It has become a bit of a running joke in our grooming studio; whenever I ask a pet owner, "What do you have in mind for Mr. Bonker's grooming style today?" they never fail to quickly respond, "Trim his nails!" I smile inside as I assure them that nail trimming happens Every. Single. Time. that we groom Mr. Bonkers and then move on to find out about how they want the fur to look.
No doubt about it, most pet owners are very concerned about their pet's claws. I feel reasonably sure that one reason we have such a loyal clientele is that we pay extra attention to those nails with every groom. So here are some suggestions for ways that you can up your claw care game:
- Only use sharp trimmers. Dull trimmers cause crushing pressure on the nails and make pets dread the process. Whether you choose a guillotine-style trimmer like https://www.petedge.com/mg-nail-clippers-dogs-l or a scissor-style clipper such as https://www.petedge.com/mg-ergonomic-prof-nail-clippers keep a spare set of these inexpensive tools on hand because this a device you simply can't be without.
- Buff those nails! There is no way around it, clipping claws results in sharp edges. What happens when you hand that freshly groomed dog over to its owners? In most cases, they jump up in glee to see their human, and those talons can cause some damage. Using a Dremel type tool to smooth those sharp edges is something that people will notice. https://www.petedge.com/dr-3-6v-pet-cordless-nail-grinder-kit
- When choosing which buffing equipment to use, consider that corded tools, while wonderfully powerful, can cause considerable damage if they catch a piece of long hair while in use. Battery-operated devices almost always just stop in their tracks when they come in contact with wagging tails or flowing feathers.
- Which buffing head is best for smoothing dog claws? That is a matter of personal preference. I like to use coarse sandpaper bands because they don't get hot like some smoothing stones. In addition, they are inexpensive and easy to change out when they become worn.
- Get close. If you trim claws first, then follow up with a tool to buff the edges, you can get the nail shorter than you usually can by just cutting alone. Use the buffer to work the outside edges of the claw back, keeping an eye on the dark spot in the center of the nail that indicates the "quick" (the blood and nerve supply to the claw.) By removing the hard outer edges of the claw, the quick will gradually recede with each treatment.
I have learned that what pet owners ask for first is of the utmost importance to them when it comes to dealing with their pet's grooming needs. It still surprises me when "trim his nails" seems to be the #1 request, no matter the breed. So I trim and buff and am happy when those customers keep coming back for this essential service.
By Daryl Conner, MPS, MCG
Daryl Conner has been devoted to making dogs and cats more comfortable and beautiful for almost 40 years. You can find her happily working at FairWinds Grooming Studio with her daughter and infant granddaughter, or typing away at her latest grooming-related article. Daryl was awarded both a Cardinal Crystal Award and Barkleigh Honors Award for journalism. She shares her meadow-hugged antique Maine farmhouse with her practically perfect husband and too many animals.
