How to Take Care of Your Pet’s Nails
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| Should I Take My Pet to the Veterinarian? |
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When to take your pet to your veterinarian:
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Many pets dislike having their feet touched and their nails trimmed. Owners worry that they may hurt their pets especially if the pet struggles when having their nails cut. This is probably why many owners take their pets to their veterinarians or groomers to have this done. If you are thinking of trimming your pet’s nails at home, there are a few steps that might help you.
Start by touching your pet’s feet gently when you and your pet are in a relaxed mood, perhaps when both of you are on the sofa watching television. Get your pet used to your touch: handle their feet, spread their toes and extend their claws. Start with very short sessions, perhaps just a few seconds and then give them a treat or play with them.
There are many types of nail trimmers. Your veterinarian or groomer can help you select the trimmer that is right for you and your pet. Avoid nail grinders: they tend to over heat and many pets dislike the vibrating sensation on their toenails.
Don’t try cutting off large parts of the nail. Start with small short cuts. Nails that have not been trimmed recently will often have an extended quick. The quick is the part of the nail that supplies blood to the growing part of the nail. Cutting through the quick is painful for the pet and the site can bleed profusely. It is easy to actually see the quick in light colored nails: it is a darker color (often appears to be pink), in the center part of the nail towards the nail bed.
Always have supplies on hand in case the nail does bleed. Kwik Stop™ is a yellow powder available at pet stores that helps to stop the blood flow. Take a good amount on a cotton ball and press into the end of the nail and hold for a minute or two. Once the blood stops, don’t disturb the clot at the end of the nail for at least 24 hours.
Cats have different nails than dogs, but may need their claws trimmed too, especially as they age. They don’t really sharpen their claws, they shed their nail like a reptile sheds its skin. They scratch to remove this outer layer of the nail and this reveals a new sharp tip. Older cats sometimes stop scratching and their nails can become so long that they curl around and pierce their foot pads.
Dog nails can also become so long that they interfere with their ability to walk and can pierce their footpads. This is often missed until the pet is limping, especially with the dewclaws on long-haired dogs. Therefore, you should regularly monitor the nails of all your pets.
Companion Animal Food and Supplies Drive
Charlotte Street Animal Hospital is proud to sponsor a chilly weather pet food and supplies drive for the needy animals of our region!
From November 15, 2011 to April 15, 2012, Charlotte Street Animal Hospital will be collecting donations for six local animal rescue organizations including Animal Compassion Network, Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Catman2, Meals on Wheels for Pets, and Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue.
Each organization's wishlists are outlined below. Please make donations at our hospital or via phone. And thank you! for helping ensure that the furry members of our community stay nourished, cozy, and happy this cold season!
Animal Compassion Network:
-Scoopable kitty litter
-Dog & Cat food (our dogs & cats LOVE Chicken Soup for the Soul!)
-Blankets & towels
-Nutrical
-Mother's Milk Replacer (puppies and kittens)
-Stamps (1st class & higher)
-Long-distance calling cards
-Collars & leashes
-Printer toner and ink (call 274-3647 for specifics!)
-Cleaning supplies
-Gas cards for transport program
-Kongs and other interactive toys for dogs and cats
Asheville Humane Society:
-Towels/blankets
-Canned dog & cat food (please, no fish)
-Clay kitty litter
-Latex exam gloves (size small & medium)
-Hot dogs
-Bleach
-55-gallon trash bags
-White copy paper
-Beef and chicken bullion
-Hard plastic toys (Nylabones are awesome!)
-Peanut butter
-Cat toys that dangle
-Cardboard scratching posts (only the ones that lay on the ground)
-Rawhides and pig ears
-Kong/interactive toys
-Rope toys
-Paper towels
-Chewy dog treats/dried liver
-Monetary donations
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue:
-Blankets/towels
-Dry & canned puppy, kitten, dog and cat food (Pedigree is preferred, but any is welcome)
-Dog treats
-Peanut butter
-Dog toys (Kongs, Nylabones, squeaky toys, etc)
-Leashes
-Non-slip collars
-Scoopable (clumping) kitty litter
-Cat treats
-Cat toys (including disposable catnip scratch pads and teaser toys)
-Thundershirts for anxious/scared doggies
-Bleach & Pine Sol
-Laundry detergent
-Gift cards to Petsmart & Petco
-Gas cards for the Northern Transport program
-Office supplies & 1st class stamps
-Universal Microchip scanner
-Monetary donations
Catman2:
-Friskies canned food
-Purina/Meow Mix/Iams/Friskies dry food
-Old pillow cases/blankets/towels/crib sheets
-Litter deodorizer
-New or gently used crib mattresses
-Laundry detergent
-Gift cards to purchase supplies (Lowe's & Wal-Mart)
-Non-toxic cleaners (ex. Simple Green, Greenworks, etc)
-Paper towels
-Litter scoops
-Sterilite/Rubbermaid tubs (we use them as litter boxes)
-White vinegar
-Office supplies (printer paper, binders, tape, etc)
-Air fresheners (citrus blocks, sprays, etc)
Meals on Wheels for Pets:
-Dog and cat food of any kind
Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue:
*Any perishable items will be picked up by a volunteer upon donation
-Clean, unused bird toys
-Raw, unsalted nuts (our birds LOVE walnuts!!)
-Grains (quinoa, millet, kamut, etc)
-Fold-down carriers (for transport)
-Grocery store gift cards
-Fresh fruits & vegetables
-Monetary donations for vet bills
Stay Connected With Us
Veterinary Topics
Clinic Hours
| Monday | 7 - 8
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| Tuesday | 7 - 6
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| Wednesday | 7 - 8
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| Thursday | 7 - 8
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| Friday | 7 - 6
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| Saturday | 9 - 1
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| Sunday | Closed |
Call Us:
828-232-0440 Request
Appt.