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Claw ClippingClick, click... Does your Westie sound as if he is wearing high heal shoes? Do your lace curtains get shredded? Then its time to give those nails a trim. Normally your Westie will file down the nails naturally as they dig and scratch in the great outdoors. However their claws get less of a workout these days and are more likely to get torn or ripped or even develop into an in-growing nail. It is recommended that the Westie's nails be trimmed every eight weeks, especially if your dog does not go outside very often. To help get you pet used to the idea of pedicure, spend some time touching his feet before you actually start clipping. Once he/she is used to having his feet handled he/she will be less likely to get upset when you bring out the clippers. Some Westie's claws are so black you are not able to tell where the nail starts and the 'quick' ends. Under these circumstances it is best to take your Westie to a local vet to have this job done. He may need to have an x-ray done before any clipping is done. Instead of clipping the nails, you might consider investing in a nail file.... Don't think of shortening the claw, just blunting the tip
Cut the nail at a slight angle, careful not to cut into the living part If you Westie wont sit still for clippers, he might do better if you use a jewellers file. Just file and take off a short bit at a time. If your Westie is very nervous, Clip one claw every other day. There is no need to do the whole thing at once. Since the dew claws, get zero wear they can easily get too long. This article has been produced for those people who feel confident to take on this job without any injury to the dog. So far my own Westie's have worn down their claws naturally (on the sofa) :)- I take them for regular walks, and they have not needed any clipping. However IF the time comes I will not do this job myself as their claws are very black and I am not able to see what is nail and what is the quick |
