objects in their eyes or ears. They should also be secured in the car with special harnesses to prevent injuries if there is an accident or sudden stop—they should be buckled in just like their human counterparts.

3. Spring Cleaning

Other favorite Spring activities that may be hazardous to our pets include Spring cleaning and home improvement project. Many cleaning chemicals, paints, nails, tools, and other things can be very dangerous to our pets if we don’t take proper precautions to ensure their safety. Pets should be kept away from all chemicals and other hazards during these projects, as they are not handy helpers. Many of us also take pride in our yard and gardens, but we must remember that many of the fertilizers and other garden products that are good for our lawns and plants are not good for our furry friends—not to mention that some of our favorite springtime plants like rhododendron, azaleas, and many others are very toxic or even fatal to our furry friends.

4. Dog Allergies

With these flowers and other changes in weather, both human and animal allergies can flare up, and pet allergies can be as minor as sniffling and as serious and anaphylactic shock, just like in humans, so don’t forget to visit your veterinarian if you suspect that you pet may have a springtime allergy. Now that spring time this here, have you noticed you dog itching and scratching more than usual?  He may be one of the many dogs suffering from allergies.  Like humans, dogs can be allergic to many different things reading from food to pollens to dust mites.  Around 10% of allergic dogs are allergic to food and the other 90% are allergic to something in the environments termed atopy.

Atopy dogs, commonly scratch at their sides, neck, face and feet.  Allergies can make them more susceptible to skin infections from bacteria, yeast, or even mites so they can have rashes are other visible changes to their skin and coats.  Some dogs have seasonal allergies while others tend to itch year round. Also similarly to humans, there is no miracle cure for allergies.  First any infection must be treated adequately.  For the atopy dog, many times combination therapies must be used to make them as comfortable as possible.

Some available therapies include omega three fatty acids supplements, anti-histamines, shampoos, and avoiding known allergens. Steroids are sometimes used to put out the fire during a flare up, but due to side effects they are not good for long-term therapy.  Cyclosporine is a medication that can be used long term to manage severe allergies.  Dog’s can also be skin tested and started on specific allergy shots, like humans, to desensitize them to the allergens.

If your pup seems itchy this season, take some time and talk to your veterinarian for more information

Spring Had Sprung

Spring has sprung! Officially Spring started yesterday, but to me it feels like a lie. Do you want to know why? Well, it is because I live in Jackson Hole, WY, and when I look outside my window I can distinctly see at least 2 feet of snow on the ground. Plus, when that snow finally decides to melt my entire yard will become mud; and what does mud mean? Mud means that I will be desperately trying to keep the dogs out of it; because who really wants to wash their muddy dogs every day?

Anyway back to the point-Warmer weather means plenty of outdoor time for you and your pooch. And while it’s fun to play outside, a simple game of fetch could have serious health consequences if your pup is not adequately protected from fleas and ticks.

Fleas and ticks are more than just a pesky nuisance. In addition to transmitting disease, (Bubonic Plaque, anyone?) fleas are also the top allergen that affects dogs each year, leading to painful itching, scratching and secondary skin infections. Ticks carry a variety of serious illnesses, including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. And a shorter, warmer winter in many parts of the country means that ticks are back with a vengeance this spring.

Many pet owners are worried about harmful side effects from medicated flea and tick prevention. Pouring toxic chemicals onto your pets skin is not exactly eco-friendly (or healthy for your pooch). If you’d prefer not to use sprays, pills or injections, a combination of vigilance and natural treatments can still be effective preventives.

Follow these tips to keep your pets flea-free and active all spring and summer long!

1. Check your pet. Keep fleas and ticks from entering your home by regularly checking your dog. Have your pooch stand over a white towel and run a fine toothcomb through your pup’s fur. If any fleas are present, they’ll fall right off and appear as black specs on the towel. Ticks will continue to cling to your pup’s fur, however, so you’ll need to remove any with sterilized tweezers.

2. Repel fleas and ticks with essential oils. Mother Nature’s essential oils like citronella, tea tree and wintergreen are a gentle, non-toxic way to repel unwelcome critters. After a bath, add a drop of lavender, lemon, peppermint or citronella to your pup’s skin right behind the neck. Lavender, as well as lemon and geranium, is also an effective tick repellant.

3. Make your own herbal flea powder. Combine equal parts powdered eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, fennel, yellow dock and pennyroyal into a salt shaker. Run your hand backwards through your pup’s fur, sparingly shaking on the powder. Don’t miss the neck or belly! Let your pooch run outside afterwards so any unwanted critters fall off in the yard and not in your home.

