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There are several types of dog nail trimmers available for grooming your precious pooch. The type of dog nail trimmer you choose should be based on the size of your pet – smaller pets have smaller nails and large dogs have large hard toenails.
Desirable Features in Dog Nail Trimmers
Easy to clean
Comfortable handles
Easy to use
Durable
Safe
Ideal Choice in Dog Nail Trimmers
Good quality dog nail trimmers with comfortable handles and stainless steel blades in a size that is compatible with the size of your dog.
Shopping Tips for Dog Nail Trimmers
There are three primary types of dog nail trimmers: guillotine style, Miller's forge and large nail trimmers.
Guillotine style - This style is quite popular, especially for smaller dogs, because of the ease in placing the nail. The nail is passed through a metal hoop at the end of the trimmer and the handles are closed. As they close, a metal trimmer slides across the metal loop and trims the nail. Some people find the squeeze-type closure of the handles easier to use than scissor-type handles. However, the blades need to be changed frequently and it is not effective on larger dogs.
Miller's forge trimmers - These trimmers are used mostly on small and medium sized dogs. The trimmer looks similar to scissors with blades that have semi-circular indentations. When the blades are opened, the semicircles make a circular opening into which the nail is placed. With the nail in position, the handles are closed and the nail is trimmed. Miller's forge trimmers are stronger than the guillotine style and they do not have blades that need to be replaced. However, the handles are far apart and can be difficult to operate for people with small hands.
Large dog nail trimmers - These trimmers are used primarily for large dogs. Like Miller's forge trimmers, they have handles similar to scissors and blades with semicircular indentations. However, the blades are thicker and stronger than any other trimmer and they separate far enough to allow large nails to fit. These blades do not need replacement, but this type can be clumsy to use on smaller dogs.
More Tips for Buying Dog Nail Trimmers
Bleeding toenails can occur when nails are cut too short or into the quick. This can be remedied by using a small amount of flour packed onto the end of the nail will often quell the bleeding. Also try rubbing a bar of soap on the end of the nail for the same effect. Nothing, however, beats having a stash of styptic powder, which you can buy at your local pet store or at your vet's office
While a professional dog groomer is always an option to get Rover and Fritz looking their best, the cost and time involved can make the regular visits a chore. Grooming at home not only saves money and time, but it allows you to spend a little more quality time with your best buddy. A quality dog clipper is a must-have for any at-home grooming kit.
Step 1 Fit the dog clippers with a 1/2-inch comb.
Step 2 Place your dog on a table or other solid surface where you can work around him. Detangle the coat using a comb. Cut out harder mats with a pair of sharp scissors (cut as far from the hair root as possible or you'll end up with a hole in the newly trimmed coat).
Step 3 Trim off the bulk of the coat. Hold up your dog's head. Starting on the head, move the clippers along the grain of the hair. Put the ears flat on your hand to avoid cuts. Make slower strokes over the ears. Continue clipping the neck and shoulders.
Step 4 Clip down the front legs. Hold one leg straight out in front and clip in a short quick motion. Be especially careful not to cut the delicate skin around the armpit or around the dewclaw.
Step 5 Continue clipping from the front to the back of the body, down the back legs and tail.
Step 6 Choose a shorter blade to clip the anal area and stomach.
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