The best part about trimming dog nails is that I get to play with these cute fuzzy paws!
On Saturday I asked about trimming the long hair on Pierson’s paws. I listed what I thought were some pros and cons. After doing more research and reading your comments, I’ve decided it is not necessary to trim Pierson’s hair on his paws. I play with his feet often and have never noticed any mats or debris. I will always keep an eye out and reconsider if things change.
I do, however, think it is necessary to keep up with trimming his toenails. Maya’s too. Since Maya and Pierson are primarily indoor dogs, I trim their toenails every week almost every week. Thankfully, I have the best dogs ever when it comes to dog nail trimming, and even with teeth brushing. Here are some pictures:
Pierson likes to lie down while I cut his toenails. It gives him the perfect opportunity to solicit more belly rubs.
Pierson’s nails are black. Since I’ve had years of practice with cutting my dog Sephi’s black toenails, cutting Pierson’s black nails is very easy for me.
I have never accidentally cut Pierson’s toenails too short.
Pierson is very cooperative when I cut his nails. It takes about 30 seconds or less per foot.
Maya likes to sit or stand while I cut her toenails.
You’d think because Maya’s toenails are clear that trimming her nails would be easier. It’s not. I’ve accidentally cut too short four times in her six years of life. 😦
Pierson eats poop left by the wild rabbits living under our shed so I have to brush his teeth every day.
Pierson is also very good about getting his teeth brushed. He actually likes the taste of the toothpaste.
Maya has great teeth. I don’t need to brush her teeth as often as I brush Pierson’s.
Maya and Pierson say best thing about dog nail trimming is the treats they get afterward! 🙂
For more great pet photos, check out the link to the Wordless Wednesday blog hop below.
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Tags: dog, dog nail trimming, indoor dogs, maya, paws, pierson, teeth brushing, toenails
American Dog Blog 
August 14, 2013 at 10:57 am |
Oh you are brave! Ma is afraid to trim my nails herself!!
August 14, 2013 at 11:11 am |
I was afraid too. But when Sephi’s nails started getting too long, I asked the vet to show me how to do it. She gave me some great tips and I was able to visually see the things to specifically look out for. I’ve been doing it ever since.
August 14, 2013 at 4:50 pm |
BOL Humom is too scared to give me a pedicure.. What adorable tootsies you have xxoox
Mollie and Alfie
August 15, 2013 at 7:11 am |
Thanks! 🙂
August 14, 2013 at 7:50 pm |
You are a good pet parent keeping those teeth and nails in tip top shape. My Pierre gets his done at the groomer. I’m too scared I’ll cut him. Thanks for sharing how you do it for your pups. It doesn’t look as intimidating as I make it out to be in my mind.
August 15, 2013 at 7:19 am |
It takes a little practice. Maybe next week I’ll write a post giving some tips. 🙂
August 14, 2013 at 9:23 pm |
Thunder’s nails are so big, it is kind of hard to cut them. You need big clippers and strong hands…lol. Perhaps Maya’s quicks are longer than Pierson’s?
August 15, 2013 at 7:21 am |
Wow, Thunder’s nails really are as tough as nails! Yes, Maya’s quicks are a little longer than Pierson’s. I heard from a groomer that the quick on Labs doesn’t recede as easily as in other dogs. So it is doubly important I try to keep up with her nails on a weekly basis.
August 15, 2013 at 12:17 pm |
Eeek, I’m still too scared.
I do the teeth but no to toes.
Cute pics!
August 15, 2013 at 5:12 pm |
I have black nails too, 99% of the time the groomer or vet trims mine. Mom has tried it a few times, but she only tips them. She is scared she would “quick” me. The groomer trims my paw fur. I slip and slide on flooring when I need my paw fur trimmed.
Hugs,
Pepper
August 15, 2013 at 5:17 pm |
It’s true that light nails are easier to quick than you’d think!
August 15, 2013 at 5:31 pm |
I think a post on how to cut black nails would be excellent. I actually got taught as well in a class how to cut them, but it still freaks me out so any tips would be much loved!
August 16, 2013 at 5:15 pm |
I agree the best part of nail trimming is the treats afterwards.
August 17, 2013 at 2:14 pm |
what enticing flavour of toothpaste do you use ???
August 17, 2013 at 2:41 pm |
I use a product called Tropiclean. It’s minty. Maya doesn’t like it, so I think Pierson is just weird.
August 18, 2013 at 5:03 am |
Oh I’ve been trying to clean my dog’s teeth with toothpaste!! but she likes the taste so much she licks them off as soon as I start brush so I can’t really brush her teeth properly yet. Any tips/tricks to share? I really appreciate it!!
August 18, 2013 at 8:17 am |
Tropiclean gel is perfect for you then! When the gel is put on your dog’s teeth, his tongue movement as he tries to get it off and swallow it actually helps to move the gel around his mouth. It is currently only $9 on Amazon – http://astore.amazon.com/dog-health-products-20/detail/B00379KT66 . It says no brushing is necessary, but you still can if you want better results.
August 20, 2013 at 11:38 pm
Oh I was already using the tropiclean brushing gel (not sure if its the same thing). The bottle does say to brush everyday for 30days. I didn’t know the tongue movement helps move it around the mouth and it helps. I just thought – eep, she’s licking and eating it before I can even brush her teeth properly! 😛
On nail cutting, Donna really doesn’t like it so we only cut a little bit at a time and so she has pretty long claws 😛