TRIMMING PAW HAIR

AT HOME

When your dog starts to slide along the floor or begins to collect debris in his paws, you know it’s time for a paw trim. If you want a professional job visit a professional groomer or, alternatively, try trimming that paw hair yourself.

WHAT YOU NEED

You’ll need the following:

• Ballpoint scissors

• A small, slicker brush

STEPS TO THE PERFECT PAW TRIM

1. Lay small dogs on your lap or sit with larger dogs on the floor.

2. Use the slicker brush to brush the hair on top of the feet in the ‘wrong’ direction so that it stands up away from the paw.

3. Hold the scissors just above the top of the foot, not touching the skin, with the ball tips pointing towards the leg.

4. Make three separate cuts above the spaces between the toes.

5. Lightly trim the outside edges of the three toes on the front of the foot.

6. For trimming the ‘heel’ hair, lay the scissors across the top of the back pad and trim the excess hair sticking out between the paw pads.

TOP TIP

If your dog is anxious, have someone else help you hold and feed treats while you trim. Alternatively, use a lickimat with wet food or peanut butter to keep them distracted and happy during the trim.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A GROOMER

With the right equipment and a patient dog, you can safely trim your dog’s paw hair at home. However, if you have an anxious dog, take them to a professional groomer. Professional groomers usually do a quicker and neater job, which nervous dogs tend to prefer. Similarly, if you see any mats or foreign objects in between the pads of the foot, you should seek the assistance of a professional. Ideally, dog paws should be trimmed every four to eight weeks, and it’s often a good idea to combine it with a nail trim!