Trimming your basset hound’s nails can be a rough experience for both the hound and the owner, especially if the hound has been unintentionally hurt before or if the trimmer is not sure exactly how to go about the procedure.
How Do I Trim My Basset Hound’s Nails?
Trimming your basset hounds nails is a straightforward process but requires practice to do so efficiently. The short of it is to have a good set of dog nail clippers on hand and styptic powder with the mindset that a little trim goes a long way.
Sounds easy, right? Well, there is more to uncover to appreciate the art of nail clipping. This article aims to make you an expert at clipping your own basset hounds nails.
Why Should a Basset Hound Have Its Nails Clipped?
Basset hounds carry an inordinate amount of weight on their legs compared to the majority of breeds. Naturally, this means bassets put more stress on their feet than other breeds, too. With the extra stress, it is all the more important to keep their nails trimmed so that the pressure and discomfort isn’t unnecessarily felt in their paws.
If a basset hound’s nails get too long and are not tended to over a long period of time, it can lead to developing chronic foot problems.
It’s also a good idea to keep a hound’s nails clipped to spare your rug, clothes, and skin from any cuts or tears from a nail getting snagged and doing damage. In fact, as I write this article, I have a little cut on my leg from the dew claw dragging down my leg when my basset hopped off my leg a few days ago. That’s when I thought, “Hey, I should clip those nails and share the tips I’ve learned with my fellow basset hound friends.”
When Should I Start Trimming My Basset Hound’s Nails?
If you have a puppy, it is very important to start trimming your basset hound’s nails right away. It’s not necessary to take much off the nail. In fact, the primary objective is to get the puppy used to having her paws held with the presence of a nail clipper, so just little flicks off the nails will do the trick. Do this once every ten to fourteen days while praising and loving on your hound to help build it into a positive experience.
If you’ve adopted a basset hound at a later age in life, ask the previous owners or rescue mission workers how the hound responds to nail clippings. Some basset hounds have had bad experiences. If that is the case, approach nail clipping in the same manner as the puppy by giving it positive experiences simply by clipping off very little along with positive reinforcements to help build it into a trusting routine.
Remember, when starting to groom your basset’s nails, the primary goal is to be gentle and sensitive.
How Often Should I Clip My Basset Hound’s Nails?
A basset hound’s nails should be trimmed once every ten to fourteen days.
Our family puts the nail trimming reminders into our app’s calendar. I know another family that has a dry-erase calendar as a refrigerator magnet with the nail trimming days marked. Any reminder to keep those paws on your radar is a good idea.
Which Dog Nail Clippers Should I Use?
When considering which dog nail clippers to use, take into account the size of your hound’s nails and the model of clipper you would like to use.
Clippers are not to be considered a one-size-fits-all product. Currently, I have a smaller basset hound around 45 pounds and a larger around 65 pounds. So I have appropriately sized clippers for each basset.
Scissor Trimmers
My go-to tool is the HAWATOUR nail clippers. The price is right and the quality is on point. It is made of stainless steel, has a great grip, and the protective shield helps ensure the trimmer doesn’t go too far when clipping the nail.
Guillotine Trimmers
Despite its menacing name, guillotine trimmers are just as handy. The difference is that the grip and clipping motion differs from the scissor trimmers. It’s all a matter of preference. The Roscoe clippers are a tried and true product for this model of clipping.
Nail Grinders
Nail grinders are nice alternatives to nail clipping if you want total control and precision. The method takes more time to get the job done, but shapes up the nails nicely. However, some dogs with more anxiety over the nail trimming process may or may not appreciate the extra time and sound that the dremel emits. I recommend the two-speed Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder.
What Do I Do If My Basset Hound Has Anxiety During Nail Clippings?
From my experience, half of my basset hounds never have a problem with a good nail trimming. The other half of my hounds have had so much anxiety that it has sometimes felt hopeless. In fact, I had one basset hound that we rescued who would yip and yip just at the sight of nail clippers. Apparently, he has had bad experiences before we adopted him.
But there is hope! It doesn’t have to be a tough time!
First and foremost, to ease your hound’s anxiety when clipping nails is to be calm and caring yourself. Speak in soothing tones. Have little treats on hand to give your hound as you trim, and only take off a little at a time. The goal is to show your basset hound that there is no pain involved—just treats and praise from your calm presence.
It is also a good idea to have a partner help during the trimming. For example, my wife will handle the treats, soothing voice, and positive strokes while I handle the clipping. The teamwork makes for quick work.
Also, always remember, be patient with your basset hound’s anxiety. It took about six months until my basset hound realized that nail trimming can be quick, easy, and painless. Now it’s just another normal routine.
My Basset Hound’s Nails Are Too Long! What Do I Do?
If the nails are too long, then it can be expected that the quicks are long, too. The quick is the soft, pink tissue encased in the nail. The quick provides the blood for the nail to grow. Be careful to not cut the quick when trimming the nail, or the nail will bleed and your hound will be in pain.
A good method to consider is trimming just a tidbit of the nail, then inspect the nail to see if you can trim more before reaching the quick. If you can safely trim more, go for it. If the next trim would be cutting it too close, don’t risk it.
White dog nails are easier to locate the quick because the pink tissue stands out. However, black nails make it more difficult to identify the quick. As a general rule, consider the length of the quick to be just shy of the length of the nail. Therefore, it is a good idea to just trim a little at a time, incrementally, every ten to fourteen days.
What If My Basset Hound’s Nails Are Bleeding?
In the early days, despite my best efforts, I accidentally cut too far, causing the quick to bleed. That is why it is a good idea to have styptic powder on hand. I recommend the Remedy Recovery brand. A little goes a long way. It is easy to apply and fast acting.
Where Should I Clip My Basset Hound’s Nails?
Usually it is best to trim nails while standing and your hound is on a hard and flat surface. I use the top of my dryer or the top of my garage freezer. They are both waist high with just enough space. In the past I would get down on my knees at my basset hound’s level, but that meant I was bending over them looking for the best visual angle and tolerating the discomfort on my knees. Not a good idea.
My laundry room also has fantastic lighting where it is easier to spot the quick and gauge how far to make the clip. So, clipping while standing with great lighting is the surest way to make it an easy job.
Final Thoughts On Clipping Your Basset Hound’s Nails
I just want to encourage you to be patient and consistent. For about six months, I just did not have the confidence to clip my hound’s nails because he had so much anxiety. So I simply took him to the vet, but that became too expensive.
With patience, consistency, and a soothing presence, nail clipping is no longer the ordeal it used to be for my high anxiety basset hound.
Hopefully, your basset hound will not have any issues with nail clipping. And remember—err on the side of caution when trimming. A little trim goes a long way if you are consistent.
