Claw trimming
White vs. Black Claws: What's the Difference?
Just as our nails are different from our neighbor's nails, dog claws can vary from dog to dog. In the base, however, we can meet white and black claws. It's fascinating that even in such a small part of the body there can be so much variety.
The white claws are transparent, so when the light shines through them, we can see the pink "live" part, which is called the speeder. This living part is rich in blood vessels and nerves, so if you accidentally cut it, it can be uncomfortable and painful for the dog.
On the other side we have black claws. These claws are full of pigment, which means the light doesn't shine through and we don't see the living part. Think of it like a knife that is sharp on one side and dull on the other. If you don't know which side is sharp, you have to be very careful when handling it, and this is exactly the case with black claws.
Grinding versus shortening
Many people think that if their dog is walked regularly, the claws will naturally wear down. And in most cases it is true. Dogs who go for frequent walks and move on concrete, asphalt or other hard surfaces often grind their claws themselves.
However, there are breeds that are small and light, and their claws will not grind on hard surfaces. The claws of these dogs must be trimmed regularly.
Claw trimming: It can be done without stress
Yes, cutting into the living part of the claw is painful, but clipping the claws does not have to be a traumatic experience for the dog. The trick is to be careful, cut slowly and fairly.
There is a whole range of "tools" designed for cutting claws - scissors, files or pliers. Choose the tool according to your preferences and claw size. Scissors or files are more suitable for small claws or for puppies, on the other hand, for larger breeds, choose pliers.
Keep in mind that if you are worried about injuring your dog, you can always seek professional help. Veterinarians and professional groomers have a lot of experience with nail trimming and they may be the best solution if clipping is not your thing.
Make claw care simple and painless. Thank you for learning with us today. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comments. We are here for you!