Trimming your dog’s nails is a very important task to keep your pet healthy. Follow simple techniques to make the experience the best it can be for both you and your pet. It is a good idea to take your dog to a vet or groomer to see this done by a professional. Watch their techniques to see what best practices you can follow at home using your dog clipper. Different dogs have varying levels of toenail hardness and shape. A professional can tell you the specifics on how and where to cut for your specific breed.

A dog’s feet are a sensitive area, and many pets dislike having them handled. The best place to perform the trimming is on a raised, level surface such as a table. Attempting to do this on the ground makes it easy for your dog to squirm away. Also, they may think you want to play with them on the floor. Once on the table, it will be very handy if you have a helper who can restrain the pet while trimming. If you are truly having a hard time keeping your dog restrained, professional dog tables are available that hold your pet on a leash bar to keep them in place.

A vital mistake people make is using dog clippers that are dull. The blades must be very sharp to work properly. Invest in a quality pair of nail trimmers for the best results and safety. There are two types of nail trimmers. The first is scissor type which is operated in the same fashion as a pair of scissors. Two strong rounded blades surround the nail to clip it off. The second is a guillotine type which has a circular opening with a blade that rises up through it. Both pet clippers work well on smaller breeds, but larger breeds respond better to the scissor type, being that large dogs have harder nail structures which require more strength to cut cleaning and painlessly.
A quality pair of dog nail clippers can be bought for under $10, which is quite reasonable considering the importance of proper nail trimming. Look for some at your local pet store or even your groomer. If you have specific questions about which ones to buy,  don’t hesitate to ask an associate for assistance. Keep in mind that professional dog clippers are always the best quality but will require greater investment.

Every dog’s toenail has a blood supply called a quick. If cut, the nail will bleed quite a bit, so avoiding this is a good idea. If your pet’s nails are white in color, you should be able to see the quick underneath. If not, be sure to take a small bit of nail off at a time with your dog nail clippers.  To identify when you have almost reached the quick, you will see that the nails will get less “chalky” and start to form a solid nail color. This is when you should stop trimming.

You’ll know when it’s time to trim nails when they start to reach the ground when your dog is standing. If the nails touch the ground, they can impair proper walking and gait, which can be uncomfortable for your pet. Even worse is if their nails grow so long that they form a loop shape. If this happens, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately, as the nail could grow into your dog’s foot pads, causing serious damage.

If you accidentally nick the quick during trimming and blood comes out, there are a few ways to stop the bleeding quickly. The best way to do this is to use a styptic pencil or powder on the area. This controls the bleeding quickly and easily. If you don’t have these products you can always use some flour or cornstarch. Take your dog’s nail and push it into the powder. The powder will enter the blood cavity and plug up the bleeding.

Your dog should proceed to rest for a while after the bleeding, as the opening could continue bleeding if the area is disturbed from walking, running, etc. With time and practice, you should be able to cut your dog’s nails without any trouble. Over time, your pet will come to realize that this activity is safe for them, and hopefully become more cooperative. Daily activity and exercise can help your pet’s nails to stay worn down and healthy and reduce the frequency of nail trimmings. Keep a close eye on the dew claws, however, as these nails will not wear down with activity.

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably had your share of pet clipper use, whether that be with clippers, trimmers, files or grinders.
With practice and time, anyone can learn how to properly trim dog nails quickly and easily. However, not everyone may have the time for this. There is a newer dog nail care product on the market that could possibly replace or supplement dog clippers – the dog nail grinder. As you probably know, if you cut too far into a dog’s nail, you can hit the quick, a blood vessel in the nail. Also, with standard nail clippers, if the blade is not sharp enough, it can crack the nail which can cause pain. This alone can cause your pet to cringe at the sight of a dog clipper and become even more resistant to trimming sessions.
The dog nail grinder is most often a battery powered rotary tool that has a sandpaper-covered end. Your dog’s nail is inserted into a hole on the end, and the rotating head removes a thin layer of nail. This is done several times on each nail until it has reached the proper length. Some models feature a varying speed button which can accommodate different thicknesses of nails, while others offer a simple on/off switch.

Many of these grinders produce a certain amount of noise which your dog may need to become accustomed to. This can be done by slowly introducing your pet to the device. Try sitting with your pet and showing them the grinder while it is operating, not attempting to cut any nails for a couple days. One brand of dog nail grinder you can try is “Pedi Paws”. You may have seen this device advertised on TV.

Whichever type of dog clippers you try (you may find you like more than one), the nail trimming process can be an enjoyable time to spend with your pet after they become accustomed to the process.