4. Choose low-toxic sprays. Sprays and powders containing pyrethrins or natural pyrethrum are the least toxic repellant to use on pets. Read labels carefully!

5. Vacuum, bathe, repeat. When it comes to battling bugs, it’s all about vigilance! Regularly vacuuming carpets and rugs, bathing your pooch, and washing linens is the best way to keep fleas and ticks out of your home. Before you vacuum, sprinkle baking soda on the carpets to help soak up any unpleasant doggy odors.

Puppies 101

Bringing a new puppy into your home will change your life forever. Puppies are definitely a lot of work, but the also bring plenty of joy to your world. Whether you are getting your first puppy or just need a refresher course, this is what you’ll need to know. From welcoming your new puppy home, to training and health information, these tips will help you get your puppy on the right track to adulthood.

Choosing the Right Puppy

Photo by China Photos/Getty Images

If the time is right for you to add a new puppy to your family, that is wonderful news! Sometimes, your future companion finds you. He comes into your life by chance, and in an instant you feel that connection. You know he is the one. However, it does not always happen like that. Often, you must take on the important task of going out and finding the right kind of puppy for you. First, you need to examine your lifestyle and consider what you are looking for in a puppy. Pure breed or mix? Big or small? Other factors include grooming and exercise needs, temperament and potential health issues. Research and patience are essential at this point. When you have found the right puppy, you will know you have a friend for life.

More Info

Getting your Home Ready for Puppy

Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Before you bring home your cute little fuzzball, you need to puppy-proof your home. This process is similar to toddler-proofing a home, but there are differences. Get an idea of the puppy-eye-view of your home. Electrical cords, potential toxins, and breakable items should be placed completely out of reach. Remember that your puppy can jump, climb, chew and scratch, so place what you can very high up or in a locked cabinet. “Child-safe” latches do not tend to work on curious and determined puppies. It’s best to secure cabinets and drawers with locks or metal hardware. Basically, it should be chew-proof and require opposable thumbs to operate. Proper puppy-proofing not only keeps your puppy safe, it also gives you peace of mind.

More Info

Naming Your Puppy

Photo © Andy Lyons/Getty Images

As your puppy joins the family, the all-important job of naming this new addition is a priority. Obviously, you will be using your dog’s name constantly throughout his life, so your choice should be a wise one. Pick something that has a nice ring to it and is not too long. It should be easy to say and simple for your puppy to understand. You may want to name your puppy something that describes his personality or appearance. Or, you may want something very unique. Check out some name suggestionsto help your decision. Once you have chosen a name, use it plenty. Before long, your puppy will learn his name and respond to it.

More Info

Must-have Puppy Supplies

Photo © Cynthia Vawter

Your new puppy will need certain items from the very start. Some are essential for your pup’s well-being, while others are quite helpful. Most important items include a leash and collar with identification, food and water bowls, and chew toys. You should also get a nice dog bed and, preferably, a crate or kennel. Some if these items can last as your puppy ages, but bear in mind that most of them will need to be replaced when your puppy grows. Collars may be adjustable to a certain point. A kennel can be purchased in a larger size for the future, but should be blocked off with boxes or other objects to make it the right size for the puppy. Be prepared for the expenses associated with dog ownership so you can budget accordingly.

More Info

Choosing your Puppy’s Food

Photo © sanjoyg on Flickr

Your puppy’s diet can make all the difference in his future health and well-being. Before you decide on a puppy food, do your research. Talk to your vet, other pet professionals, and fellow dog owners. Remember that if the food you initially choose does not meet your expectations, you can gradually switch to another food. In today’s dog-friendly world, the choices of diet seem endless. Some owners like to feed premium foods, while many feel that holistic/naturaldiets are best. However, homemade and raw diets are becoming increasingly popular. While researching puppy food, consider the quality of the ingredients, inclusion of proper nutrients, and taste. Basically, the food should be good for your puppy and he should like eating it.

More Info

Keeping Your Puppy Healthy

Photo by Getty Images

Preferably, you will find a veterinarian before you get a puppy. Within a few days of taking your new puppy home, you should bring him to your vet for a general exam. Your vet can help identify any potential heath issues early on, and advise you on caring for your puppy long-term. This initial visit also opens the doors of communication with you and your vet. Over the course of your puppy’s first six months, you will see a lot of your vet. This begins with vaccines and usually leads to spay or neuter. Typically, puppies should be spayed or neutered around six months of age. To help keep your puppy’s expenses down, you may consider purchasing pet health insurance, which could cover up to 80% of your dog’s health care costs.

