This type of nail clipper for dogs is quite a handy tool to use, especially if you have more than one dog. In order to use correctly with your dog and get those nails clipped short, you will need some guidance.
We take a look at how to use a guillotine tool to clip the dog’s nails, as well as how to keep your dog calm while clipping them. This job can be done by any dog owner at home, but if you have any doubt, visit a professional to help you.
So, stay with us and see how to use these handy guillotine nail clippers for dogs to clip their nails quickly and easily.
How To Clip a Dog’s Nails With a Guillotine Nail Clipper
There are a number of factors you need to keep in mind to successfully clip your dog’s nails with this type of nail clipper. Follow these steps for the best results for you and your dog, so that both will be happy when you are done.
Step 1: Get Them Used To the Clipper
The first step is to get your dog used to the clipper so that they will be much calmer when you use it on them. Before you even show the clipper to your dog, sit down with him or her and touch and hold their paws in your hands.
Giving your dog treats and praising it while you hold its paws will help to calm them and keep them happy. After you have done this for a minute or two, you can now take out the clipping tool and show it to your dog.
Allow the dog to sniff it and get used to the clipper. Take your time with it until it does not even notice the clipper. Squeeze the clipper a few times so it gets used to the sound that comes from the clipper and does not get frightened.
You should start out a few minutes every day so that your dog can get used to it and will not be scared of it anymore. This process may take a while – even up to a few weeks – but they will eventually get used to the clipper.
Be patient and do not try to hurry the dog to accept it; let them get used to the nail clipper on their own terms. Wait until your dog is finally comfortable with the nail clippers before you proceed with the actual clipping of the nails.
Step 2: Start Clipping the Nails
As soon as your dog feels comfortable with the nail clippers, it is time to move on to the next step. You can start with only trimming the very small front part of the nail to be on the safe side.
This will prevent you from clipping the quick of the nail and scaring the dog for good when it hurts and starts bleeding. You will have much better success by starting with only a small tip of the nail and getting your dog used to the clipping process.
You need to take care that you do not clip too deep so you don’t clip the quick of the nail, located at the back. The quick is normally a darker color than the nail. Since it is mostly black, dogs with black nails might be a bit more difficult to manage.
Dogs with lighter-colored nails will not be that tricky, because you can see the quick right at the end of the nail. When you start cutting your dog’s nails, the quick will grow even deeper, so you can easily clip more of the nail later on.
Before you start the cutting, make sure the guillotine clipper is sharp and strong enough for a quick cutting of the nail. Insert the nail inside the hole that is provided for you, and with one swift cutting, cut off the nail.
When you insert the nail inside the clipper, make sure the solid plate is facing towards your dog and not forward. Repeat the process with all the nails until you are done with all four paws.
Step 3: Give More Treats And Praise
When you are done with all the nails, it is time to lay on the praise so your dog will know they did well. You should make it a good and positive experience for your dog. You should also praise them after every nail is clipped.
This will keep them interesting and keep their attention away from what is happening with their paws until everything is done.
Step 4: File The Nails
After clipping the dog’s nails, they will have sharp edges that will easily get caught on their toys and bedding. The filing of their nails is a very important step because sharp edges can snag and may tear off.
Carefully file all the nails and make sure that all the edges are removed before moving on to the next nail.
What To Do When You Cut the Quick
So, you cut the quick and your dog may feel hurt and betrayed, but they will get over it after some time. The bleeding should stop after about five minutes, but you can use some styptic antiseptic powder to stop the bleeding faster.
There might be some bleeding and a little bit of hurt for your dog, and they might be scared of the clipper. Don’t beat yourself up, just make friends with your dog and start the process with the nail clipper again. Your dog will quickly forgive you.
They will get used to the clipper after some praise and treats, while you will get the hang of the nail clipping quickly.
Types Of Guillotine Clippers
There are many different types of guillotine nail clippers for dogs that come with great features included, while also having different price tags. The ones most often used are those made from durable metal and that come with a nice grip for easy handling of the clipper.
Also, make sure you buy one that comes with a durable blade that will not become blunt easily in order to maximize your usage.
How Often Should You Cut Their Nails
This all depends on your dog. Many dogs’ nails will grow out faster, while others will take some time to grow back. The average dog will grow back their nails in about a month, so monthly trimming is recommended.
Summary
Now that you know how to use guillotine dog nail clippers, nothing can stop you from making your dog’s life much easier. If you still have doubts about how to clip your dog’s nails, ask a professional groomer to do it for you or show you how.