I have heard that if an animal's nails are cut too short, the animal will bleed. Is it safe for me to clip my hamster's nails? And my dog's? How do I clip them?

It is safe if your veterinarian shows you how to cut them properly.

Yes, it is safe for you to clip your hamster's nails, but hamsters do not typically need to have their nails trimmed. Dogs and cats generally will need to have their nails clipped periodically, although cats will not usually need this very often. (Cats are very efficient at keeping nail length under reasonable control by biting them or clawing a scratching post or anything else that is handy.) Excessively long nails can cause discomfort and even damage to the footpads.

Before you attempt to clip your pet's nails for the first time, consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will instruct you in the proper, safe way to clip the animal's nails. After the veterinarian shows you the first time, you should be able to do the nail trims at home, if needed.

The method of clipping the nails in dogs, cats, and hamsters is essentially the same for all three species. Generally the nail (claw) is somewhat curved. There is a blood vessel that runs lengthwise in each nail that can be accidentally clipped if the nails are cut too short. This vessel ends at approximately the point where the nail begins to curve down. Clipping below this level usually misses the vessel. You should have styptic powder available, so if you accidentally cut the vessel, you can stop the bleeding by applying the powder. Direct pressure will also stop bleeding.

There are two types of nail clippers. One is the guillotine clipper, which has a sharp cutting loop attached to a handle. The nail is placed inside the loop at the level to be cut. Manipulating the handle pulls the cutting loop toward the handle, cutting the nail in the process. The other type of clipper roughly looks like a pair of scissors; the cutting action is very similar.

Some dogs appear to be unusually sensitive to the nail trimming experience even without any known trauma or bad experiences. Desensitization and positive reinforcement techniques may sometimes help. A veterinarian can provide information about these techniques when needed.

Sometimes nail drills will be better tolerated. These drills are used for grinding nails and are not painful if used properly, but they are very noisy. Nervous, shy dogs will probably not allow all of the toes to be done. Use of a drill may, in fact, create a new anxiety. In such cases, nail trimming may require veterinary attention and anesthesia.

For more information you may wish to read, "Pedicures for Pooches," in the VetCentric Magazine.

12/01/03