More Info

Puppy Vaccinations

Photo by China Photos / Getty Images

The puppy vaccination series is one of the most important aspects of your puppy’s early life. Vaccinating pets has been a controversial subject for years. Many people worry that we are over-vaccinating out pets, possibly putting them at risk for auto-immune issues and vaccine reactions. That’s part of the reason many vets are moving towards a three-year protocol (rather than annual) for adult dogs. However, when it comes to puppies it’s a different story. Just like human babies, puppies (and kittens) need basic immunizations at the very least. Plus, the vaccine visits allow your vet to examine your puppy every few weeks and monitor his growth and overall health. Talk to your vet about the best immunization schedule for your puppy.

More Info

Housebreaking your New Puppy

Photo © Jodi Mallory

Housebreaking is one of the first things you will teach your new puppy. This process can sometimes be quite arduous, though some puppies catch on earlier than others. You should begin house-training as soon as you bring your puppy home, but it takes patience. Puppies are generally not able to control their bladders and bowels until about 12 weeks of age. If your puppy is younger than this, just be patient. Starting early can help get your puppy on a routine. As he grows and develops control over his bodily functions, he will already know what to do. As a general rule, you should take your puppy to the designated “potty spot” immediately after eating or drinking. However, accidents happen – so be prepared, consistent and patient.

More Info

Basic Puppy Training and Socialization

Photo © Holly and Craig Southcott

Beyond housebreaking, there are many more things you will need to teach your dog. Start by working on socialization. Leash training will set the stage for teaching basic commands, like sit, come and stay. These basic commands can help you curb some behavior problems. Just remember that puppies are curious, active and teething. They put everything in their mouths, including your hands! Work with this by replacing the inappropriate object with an acceptable chew toy. Distract your dog from mischievous behavior by offering something more pleasing, like a game, walk or other activity. Reward your puppy with treats and/or praise for shifting his attention. Puppy training can be a challenge, but the outcome will make your efforts worthwhile.

More Info

Bonding With Your Puppy

Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

The bond you have with your puppy begins the moment he comes into your life and never stops growing. You can nurture this bond though affection, training, grooming, playtime, general exercise and participation in various activities. You may want to join an obedience class, start training in dog sports like agility and flyball, or participate in dog shows. One of the kindest ways to bond with your dog and allow your dog to bond with others is to get involved with pet therapy. If your puppy is right for therapy, he can begin training to visit people in hospitals and nursing homes or help children to read and learn. Strengthening and preserving the human-canine bond benefits the health and well-being of both you and your puppy.

Labradoodle Facts

Labradoodle Facts and Information

Height: 12″-26″ (Miniature, Medium and Standard sizes)

Weight: 20-75 pounds (Miniature, Medium and Standard sizes)

Colors: White, cream, tan, coffee, chocolate, red, and black

Best features: Kid-friendly, clever, friendly, non-shedding, hypoallergenic

Jobs for Labradoodles: Guide dog, Assistance dog, Therapy dog & many more!

---

A Labradoodle is a mixed-breed dog, the product of breeding a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Labradoodles were originally bred in Australia, and like the Goldendoodle, are a perfect solution for challenged folks needing a companion that wouldn’t agitate their allergies, the Labradoodle’s non-shedding coat has made them a family favorite since their appearance in the early 1990′s. The Labradoodle is now its own self-sustaining breed, however the AKC has not recognized the Labradoodle as an offficial breed yet.

About Allergies

Proper Labradoodles are non-shedding, so if you and/or your family members are allergic to dog hair, you may have found the perfect pet (aside from fish!). If your family has more severe hair allergies, a backcross Labradoodle (F1-B) might be the answer for you. Clancy Aussie Doodles breeds hypoallergenic and non-shedding Australian Labradoodles, and is here to find you the perfect dog for your family!

Size

Most adult Labradoodles fit within the ranges below:

Standard Labradoodle
	Female	Male
Height	22-26 inches	22-26 inches
Weight	45-60 pounds	55-75 pounds

Medium Labradoodle
	Female	Male
Height	18-21 inches	18-21 inches
Weight	35-50 pounds	45-55 pounds

Miniature Labradoodle
	Female	Male
Height	14-17 inches	14-17 inches
Weight	25-40 pounds	35-55 pounds

Color

You will find Labradoodles in a wider range of colors than Goldendoodles: white, cream, tan, coffee, chocolate, red, or black.

Coat

Labradoodle’s coats are either the fleecy shag, or a soft wooly Poodle-curl. Their coat is typically full and soft and  grows to be a 4″-7″ coat.

