Trim your Pomeranian’s nails every other week to keep his compact feet in top condition. Long nails can cause permanent damage to any dog’s feet, but a Pomeranian’s round, catlike feet will show the effects very quickly.
The tight ligaments will break down, and they will become permanently flattened. If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor when he walks, they are too long. Frequent trimming not only keeps the nails at an ideal length, it also trains your dog to cooperate.
Most dogs are sensitive about having their feet handled. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Regularly inspecting his feet and trimming his nails is an essential part of routine care. Regular practice will also make you much less apprehensive about tending to this chore.
You will need a scissors- or guillotine-type nail trimmer or a low rpm (5,000 to 10,000 rpm) cordless nail grinder, a nail file and clotting powder. Human-type nail scissors or trimmers will not be able to cut cleanly through a dog’s thick nail.
Incorporating nail trimming into your Pomeranian’s bathing routine will help you remember to keep up with it. Plus, his nails will be softer and more pliable right after a bath.
To begin, stand your Pom on a table or hold him on your lap. Either method works fine, as long as you have a steady grip. Place him on a contrasting surface to make it easier to see what you are doing; holding him on your lap will give you a better grip. It’s very easy to drop a struggling dog. If necessary, recruit someone to help hold your dog.
Trim only the tip of the nails; dogs have no feelings in the tips of their nails. When done properly, it is painless. The vein inside the nail, called “the quick,” gradually shortens in response to frequent trimming, lessening the possibility of accidentally nicking it.
If you cut a nail too short, it will bleed, but this is not a serious injury. Immediately apply clotting powder, cornstarch or ice and pressure until the bleeding stops. Do not soak the foot or rinse it with water, which will delay clotting. Recently trimmed nails are much sharper until they wear down. Use a nail file to smooth the edges off.
If you use a nail grinder, you won’t need to file the nail. Take time to familiarize your Pomeranian with the sound and vibration of the grinder before you attempt to do his nails. Hold his paw in one hand with your thumb against his footpad to spread his toes slightly apart.
Touch the nail tip with the grinder for just a second without applying pressure. Repeat as needed until the nail is at the desired length.
