How to cut your Finkie’s nails

If you are uncomfortable clipping your Finnish Spitz nail, this tutorial is for you. It will help you relax and the experience will also be more pleasant for you dog.

You should first get your Finkie used to paws handling

Many finkies have clear nails and if it’s your case, then you’re lucky. Here is the way I’m doing my finkies nails for a stress-free experience.

1. a fine point permanent marker (dark color for more visibility) to indentify the quick and the ligh of your cell phone

2. a good nail clipper

3. a Dremel for a perfect pawdicure

4. some Quick Stop in case you cut the nail to short

5. Treats to reward your dog !

1. Look for the quicks (the pink area of the nail that contains the blood vessels)

The first 2 tools you’ll need are the light of your cell phone and a fine point permanent market.

Install your dog on a comfortable mat and ask him to lay down. With the light of your cell phone, search for your dog quick.  and when you’ve found it mark it with a fine line of markers. Repeat on each toe, including dewclaws (located on the inner side of the paw).

Simple and easy, no stress for you and your dog.

If your dog is not the kind to stay in this position, you can put a leash on him to have some better control.

2. Clip you dog’s nails

Now that all the quicks have been identified, you can grab you clipper and start clipping your dog nail knowing that you won’t cut the quick and hurt your dog.

Pick up a paw and firmly, but gently, place your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail. Make sure none of your dog’s fur is in the way.

Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad, while pushing your forefinger forward. This extends the nail.

Clip only the tip of the nail, straight across not too close to the marker line. After clipping the nail you should still be able to see the marker line.

And don’t forget to do the dewclaws.

3. File your dog’s nails for a perfect result

When they are all cut, you can finish your dog pawdicure with a nail grinder. It will remove the trace of marker on your dog’s nails and smooth the surface of the nail so it won’t scratch you or your floors.