Couper les griffes sans peur

Trimming claws without fear

Trimming nails without fear: the step-by-step checklist (dog & cat)

Trimming your pet's nails protects them from snags and injuries, as well as your home (floors and fabrics). With the right preparation and simple steps , the process becomes quick and stress-free. Follow this checklist and our expert tips.

See grooming & hygiene supplies • Recommended tool: Metal nail clippers (CA01011)

Summary

  1. Prepare the session (2 min)
  2. Settle your pet
  3. The haircut in 6 sure steps
  4. Frequency & progression
  5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  6. After the cup: check & reward
  7. FAQ

1) Prepare the session (2 min)

  • Tool : a sharp nail clipper . Clean the blade (cloth + alcohol) if necessary.
  • Lighting : Set yourself up in a well-lit area (use an additional lamp if your claws are dark).
  • Calm : choose a moment of rest (after a walk/play).
  • Rewards : Soft treats readily available.
  • Option : hemostatic powder nearby (just in case).

2) Settle your pet

  • Small dog/cat : on a non-slip table or your lap (towel).
  • Medium/large dog : on the ground, sideways, held gently.
  • Habituation : touch paws/claws for a few seconds, reward, then begin.

3) The haircut in 6 sure steps

  1. Expose the claw : apply light pressure to the finger (in cats, press the pads).
  2. Locate the pulp : pinkish part (light claw). On dark claw → micro-cuts.
  3. 45° angle : cut only the tip , at an angle, away from the pulp.
  4. Micro-cuts : 2–3 small cuts are better than one large one.
  5. Stop if dark spot appears (dark claw): sign of proximity of pulp.
  6. File (optional): smooth the edge if necessary.

Pro tip: start with 1-2 scratches , reward, take a mini break, then resume. Goal = positive experience .

4) Frequency & progression

  • Active dogs : every 3–6 weeks (natural wear and tear helps).
  • Indoor dogs / senior dogs : every 2–4 weeks.
  • Cats : 3–4 weeks (depending on scratching posts/activity).
  • Wolf claws (ergots): grow without contact with the ground → check more often .

5) Common mistakes to avoid

  • ❌ Cutting too long at once — prefer micro-cuts .
  • ❌ Force if the animal struggles — break up, reward , come back later.
  • ❌ Using a blunt tool — risks crushing the claw instead of cutting cleanly.
  • ❌ Forget about spurs — watch out for claws that curl.

6) After the cup: check & reward

  • Inspect the alignment : no sharp, snagging edges.
  • Make it special: reward and calm moment → positive anchor.
  • Note your next date (calendar reminder).

Complete your grooming kit: brushes, detangling combs, dental finger cot . See also: At-home grooming: a 7-step routine .

FAQ – Nail Trimming

What if I cut it too short and it bleeds?
Apply hemostatic powder (or flour if unavailable), maintain light pressure for a few seconds. Remain calm, and reward.

My pet refuses the haircut:
Work in counter-conditioning : 3–5 days of paw contact + treats, then only one nail/day, always rewarded.

Which tool to use?
A sharp metal nail clipper for a clean cut; a file or smooth milling cutter for finishing if needed.

Dark claws: how do I know when to stop?
Proceed in micro-cuts : as soon as a dark spot/wetter center appears, stop.

Going further

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