Trimming your dog's or cat's nails safely

Overgrown nails can be uncomfortable, change the way a pet walks and even grow into the paw pad. With the right tools and a patient approach, nail trims can become a calm routine.

Does my pet need trims?

• Dogs walked regularly on pavements and paths often wear their nails down naturally and may need few trims. Clicking on hard floors doesn't always mean the nails are too long — ask your vet before the first trim.
• Cats usually keep their claws in shape by scratching, and routine trimming isn't normally needed. Older or arthritic cats scratch less, and their claws can overgrow and curl into the pads.
• Don't forget dew claws (the "thumb" claws higher up the leg). They never touch the ground, so they often overgrow.

What you'll need

• Proper pet nail clippers — guillotine or scissor-style. Never use human clippers or scissors, which crush and split nails.
• Styptic powder or cornflour, in case of bleeding.
• Treats, and a helper if possible.

Avoid the quick

Inside each nail is the quick — a blood vessel and nerve. Cutting it hurts and bleeds. In pale nails you can see it as a pink area. Cut a few millimetres beyond it.

In dark nails you can't see the quick, so take off tiny slivers at a time. When the cut surface shows a darker dot in the centre, stop.

Step by step

1. Choose a calm moment, and keep the first sessions very short.
2. Hold the paw gently and press the toe pad to extend the nail. For cats, gently squeeze the toe to push the claw out.
3. Trim the tip at a slight angle, following the curve of the nail.
4. Reward after every nail or two. It's fine to do one paw a day.
5. Stop if your pet is getting stressed — you can always finish another time.

Most cats have 18 claws: five on each front paw and four on each back paw.

If a nail bleeds

Stay calm. Press styptic powder, cornflour or a cotton wool pad onto the end of the nail for a few minutes until the bleeding stops. If it doesn't stop after 10 minutes, call your vet.

Not confident?

Ask your vet or vet nurse to show you — many practices also offer nail clinics.