Another essential part of your Pomsky’s basic grooming is regular nail trimming. If you plan to give your pooch a pedicure, make sure you have the right tools, along with styptic powder in case you cut down too close to the quick (an incredibly tender part within the nail).
Whether you plan on using clippers or a nail grinder, getting your dog used to the noise of the tool can make the experience a little easier. “Always make positive associations with any novel piece of equipment and all accompanying sounds, sights, smells, and surfaces,” advises Hartstein.
Most dogs have black nails, making it impossible to see where the quick is from the top of the nail. Trim small bits at a time until you see a solid black dot on the tip; that’s when you know you’ve reached the quick. If you accidentally clip too far down, immediately press the styptic powder against the nail to staunch any bleeding. Cutting white nails is a little easier, because the quick can be seen from the outside of the nail. Once you see a pink dot at the center, you’ll know you’ve reached it.
Since nail trimming can be an anxiety-laden experience for many dogs, start handling your puppy’s feet and trimming their nails when they’re young, so they become accustomed to the process. Some dogs will sit in your lap or on a table while you clip their nails, while others may need some form of restraint.
Getting Your Pomsky Comfortable
In as little as one week, you can have one of those rare dogs who doesn’t mind nail trimming one bit. But, if it takes your pup a little longer to get used to it, don’t despair. Be patient, keep a gentle and positive attitude, and continue to offer praise and treats.
Tip: It helps if you frequently touch and hold your puppy’s paws (gently and cheerfully) right from the first day, so they won’t become sensitive to having their feet handled. You can also make the process more fun for your dog by letting them lick peanut butter off a spoon while you handle the nails.
Day 1: Let your puppy sniff the nail clipper or grinder. Give a treat and praise.
Day 2: Touch the nail clipper or grinder lightly to each paw. Give a treat and praise.
Day 3: Touch the nail clipper to each paw and squeeze the clipper so the puppy hears the sound, or turn the grinder on and let the puppy feel the vibration. Don’t actually trim a nail. Give a treat and praise.
Day 4: Touch the nail clipper or grinder to your puppy’s feet again. Give a treat and praise.
Day 5: Try trimming off just the very tiniest tip from one front paw nail. Only do one nail. Offer lots of happy praise and a treat if your puppy lets you. Even if he lets you, just do one. Repeat every day until he lets you do this and doesn’t seem to mind.
Day 6: Try trimming just the tip off of just two nails.
Day 7: Keep working your way up, trimming additional nails each day, until you’ve got them all and your puppy doesn’t mind. Practice even when you don’t need to clip a nail. Even pretending you are clipping and going through the motions help your pup get used to the whole process.
Clipping Your Pomsky’s Nails
There are several types of dog nail trimmers, including scissors, grinder tools specifically designed for dogs, and guillotine types. You can use whatever type you are most comfortable with, or whatever works best for your dog. It’s a good idea to have some styptic powder or other clotting powder on hand to stop bleeding in case you cut a nail too short.
“If you’ve never clipped a dog’s nails before, you may want to have your veterinarian or vet tech give you a lesson on how to do it,” suggests Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC’s chief veterinary officer.
Here are the steps to follow to properly trim your dogs nails:
- Pick up a paw and firmly, but gently, place your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail. Make sure none of your dog’s fur is in the way.
- Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad, while pushing your forefinger forward. This extends the nail.
- Clip only the tip of the nail, straight across. Include the dewclaws, located on the inner side of the paw.
- Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail or you risk hitting what is called the quick (the pink area of the nail that contains the blood vessels). A nick there is painful and will bleed. For dogs with dark nails, watch for a chalky white ring.
Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-trim-dogs-nails-safely/
Nail Clipping Tools
- Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs
- Safari Guillotine Nail Trimmer for Dogs
- Hartz Groomer’s Best Nail Clipper for Dogs
- FURminator Nail Grinder For Dogs
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