The Schnauzer Chronicles

Grooming Nails

Most people I know, as well as most of my customers, consider cutting dog nails as taboo.  I have tried to show and explain this part of grooming as best as I can.

Basic Supplies

L to R:  Grooming Stone, Stripping Knife, Stripping Knife, Witch Hazel, Pin/Bristle Brush, Slicker Brush, Soft Tip Slicker Brush, Scissors, Hemostats, Medicated Ear Powder, Tooth Gel, Toothbrush, Safety Nail Clippers

Light Nails

Light colored nails are the easiest to cut. In the first and second picture below, you can see the long nail that is lighter in color.  The lighter part is the section you have to cut (almost like people nails).  If you have the safety nail cutters that are pictured on this page, you don't have to fear serious injury to your pet. In picture #3, which unfortunately is a little difficult to make out, you place the nail tip in the cutter until it hits the safety plate, then cut. If you do draw some blood, don't panic. If you don't have styptic powder or gel, just apply pressure until the bleeding stops.  (Thank you to our "volunteer" Lucy!!) See ** below for info on 'quick'.

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Dark Nails

Dark colored nails are the ones many people freak out over. I recently read a simple way in which to cut them and, more times than not, to not draw blood. Look at the nail in picture #1 below. See how it starts to curve downward?  Well that's the part you cut. Pretty simple, huh?  Just place it in the nail cutter as described above and snip. Voila! Instant nail cutting master!  If you don't have the safety nail cutters, no problem, just follow the same procedures for determining where to cut but be a little more reserved with the cut. Better safe than sorry!  And remember**the quick grows with the nail**, so even if the nail is curving or is lighter in color, there still could be a quick there. Which means that there could be blood when you cut. To find the quick, just look underneath the nail and you can see the small piece of skin growing between the nail.

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Teeth

Teeth are an overlooked grooming section because of the myth that biscuits or bones will keep the dog's teeth clean. While they can help, you still need to go over the teeth with a brush and tooth cleaner. Here you see a finger brush, which I find the easiest to use. I put some tooth gel, also easier to use for me, and start brushing from the gum line down. You must also pull back the cheek to reach the very back teeth (sorry forgot to get a pic of that). There is no need to rinse when using doggie tooth cleaner, so that is a plus. I don't really recommend a certain time schedule for brushing. Some say every day. If you're like me, and barely able to remember stuff for yourself or family, this is definately unrealistic. Some say once a week. If you can remember, then go for it. I usually do the teeth when I do the grooming session:  hair cutting, ear cleaning, nails, etc. It just seems easier to remember and less likely for me to feel guilty or neglectful.

More grooming...

Dan Kiedrowski's Schnauzer Grooming Instructions

Dog Supply Links