How to take care of Labrador Retriever Nails
Keeping your labradors nails nice and trim is very important. It has become regarded as being an integral part of any dogs health. If the nails are not looked after they can crack.
Cracked Nails can lead to infection
Regular nail trimming is widely advised by veterinarians and by breeders. Aside from the possibility of infection long nails can also be very uncomfortable for the labrador.
Right then! In order to get started lets first discuss what instrument you are going to use to trim nails. The most ideal instrument would be a good quality nail clipper, if possible get a recommendation from a vet or another breeder.
Aside from the nail clipper it is also very handy to have a clotting agent handy. In many cases the nails can get cut too short and bleeding can occur. The clotting agent will help stop this.
Are you ready to start?
The easiest way to start is by having your lab lie down. Have someone hold him or secure him. Labradors are strong dogs and like any other breed do not enjoy any kind of experience that they aren’t used to.
Once you are set have a look at the nails. What you need to locate is known as the ‘quick’. This is the pink part of the nail. Cutting this part of the nail can sometimes cause bleeding, hence the clotting agent!
Cut the nail right on the ‘quick’ or at the beginning of it. Cutting further back to increase the shortening of the nail will cause bleeding. When you cut the nail you should be able to see a moist pink or black disc in the center of the nail. This is the ‘quick’.
With dogs that have black nails it is a great idea to use some sort of lighting to identify where the ‘quick’ is.
Do not cut the nails too short. Labradors rely on their nails very much and use them when they walk or do any kind of movement with their paws.
If you draw any blood, relax, get a cloth or towel and treat the wound carefully. Do not worry about making mistakes your labrador will forgive you once you give him some more love!
Happy Trimming!
