Taking care of your pitbull requires a great deal of research to know just what they need. And one of those factors to consider is cutting their nails.
So, if you’ve been trying to find out more about pitbulls and whether they’re the right dog for you take a look at this article as well.
You’ll learn how to cut a pitbulls nails and more to make sure your dog is well cared for the way you want to provide for them.
Why Does Your Pitbull Need Their Nails Trimmed?
There are several different reasons that your pitbull might need to have their nails cut, especially if their nails are overgrown. This can cause them to make noises on the floor, which might be when you notice that they are too long, but this is more than just annoying. It’s actually a health concern.
Long nails can actually contribute to poor health, poor hygiene, slipping while running, and even misalignment of the foot. Pitbulls with shorter nails are actually known to live better and even happier lives.
So, what do you need to do in order to cut your pitbulls nails?
Desensitize Your Pitbull
The first step is to make sure that you’re desensitizing them, as many pitbulls and other dogs will be uncomfortable with the nail clipping process. You can do this with treats, by associating the nail clipping with the treats your dog already likes.
You can also show them the clippers and other grooming tools as well as making sure that they are in a space that they feel comfortable and safe. This will help them understand that getting their nails trimmed is nothing to be afraid of.
Start the Clipping Process
Next, you’re going to actually start clipping their nails. That means there’s only two parts you really need to think about, the desensitization and the clipping, which consists of a few simple steps as well.
a. Get the right clippers – make sure you have clippers that are designed for pitbulls so you can be sure you’re trimming without harming them or getting their nails down too close. You want to be able to get a quick and clean cut every time.
b. Cut small – you don’t want to cut too far or too deep on your pitbulls nails, so it’s important that you cut only small amounts at a time. This will help you avoid cutting far enough to draw blood or hurt your dog.
c. Be prepared for injury – even though you’re trying to keep your dog safe and protect them from injury you may still end up with one. That’s why it’s important to have a first aid kit for dogs ready to go before you even get started.
d. Set them up right – make sure your dog is sitting in a comfortable place and that they are within easy reach of you. If you can’t comfortably reach their paws to cut their nails you want to reposition them. You also want to be sure that you are in a well lit space so you can see what you’re doing.
e. Keep them immobile – Find a way to immobilize your dog and keep their paw firmly in your grasp. This will ensure you can cut the way you want without having to worry about them moving suddenly and an injury occurring.
f. Locate the ‘quick’ – this is the part of the nail that you want to cut down to, or close to. But you don’t want to actually cut the quick of the nail. Instead, make sure you know where it is so that you can avoid it with your clippers.
g. Cut carefully – remember to cut small and make sure that you are cutting at the proper angle. An angle of 45 degrees is generally where you want to be as this will help you cut down as far as you need to without damage.
h. File the edges – when you cut your pitbulls nails chances are you’re going to have some sharp pieces left behind. This is normal, but you don’t want to leave the nails that way. Instead, make sure that you use a nail file to file off the rough edges.
Taking Care of Your Dog
Your dog might be nervous during this process. Even if you go through the steps to desensitize them they’re still going to be a little uncertain about the clippers themselves and the cutting process, and especially about being held immobile.
Giving your dog treats, petting, and positive encouragement during the trimming process is important as well. This is especially important if your dog seems to be agitated or nervous about the experience. You want to make sure that they are remaining as calm as possible.
FAQ on Pitbull Nail Clipping
How often should I be clipping my pitbulls nails?
In general you want to cut their nails about every month or every other month. This gives plenty of time for the nails to grow in enough where cutting is warranted and yet not so long that the nails are causing them pain or injury.
Can I use human nail clippers to cut my pitbulls nails?
The short answer is that you can, but it’s generally best if you don’t. In fact, you want to find nail clippers that are designed for your dog as human clippers could break the nail, split them, or even cut at the wrong angle, causing injury.
When it comes down to it, cutting your pitbulls nails doesn’t have to be difficult. It just requires you to do your research and be careful along the way.
