The only hair the Siberian doesn’t shed can be found on the bottoms of his feet, between the pads. This hair grows continuously and is a magnet for mud, ice-and-snow-melt chemicals, thorns, burrs, and splinters. Using small, sharp scissors, keep this hair trimmed flush with the pads of the feet. Keeping the hair between his pads short will also allow you to see cuts, thorns, or sores more easily should your Siberian suddenly start to lick or chew on a foot or develop a limp.
If your Husky walks on ice-and-snow-melt chemicals in the winter, wash his feet in soapy water before he has a chance to lick them. Many of these products are caustic and/or poisonous.
Active Siberian Huskies, who have regular access to rough pavement, may need their nails trimmed only three or four times a year. Still, you should check your Siberian’s feet regularly and trim his nails when needed. If your Siberian has dewclaws, you will need to trim the nails on these rudimentary toes more often. As a rule, Siberian Huskies do not like their feet or legs touched, so trimming your adult Siberian’s nails might be easier if you spend time touching his feet and pretending to cut his nails when he is a puppy.
Toweling his feet when he comes in out of the rain or snow presents another opportunity to get him used to having his feet touched, and may help set the stage for peaceful nail trimming. There are two types of mechanical nail clippers sturdy enough to cut Siberian toenails: the guillotine type and the safety type. An electric nail grinder is also an option. Grinders are available from veterinary / show supply houses. Make sure, if you use nail clippers, that they are sharp. Dull clippers crush and splinter the nail instead of cutting cleanly, and that hurts your dog.
The sensitive quick of the toenail extends a bit beyond the reddish area inside the nail that indicates where the blood supply ends. To avoid cutting into the quick, cut the nail where it starts to look hollow. Some Siberians have one or more opaque black toenails, so when in doubt, cut less now and shave a bit more off in two weeks or so.
Have a container of styptic powder on hand in case you do accidentally cut into the quick. Pack and hold a pinch of powder into the cut area of the nail for a moment or two to stop the bleeding. Styptic powder does not sting your dog. An electric nail grinder uses an emery paper loop to quickly grind the nail to a smooth finish, and Siberian Huskies easily adapt to the noise and slight vibration.
Grinders do create dust, so if this is an issue, you’ll want to wear eye protection and a dust mask. Ideally, your Siberian’s nails should not click on the floor when he walks. If you have never trimmed a dog’s nails before, a professional groomer or your veterinarian can show you how to do it safely and properly.