Plastic Cages

Plastic dog cages come in large sizes and are highly portable. Dogs can see clearly through the front cage and side slots. A front metal mesh gate allows convenient access and can be locked using the spring loaded mechanism. The solid plastic base keeps fluids safely contained so they don’t get onto the floor of your home or car. A swivel handle located on the top of the unit allows for easy transport. Plastic cages can be disassembled for storage by taking apart the upper and lower halves. Dog owners often use these cages for containing their pets while riding in the car.

Metal Cages

Metal dog cages are made out of a spot welded metal mesh, allowing your dog to see clearly out of all sides. This also allows pet owners to keep a close eye on their pet, which is especially important if you are keeping sick dogs or puppies inside. The metal large dog carrier can offer multiple entry doors, not only on the front but the top as well. The doors close with a metal latch that can only be disengaged from the outside, preventing pesky pets from opening the door from the inside. As an added convenience, some metal cages can fold up flat for easy storage at home or in a vehicle. A plastic or metal bottom pan keeps fluids contained and can be removed for cleaning.

Fabric Cages

The fabric large dog cage is made from tear-proof fabric material with an inner metal structure. Most of these models can be folded up between uses and secured with a Velcro strap. Inside, a comfortable bottom pad allows animals to relax without hurting their joints. The mesh doors are see-through and are closed using zippers. Window covers can be rolled down to obscure your pet’s view to help them feel more secure in their large dog crate.

Crate Floor Pad

Floor pads are essential for any crate where dogs will be kept for any extended period of time. A company called Midwest who makes crates also makes floor pads to go along with them. The pad should be fluffy enough so that the dog’s joints, specifically their elbows and knees, do not press against the flooring. The length and width of the pad should match the dimensions of the crate, however a small section can be left open to accommodate food and water bowls.  Machine washable crate pads work best, as they can be cleaned easily after accidental messes and spills. Soft polyester fluff makes up the interior of most pads. If shedding does not come off in the washing machine, it can be removed with a sticky roller.

Snap-Fit Food Bowls

These special bowls are designed to snap onto the sides of metal mesh dog crates. This completely eliminates the issue of spilled bowls, which can easily happen as your pet adjusts themselves in the confines of the crate. The snap bowls can be placed off the ground yet at a height that your dog can reach. To attach, simply place the bracket through the mesh using the wing nuts. The bowls snap to the bracket and can be removed as needed for refills. This handy system is a great option for pets who spend any length of time within their cages.

Crate Caster Wheels

Ideal for unwieldy larger crates, these casters allow large dog crates to be rolled around on the floor. Large crates can be heavy and difficult to move, especially if the dog is inside at the time. These casters attach to any portion of a metal crate where two wires intersect. A caster sits at each corner for superior stability on any large dog cages.

These accessories not only help you, but help your dog too. There are even more accessories not covered in this guide, such as pet ID tags which attach to the crate to identify your pet during travel. These tags can be especially important for crates traveling in the cargo section of airplanes.

Made out of soft, pliable fabric, these crates have a flexible frame which allows them to be folded up between uses. They fold flat which is great for storage in closets, vehicles and more. While soft, the durable fabric is designed to resist tear from pet claws and teeth. The easy to clean fabric can withstand any spilled food or accidents that happen inside. Mesh siding allow your dog to see the surroundings and have provide plenty of airflow inside. Many models feature fabric window covers that can be folded down during rainy weather. Closing the windows around loud or bustling environments also helps to keep pets calm.

These crates work well to keep your pet contained during travel in the car. This works especially well for animals who get overly excited in the car. Floor padding makes the trip comfortable and allows the animal to sleep and rest in comfort. While the framework is designed to be flexible, it is rigid enough to prevent your pet from toppling it over while inside. These cages resist toppling from excited animals by sliding instead of rolling over. Pet owners often use these cages at home as a place for their dog to sleep. Dogs appreciate having their own personal domains where they feel safe. While a dog bed is typically used for this purpose, a large dog cage works just as well as long as a comfortable pad is placed inside.

Although large dogs may be difficult to lift, most collapsible cages feature a double stitched fabric handle at the top of the large dog crate. Transporting your animal becomes as simple as lifting the large dog carrier via the convenient handle. It is a good idea to make sure that your dog has enough room inside to stand at full height, especially if they will be inside the cage for a long period of time. For big breeds like the Great Dane, an extra large dog crate will be needed.

