Many people are unsure of how to cut their Chihuahua’s nails. It is a common misconception that because these dogs are small, their nails do not need to be trimmed.
This could not be further from the truth! In fact, it is very important to keep your Chihuahua’s nails trimmed, or they could become ingrown and cause infection.
This blog post will discuss how to safely trim your Chihuahua’s nails at home.
How To Cut Chihuahua Nails?
It’s very important to learn how to cut your Chihuahua’s nails. If you don’t, they could become ingrown and infected.
What You’ll Need
You need to prepare the things below before trimming your Chihuahua’s nails. This way, you won’t have to keep stopping to get something else.
- Nail Clippers
- A File
- Treats (Optional)
- A towel or blanket
- Styptic powder
Instructions
Step 1. Calm Your Dog Down
The first step is to make sure your Chihuahua is calm. This will help them stay still while you’re trimming their nails.
You can try giving them a treat or petting them to relax them. You might also want to wrap them in a towel or blanket, so they feel safe and secure.
Try the touch method, which is when you slowly touch their paw and then give them a treat. Do this until they are used to you touching their feet.
Step 2. Show Your Chihuahua The Nail Trimmers
Introduce the nail trimmers to your Chihuahua before you start cutting their nails. This way, they won’t be afraid when you start trimming.
You can do this by letting them sniff the trimmers and then giving them a treat. Do this until they are comfortable with the trimmers.
Step 3. Hold Your Chihuahua Steadily
Next, you need to hold your Chihuahua steadily. You can do this by placing them on your lap or a table.
If you are holding them on your lap, make sure you are sitting down so they cannot wiggle away. If you are using a table, put a towel over it so they cannot see the trimmers.
Make sure you are holding their paw firmly, but not too tight. You don’t want to hurt them, but you need to hold them steady enough so they cannot move.
Step 4. Start Cutting the Nails at a 45-Degree Angle
Once your Chihuahua is calm and you are holding them steady, you can start cutting their nails.
Cut the nails at a 45-degree angle so you can avoid the quick. The quick is the blood vessel in the nail. If you cut this, it will hurt your Chihuahua and they will bleed.
If you cannot see the quick, start by only cutting a little bit of the nail. You can always cut more later if you need to.
If you do accidentally cut the quick, don’t worry. Just apply pressure to the nail with a clean cloth and give your Chihuahua a treat.
You can also use styptic powder on the nails if they are bleeding. This will help stop the bleeding.
Step 5. File Your Chihuahua’s Nails
Use a file to smooth out the nails after you have cut them. This will help prevent them from splitting or cracking.
These are the steps you need to take if you want to trim your Chihuahua’s nails at home. It is important to be careful and take your time. If you are unsure of how to do it, you can always ask your vet for help.
Do Chihuahuas Like To Have Their Nails Trimmed?
No, not really. In fact, most Chihuahuas dread having their nails trimmed. But it’s important to keep their nails short to avoid any pain or discomfort.
Some of the risks that might come with overgrown nails are that they could get caught on something and tear. This is especially painful, and can lead to infection.
Another risk is that the nails could curl under and grow into your Chihuahua’s paw pads. This would be extremely painful for them, and would likely require a trip to the vet.
Plus, there is a tendency that overgrown nails will make your Chihuahua’s feet look deformed. Therefore, you must cut their nails regularly to maintain their cute little feet!
Will My Chihuahua Bite Me If I Trim Its Nails On My Own?
Yes, there is a tendency that your Chihuahua may bite you if you trim its nails on your own. The reason is that most of them do not like having their feet handled.
However, there are ways to make the process less stressful for both you and your dog. Here are some tips:
- Get your Chihuahua used to have its feet handled by massaging its paws regularly.
- Start with just a few nails and work your way up.
- Use a nail grinder instead of scissors or clippers.
- Give your Chihuahua lots of praise and treats during and after the nail trimming session.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to trim your Chihuahua’s nails without any problems. Always remember to be patient and gentle with your dog, and you’ll be just fine.
FAQs
Are you supposed to clip Chihuahua’s nails?
Yes, you must clip your Chihuahua’s nails regularly. How often you will need to clip them depends on how fast their nails grow.
How often should Chihuahuas get their nails trimmed?
You must clip your Chihuahua’s nails every two to three weeks. This way, you can prevent their nails from getting too long.
How do you know where the quick is on black dog nails?
The quick is usually visible on black dog nails. However, if you can’t see it, you can use a flashlight to help you.
If you are not confident about cutting your Chihuahua’s nails, you can always take them to a groomer or vet. They will be able to help you trim their nails safely.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cut Chihuahua nails is easy if you’re patient and have the right tools. Start by getting your Chihuahua used to you handling their paws, then move on to trimming just the tips of the nails.
Once your Chihuahua is comfortable with that, you can start trimming a little bit more of each nail until they’re at a comfortable length. Always use sharp nail clippers and take your time to avoid accidentally cutting the quick.
If you’re not comfortable trimming your Chihuahua’s nails, plenty of professional groomers can do it for you. Just be sure to ask them to show you how they do it so you can try it yourself next time!
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Author
Nicole Barnett
