Hello, there, and welcome to the Pupster Passion USA website!
This site is 100% dedicated to helping anyone who loves and cares for a dog (or dogs) to do so more easily and effectively.
So if you need to know how to trim a dog’s long nails that are have become overgrown, you are in the right place to find out.
Before we go any further…
We firmly believe that using a purpose-built, hand held, professional dog nail grinder is the very best way of trimming dog nails, especially if they are over grown.
We have blogged about this in detail on this link, all about professional dog nail grinder reviews.
Ok with that said, let’s now specifically look at overgrown pet nails that are too long and how to trim them safely.
Step by Step How to Cut Dog Nails That Are Too Long
This is the basic process of trimming dog nails that are overgrown and too long.
- Step One – Get treats, peanut butter, toys, and trimming tools ready.
- Step Two – Get the dog upon a raised platform bench or table.
- Step Three – Calm the dog and yourself down.
- Step Four – Find the dog’s nail quickly.
- Step Five – Slowly start trimming the dog nails.
- Step Six – Go slowly and cautiously and take breaks before the dog gets stressed.
So now we can look at each step in more detail. Then you and your pet dog can this a go!
(Before we do, you might like to read this post about trimming your dog’s nails with a Dremel tool. Or this one asking: can you cut dog nails with human clippers?)
How to Trim Dog Nails That Are Too Long and Overgrown in Detail
Basically, trimming their nails is the same process, no matter if your dog has overgrown nails or not.
However, one point worth considering if the nails have gotten too long is that the dog might not be used to having them trimmed.
So as always, when caring for your pup, we recommended you go slowly, gently, and give plenty of encouragement and treats.
Step One – Get treats, peanut butter, toys, and tools ready.
To keep stress for you and your dog to a minimum during nail trims, prep the area with everything you need.
Treats, toys, and peanut butter to keep the dog distracted.
Get all the tools ready to go before the dog is positioned so that there are no scary surprises that unsettle the pet.
Step Two – Get the dog up on a raised platform bench or table.
Ideally, you would have the dog on a table, bench, or platform at your waist height, as this makes it easy to move around the dog and work on their paws and claws.
Step Three – Calm the dog and yourself down.
Once you have the dog in position, take a few minutes to give the dog some love and attention.
You can stroke and play with each paw, so they get used to your handling them.
The goal throughout this process is minimum stress, so don’t rush it. Take your time, and you will both benefit from doing so.
Step Four – Find the dog’s nail quick.
As you can see on this little diagram of a dog’s paw, there is an inner and out section to a dog nail.
The outer section (the tip of the nail) is fine to be trimmed, cut, or ground with a Dremel.
But the inner section known as the quick is very sensitive, so you much avoid cutting it with any of your tools.
Step Five – Slowly start trimming the nails.
So, the claws are overgrown, and you have a lot of material to get through!
Do not be tempted to take off too much at once. Start gently and slowly, taking tiny little bits at a time.
Step Six – Go slowly and cautiously and take breaks before the dog gets stressed.
Keep going slowly until all the overgrown nails are the right length. Remember to avoid getting close to the quick.
Our philosophy for nail trimming is that if you are in doubt to err on the side of caution.
You can always remove more nail once you are more confident, you know where the quick is.
More Advice for Dog Owners on How to Trim Canine Nails
This short video from a professional dog groomer is a handy guide to help get your dog’s nails trimmed nice and easily.
In fact, if you are worried about nail trimming their overgrown claws, you could take your dog to a professional groomer and get them to get the job done.