Clipping your dog's nails without stress

Overgrown nails alter a dog's posture, place strain on the joints and can break. Regular trimming is much easier than making one major adjustment all at once.

How often For a dog that regularly walks on tarmac, once every four to six weeks may be enough. A dog that mostly walks on grass may need a trim every three weeks. As a simple guide, the nails should not click against the floor when your dog walks.

Technique Trim a little at a time and check the cut surface as you go. When a greyish-white circle appears in the centre, you are close to the quick and should stop. Take especially small, gradual cuts with dark nails.

Training a reluctant dog Break the process into stages: on the first day, simply hold the paw and offer a reward. On the second, touch the clippers to the nail. On the third, trim just one nail. Do not insist on finishing them all in one session.

If bleeding occurs Use styptic powder or apply clean gauze with firm pressure for two minutes. Bleeding from the quick often looks more dramatic than it is.

Do not forget the dewclaw The dewclaw on the inside of the leg is not naturally worn down through walking and is the most likely to become overgrown.