Immediately after the bath is the best time to cut the nails because the water has softened the nails, and your Pit Bull Terrier may be somewhat tired-out by the bath. Nail trimming is recommended every two weeks with nail clippers or a nail grinding tool. Short nails are crucial to maintaining the breed’s normal foot shape. Long nails will permanently damage dog’s feet, and the tight ligaments of round, arched feet will break down more quickly. If your dog’s nails are clicking on the floor, this is a sign that they need to be trimmed.
When grinding, use a low-speed (5,000 to 10,000 rpm), cordless nail grinder fitted with a fine grade (100 grit) sandpaper cylinder. Stone cylinders are more prone to heat buildup and vibration. Hold your dog’s paw firmly in one hand, spreading the toes slightly apart. Touch the spinning grinder wheel to the nail tip for one or two seconds without applying pressure. Repeat if necessary to remove only the nail tip protruding beyond the quick. Grinders have the added benefit of leaving nails smooth and free of sharp, jagged edges produced by traditional nail clippers.
Your American Pit Bull Terrier should be accustomed to having his nails trimmed from an early age, because it will be part of your maintenance routine throughout his life. Not only does it look nicer, but long nails can also unintentionally scratch someone. Furthermore, a long nail has a better chance of ripping and bleeding, or causing the feet to spread.
Before you start cutting, make sure you can identify the “quick” (the vein in the center of each nail). It will bleed if accidentally cut, which will be quite painful for your dog as it contains nerve endings. Keep some type of clotting agent on hand, such as a styptic pencil or styptic powder (the type used for shaving). This will quickly stop the bleeding when applied to the end of the cut nail.
Do not panic if this happens; just stop the bleeding and talk soothingly to your dog. Once he has calmed down, move on to the next nail. It is better to clip a little at a time, particularly with black-nailed dogs. Hold your pup steady as you begin trimming his nails; you do not want him to make any sudden movements or run away.
Talk to him soothingly and stroke him as you clip.Holding his foot in your hand, simply take off the end of each nail in one quick clip. You can purchase nail clippers that are specifically made for dogs; you can probably find them wherever you buy grooming supplies.
There are two predominant types of clippers. One is the guillotine clipper, which is a hole with a blade in the middle. Squeeze the handles, and the blade meets the nail and chops it off. It sounds gruesome, and for some dogs, it is intolerable. Scissor‑type clippers are gentler on the nail. Just make sure the blades on either of these clippers are sharp. Once you are at the desired length, use a nail file to smooth the rough edges of the nails so they don’t catch on carpeting or debris outdoors.
If the procedure becomes more than you can deal with, just remember: Groomers and veterinarians charge a nominal fee to clip nails. By using their services you won’t have to see your dog glower at you for the rest of the night.
When inspecting feet, you must check not only the nails but also the pads of the feet. Take care that the pads aren’t cracked and always check between the pads to be sure that nothing has become lodged there. Depending upon the season, there may be a danger of grass seeds or thorns becoming embedded, or even tar from the road getting stuck. Butter, by the way, is useful to help remove tar from your pit bull’s feet.
