The Dangers of DIY Nail Clipping for Dogs and Cats

Many dog and cat owners assume that clipping their pets’ nails is just a routine and normal part of being a responsible pet owner. But despite what are likely very good intentions, clipping your pets’ nails at home can lead to a number of problems.

It might make immediate sense that trimming an animal’s nails can be done in the same manner that you clip your own toe and finger nails, but dogs’ and cats’ anatomy is very different from ours. To find out more about the dangers of DIY nail clipping and professional nail trimming or clipping alternatives, contact your Austin vet clinic today.

The Risks

Even if you went out and got top of the line trimmers for nails at your local pet store, there are still many ways in which you may accidently hurt your pet. Some of the unfortunate mistakes that can happen are:

• Clipping too close–even professional groomers sometimes mess up this part. A dog’s nails must be trimmed only up to a very specific point.

• Slipping–dogs and cats do not like having their nails trimmed and owners often end up nicking the animal’s face or skin when it tries to wriggle away.

• Infection–if the nails are trimmed improperly, the chances for infection become very high.

Most veterinarians suggest that owners allow their animals nails to trim down naturally by taking them on healthy walks, or that they get an experienced vet to trim pets’ nails safely.

Contact Us

For more information on nail trimming, or for any other veterinary concerns, contact your Austin vet clinic today.