Temperament

Labradoodles have the best of their parents’ temperament. They are devoted, playful, obedient, kid-friendly and clever like both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Very easy to train, Labradoodles are social and enjoy the company of people and other dogs. They’re comfortable with either city or country life, as long as they have your good company.

Care

Moderate exercise is sufficient for a Labradoodle, likely of a daily fetch game with a long walk. Grooming is a rare task. A longer-haired Labradoodle will need a good brushing once or twice a week, but a shorter-haired or clipped Labradoodle will only need brushing twice a month.

Health Concerns

As a mixed breed dog, Labradoodles are healthier than either of their parents, aren’t prone to any canine diseases of major concern, and have a life expectancy of 13-15 years.

CHD, PRA, vonWillebrands Disease (vWD), elbow and patella disorders are possible, and breeders commonly test for hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease and vWD.

We love our Labradoodles, and we at Clancy Aussie Doodles hope you will find out what an amazing breed this is!

Normal Body Temperature for Dogs

Question: What is a dog’s normal body temperature?

Answer: The normal body temperature for a dog falls within the range of 100.5°F to 102.5°F (about 38°C to 39.2°C).If your dog’s temperature is outside of this range, you should contact your veterinarian. Body temperature over 104°F or under 99°F indicates an emergency situation.

In general, the most accurate way to measure a dog’s body temperature is rectally. However, some ear thermometers made especially for dog’s ears can be considered somewhat accurate. In a pinch, temperature can be measured in the axillary region (underarm) and one degree can be added to the final reading. Be aware that this measurement is approximate and NOT considered very reliable. It is also important to understand that you cannot gauge a dog’s body temperature by touch. In addition, a warm or dry nose does not necessarily indicate a fever or any other health problem.

Dogs Rockin’ St, Patrick’s Day Outfits

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up fast, (it is tomorrow) and you know what that means? You’ll soon be crawling through pubs, plumping up your beer belly and pinching everyone not wearing green. Even if you’ve already got your costume planned out, (our family will be wearing our costumes on the ski slopes tomorrow in Jackson Hole, WY) chances are your pooch is feeling left out.

If you’re running out of ideas of how to dress up your best friend on four legs, just take a look at these 17 dogs already prepped for St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe they’ll inspire some creativity… plus they look super cute with their little shamrocks.

Thinkstock

chidorian, Flickr

Thinkstock

sylvar, Flickr

Thinkstock

Irish Philadelphia Photo Essay, Flickr

Thinkstock

geraldbrazell, Flickr

Thinkstock

avatar-1, Flickr

Thinkstock

Peter Macdiarmid, Getty Images

Thinkstock

Tim Boyle, Getty Images

Thinkstock

David Hardenberg, Getty Images

Dental Care for Your Dog

Inspecting a dog’s teeth and bite

Photo © Stephen Chernin / Getty Images

Dogs need dental care, too! Unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked. Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few people brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough. Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overall health as things like nutrition, proper exercise and routine grooming. Help keep your dog healthy – pay attention to those pearly whites!

Monitoring Your Dog’s Dental Health

Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis and be aware of signs that may indicate a problem.  To inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth, looking at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be gentle and use caution so you do not accidentally get nipped! Your veterinarian will also take a look at your dog’s teeth during routine examinations, so make sure you keep up with these – visit your vet every 6-12 months for wellness check-ups. Contact your vet if any problems arise. Watch for the following signs:

• Halitosis(bad breath)
• Reluctance to chew / crying out when chewing
• Increased salivation
• Red and/or puffy gums
• Bleeding gums
• Tartar / Calculus (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)
• Missing and/or loose teeth
• Anything else about the mouth that appears unusual

The Dangers of Dental Disease

Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss can occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth – they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys. The most important thing to do is address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor. Better yet, work hard to prevent it!

Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs

There are several things you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life so he get used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, your dog should be getting his teeth brushed regularly. If you decide to brush your dog’s teeth, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. NEVER brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste – it can make your dog sick! Use special enzymatic toothpaste made especially for dogs. The same goes for oral rinses.
2. Plaque begins to turn into tartar / calculus within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Work your dog’s tooth brushing into your own routine – consider brushing his teeth around the same time you do yours so it will be easier to remember.
3. Use a “finger brush” or special long toothbrush designed for use on dogs. When starting out with brushings, the finger brush can help ease your dog into it, as these do not feel as awkward as hard brushes.
4. Before you begin, ask your veterinarian to show you some techniques to make tooth brushing easier on you and your dog.

