How to Trim a Dog’s Legs – Dogster

Is your dog sliding on the floor? Or get in with soccer balls stuck between your toes? Looks like he’s overdue for a leg trim! Look to the groomers for a professional job, or try trimming the dog’s paws yourself.

How to trim your dog’s hair between the paws

Kathy McFall, certified professional pet sitter and owner of Kathy’s pet shopI recommend starting with ball scissors (or a small electric razor) and a slick brush.

Here are Kathy’s tips for trimming leg hair:

Step 1. Place small dogs on your lap or larger dogs on the floor.

Step 2. Use a sleek comb to brush the hair above the feet — “the wrong way” — so that the hair stands up.

Step 3. Hold the scissors just above the instep, do not touch the skin, the tip of the scissors is towards the foot. Make three separate cuts above the space between the toes.

Step 4. Lightly trim the outer edges of the three toes on the front of the foot.

Step 5. To trim the dog’s rear “heel,” place scissors across the top of the back pad and trim the excess hair that protrudes between the paw pads.

If your dog is nervous, have someone else hold your dog and feed them treats. A licking mat treatment with peanut butter or wet food can help your dog love his paw pads!

Try these dog paw trimmers:

When to see a dog groomer to trim the toenails

Professional dog groomers often get the job done cleaner and faster, which nervous dogs will appreciate! Kathy says to seek professional help if you see carpet or foreign matter between the pads of your feet. Ideally, your dog’s toenails should be trimmed every four to eight weeks, and she adds, that’s the perfect time to cut those nailsalso!

With the right tools, a steady pair of hands, and a patient dog, you can trim your dog’s paws at home. If you are concerned or your dog has a lot of mats, leave him in the care of a professional groomer.