Trimming Your Pomeranians Nails

Pomeranians have special grooming needs which when tended to properly will help them look good, feel good and add to their overall health and happiness.

One of the most daunting tasks when grooming any dog, is trimming their nails. Pomeranians in particular are problematic becuase their paws are so tiny! It is important, however to learn how to trim your Pomeranians nails properly since most Poms do not spend a lot of time outside and, therefore do not have the benefit of wearing their nails down on rough surfaces.

One thing to remember when trimming your Pomeranians nails is that this does not hurt the dog - sure he might pull his paw away and not want you to touch it, but you must be firm. If you look at the nail, you will see a dark vein that runs in the middle - cutting anywhere below the vein should not result in any pain for your pet.

Get a good nail trimmer. Ask your vet or the clerk in the pet store which kind they recommend. Place the main part of the trimmer in the palm of your hand and the moveable part is controlled by your fingers. You want to be able to see the small cutting blade that slides when you squeeze the handle.

Make sure you’re not cutting from the top downward; but rather from underneath. Slide the opening over the end of the nail while staying in the whitish part of the nail. The pink area of the nail is the live part and has blood vessels throughout. Hopefully you’ll be able to see where the pink part starts.

If your Pomeranian has dark nails you won’t be able to see any pink to know where the live part of the nail starts. Just do a little bit at a time with the dark nails. Check the end of the nail. The dead area usually is whitish and as you cut deeper into the end of the nail you will begin to see a dark area. That dark area is where the live part starts.

When you are ready to cut, and you are sure you aren't at the live, pink part of the nail make a smooth, quick squeeze on the handle while holding the trimmer steady. Don't try to "pop" the end of the nail off; it will fall away on its own. You can file the edges so that your Pom has smooth nails. Taking your dog for a walk on the sidewalk or street can help them file down.

It's a good idea to start getting your Pomeranian used to having you touch his paws as early as possible. Start by touching his paws a little while he is very relaxed. Keep at it each day, touching the paws more and more until he is used to it and doesn't seem to mind. This way, when you need to trim his nails it won't be such a chore - there is nothing more difficult than trying to trim a nail when the dog is batteling you by pulling his foot away!