Clipping your dog or cat’s nails can be a pretty stressful experience—for both you and your pet! Many animals dislike having their paws touched, hate the sound of the clippers, and will definitely hold a grudge if you ever clip one nail just a tiny bit too short. So, how can you make nail trims at home a more positive experience rather than something you both dread? Here are some tips and tricks to help:

1. Never clip alone.
We never clip an animal’s nails solo in the clinic, and you shouldn’t at home either! Have someone with you to help hold your pet still. A third person can also be helpful for distraction—offering pats, treats, and reassurance throughout.

2. Elevate your pet (if you can).
Having your pet on a table or suspended in your arms can help keep them calmer compared to trying to wrestle them on the ground. If you have a large dog and that’s not possible, have them lie on their side so you can access their paws clearly. For older pets especially, try to keep their legs in a natural, comfortable position—sometimes this means clipping while they’re standing with a paw resting gently on the floor.

3. Start with the back paws.
Pets usually tolerate having their hind paws clipped better than their front ones, so we recommend starting there to keep stress levels low.

4. Take breaks—and end on a good note.
Give your pet a short break between paws (or a longer one if they’re getting anxious). But always aim to finish on a positive behavior before you stop. If your pet becomes distressed and you immediately put them down, they’ll learn that acting out gets them what they want. That said, never push through if they’re highly stressed. Instead, stop clipping and gently pat their paw or leg until they settle, then let them go calmly.
If they get upset as soon as you touch their paws, take a step back. Practice just handling their legs and paws gently, rewarding them with praise or treats. This helps them associate the experience with something positive—even if you’re not clipping yet.

5. Don’t clip too much.
It’s always better to clip less than too much. Each nail has a sensitive pink core called the quick—if you cut into it, it will hurt and bleed. Make sure you’re familiar with what it looks like and where it sits on your pet’s nails. If their nails are dark and you can’t see the quick easily, try looking underneath the nail for guidance. If they have both light and dark nails, start with the lighter ones to give yourself a clearer idea of how much to trim.

With a little practice and patience, you’ll be a nail clipping pro in no time—and your pet might even start lining up for their mani/pedi! If it’s still proving tricky, don’t worry—we’re always here to help. Just give us a call!