Large Dog Cage – Metal

Metal dog cages are some of the most widely used dog containment tools around. While heavier than plastic or fabric cages, they are extremely durable. The bottom of cage is made of a solid piece of plastic, protecting your floor and car from spills and unexpected accidents. The metal mesh is coated with either a powder or electroplate coating to keep the metal from corroding and to ensure smooth edges. Mesh cages allow dogs to see clearly out of the cage, promoting an open and airy feel inside. Most dogs feel more comfortable when they have their owner in sight, which is what these cages allow them to do. Car rides become more engaging to the animal when they are able to see out the windows. A handy feature on some metal cages is the ability to fold up for storage. This is handy for storing the large dog cage away during transport or in the home.

Plastic Large Dog Cage

Commonly called a pet porter, plastic large dog crates are lightweight, easy to carry and come in large sizes. A plastic hinged handle at the top allows pet owners to transport their pets without hassle. Dogs are safely contained within the molded plastic shell, allowing them to see out the front and sides. A front metal gate features a spring loaded locking door which only the owner can open. Spilled food and water bowls are contained within the solid plastic bottom. Many of these plastic large dog cages are allowed on airplanes in the cargo section. Inside, the walls are smooth with no rough edges for the dog to cut themselves on. The cage can be disassembled by separating the two sections which are attached with wing nuts.

Large Soft/Fabric Cages

Soft cages are the lightest option available, combining high grade fabric with a sturdy steel frame. These ultra portable cages are soft enough to be used safely around your car and furniture. The lightweight metal frames keep the cage rigid even while carrying it from the top handle. Access to the inside is provided by zippered doors which can be located on the front side, top or both. Some models feature roll-down Velcro windows to obscure the animal’s sight if they become uncomfortable. A soft floor pad is usually built into soft cages to provide added comfort. Extra features include exterior pockets and a removable inner tray.

Features To Consider:

Doors:

Multiple doors may be beneficial if your pet is reluctant to enter the cage. A door oriented on the top can allow users to place their pet inside by picking them up. A top mounted door can also provide a means for the animal to peep their head out to look around. Always make sure that the front door is at least as tall as your dog’s shoulders. This way they only must duck their head to enter and not have to crouch. Doors should always have a secure locking mechanism which is impossible for the animal to open from the inside. Spring loaded locks are often the safest ones, as they use constant pressure to keep the lock shunt engaged.

Floor Pad:

Plastic and Metal large dog cages often do not come with a soft floor pad inside. Purchasing a pad is recommended, especially for older dogs which may suffer from joint pain. Regardless of your pet’s age, a soft floor pad should be placed inside the cage if they will be in there for any extended period of time. The pad should be washed regularly to prevent soil build-up.

Food and Water Bowls:

A handy feature included in some cages is removable food bowls. The bowls sit on a mount inside at a raised position, eliminating the common problem of tipped-over bowls. No dog likes to sit in a puddle of water and soggy food, which is why many manufacturers are implementing these bowls into their large dog crate.

To start off, let’s talk about hair trimming. Before trimming, it would be a good idea to leash/restrain your dog before proceeding. If your dog is well behaved, this may not be necessary. Brush your dog’s hair out before and after trimming to remove old hair and stimulate hair growth. Brush through the hair gently, and look out for any strong resistance in the hair, indicating a “matt”. Matted hair is a tangled clump of hair in the coat. If it does not come out with gentle brushing, it should be removed with scissors. The longer the hair, the more trimming will be required. You can obtain a quality pair of dog clippers at your local pet store, or of course the internet. A specific brand I recommend is Wahl dog clippers for their exceptional quality.

Before trimming, it is a good idea to give your dog a bath. This removes dirt and debris that is caught within the coat, and also removes excessive oils. If you’re like me and enjoy having your dog in the bed or on furniture, you can purchase a sanitizing dog shampoo to remove germs. Form a foamy lather on the coat and give the dog a good massage for maximum cleanliness. Avoid getting soap into the eyes.

Regular nail trimmings are a must- it is best to start clipping nails when they are puppies to get them accustomed to the process.  Take care to avoid cutting the “quick” – a blood vessel within the nail. Take small shavings off at a time. A high quality dog clipper is the best way to go, and are inexpensive.
Finally, you will want to care for the ears, eyes and teeth. Many people don’t think dogs need their teeth brushed. However, a lack of proper cleaning can lead to gum disease and eventual loss of teeth. This can easily be avoided with regular teeth brushing. Special brushes and flavored paste are available for this. Check your dog’s ears for parasites like mites and fleas, and also any cuts or abrasions. Some dogs have hair patches that grow around the eyes that can block vision. Take a pair of scissors and carefully cut this away. If you notice excessive eye drain, be sure to give them a good wipe, as this could lead to infection.