If you are not able to brush your dog’s teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special dental treats. Avoid real bones – not only can they lead to gastrointestinal upset, they may also cause tooth fractures.Most of all: make sure you keep up with vet exams. From time to time, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended. This requires general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dog’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished. If dental problems are noted, tooth extractions could become necessary. Alternatively, you may be referred to a veterinary dentist for specialty procedures. Some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year, while others can go longer. Be certain to follow your vet’s recommendations. And remember, what you do at home can really make all the difference.

Troubleshooting Dog Nail Trims

Cross-section of a freshly trimmed nail

Photo © Cody Mannino

If you are lucky, your dog’s nails will be trimmed like the above photo. But in the real world, things do not always go as planned. If you experience trouble, it will most likely be related to one of the following two issues:

You Have Cut Into the Quick

If your dog yelps in pain and the nail begins to bleed, it means you have cut into the nail quick. The blood vessel and nerve within the nail has been severed. Don’t panic – this is not an emergency. Grab your styptic powder. If this is not available, use some corn starch or flour from your pantry (it is not as effective but it still helps). Use a cotton ball, tissue or paper towel to wipe away as much blood as possible. Get a pinch of the powder and quickly pack it onto the nail tip. Give your dog a break and reward him before moving on to the other nails. Though cutting into the quick does cause a sharp pain, the pain is not long-lasting and should not affect your dog’s ability to walk. Use caution with the remaining nails, only cutting off small amounts at a time. Because the nail quicks grow with the nails, very long nails might also have very long quicks. Over time, you can encourage the quicks to shrink back by trimming a small amount of the nail tips every two weeks for a few months.

If your dog yelps in pain, but no blood is seen, it is possible that you are very close to the quick. Do not trim this nail back any further. However, some dogs dislike nail trims so much that they will yelp with each cut, even if the quick has not been cut. This is often because they have had their quicks cut before and are anticipation the pain.

Your Dog Just Won’t Hold Still

It’s hard to hit a moving target, and you don’t want to accidentally cut your dog’s nail quick. Some dogs will simply not stay still for nail trims, even with extra people helping. You can try working with your dog to gradually desensitize him to the nail trims. Reward him if he tolerates minimal paw handling, then gradually work your way up to nail trims.

If your dog is trying to bite you or is fighting so hard he could injure you or himself, then the nail trim is a job best left to the professionals. Fortunately, most vet offices and groomers charge a minimal fee for basic nail trims. You may be surprised how much better your dog behaves for a couple of strangers! Unfortunately, a small percentage of dogs will struggle too much even for the professionals. In the worst cases, sedation may be needed to trim nails. This is all the more reason to work with your dog or puppy to get him used to handling and nail trims BEFORE it gets that bad.

Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Four styles of dog nail trimmers

Photo © Cody Mannino

Before you actually begin cutting the nails, you should get everything set up. Find a place where you and your dog are comfortable. Some people prefer to sit on the floor with their dogs. Others like to have their dogs on the couch or bed. You may find it easier to place your dog on a table. Some people even do nail trims with their dogs on their laps. Once you find the best location, be sure your equipment is within reach.

Positioning Dogs for Nail Trims

It is generally easiest to trim a dog’s nails while he is lying down. The front nails may be done when he is sitting if the dog is compliant. You can stand beside your dog or in front of him, depending on the level of restraint needed. You may find it easier to stand or sit beside your dog and wrap an arm around him to keep him still. Many people find that nail trims work best when you have another person to help hold your dog still.

Cutting the Dog’s Nails

Once you are in a good position, you can begin cutting the nails. Grasp your dog’s paw firmly, but without squeezing. Hold the trimmers with your dominant hand and grasp the paw with your other hand. For optimum control, place your thumb on the bottom of the foot pad and your fingers on the top of the foot near the nail bed. Line up your trimmers by placing the edge of the blade upon the nail at the imaginary “cut line.” Squeeze the trimmers in one swift, deliberate motion. Avoid cutting if the dog is moving (which may be easier said than done).

Trimming Dark Nails

When trimming black or dark-colored nails, only cut back a small amount (about 2 mm) at a time. The tapered narrow tip of the nail (if present) will usually not contain any quick. The widest part of the nail should be cut with caution. Look at the cross section of the nail between each cut. The center will turn a fleshy white to gray color when you are getting close to the quick. Stop when you see the white/gray fleshy center. If you are in doubt, stop sooner. You may opt to trim dark nails more frequently, only taking a small amount each time. This will also help longer nail quicks shrink back.