Nail Care Pedicures for Toy Dogs

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Toy dogs are a growing trend in the United States and many European countries, according to the ASPCA. Toy dog nail care pedicures are an important way of making sure your dog is clean, comfortable and well groomed. The ASPCA provides some tips on how to do toy dog pedicures, so you know you are doing it correctly.
Preparing the Pedicure

Prepare your dog ahead of time for the pedicure, says the ASPCA. Make sure that they are used to you touching their feet and nails. Toy dogs, with very small feet, can be handled easier than bigger dogs, so hold your dog and hold her paws in your hands. Practice separating her toes often, so she grows used to you messing around with her nails. Allow her to sniff or lick the nail clippers, so she gets used to seeing them.

Doing the Pedicure--Clipping

Clip your dogs nails first, before you do anything else to them. Hold his paw firmly in one hand, and separate the toes to make his nail stand out. Use the clippers to cut the nail below the quick. You will know the quick because it will be a line, and above the line, the nail turns color. Below the quick is dead nail that you can easily clip. Above it is living nail, and clipping that will hurt him. Hold the clippers so that you are cutting the nail from top to bottom, and not side to side. Clip it quickly but gently. Repeat this will all nails.
Pedicure Finishing Touches

Finish the pedicure if your toy dog will let you. Toys are notorious for being easy to handle and easy to play with. If your dog tolerates getting her nails clipped, she will probably tolerate having them painted. Use a natural-based nail polish, or one specifically made for animals. Don't use chemical based nail polishes, as she will probably lick and chew the polish off eventually. Dog nail polish is made so it is quick drying, so apply some and enjoy the color while it lasts.