Trimming your dog’s nails is a necessary grooming task. Long nails can tear and cause pain. They can get caught and injure your dog’s toes. And they can limit your dog’s gripping ability and he could slip. Start trimming your dog’s nails when he is young so it becomes routine. Handle his feet and toes so he gets used to your touch. When you are ready to trim your dog’s nails, grasp his foot firmly and cut each nail a little at a time while avoiding the quick. The quick is the blood and nerve supply to the nail and will bleed and hurt if nicked. Continue one nail at a time as long as your dog will tolerate it. If your dog resists nail trimming, just try another day. Never yell at or punish your dog or force him to continue if he resists. For more information, contact your veterinarian Anderson, IN.