Do Russian Toy Terriers Need Their Nails Trimmed? And How to Do It Right.

Dogs of large breeds rarely have their nails trimmed because when they walk on asphalt outside, their nails wear down naturally. However, the situation is different with the Russian Toy Terrier. Even if the miniature pet runs a lot outside, the nails wear down only slightly, as infrequent walks and the small weight of the Toy Terrier are insufficient for natural wear. So, to the question "Does a Russian Toy Terrier need its nails trimmed?" the answer is affirmative.

The regular hygiene procedure of nail trimming prevents many problems. The fact is that as the claws grow, they can embed into the soft pads of the paws, which subsequently leads to inflammation and pus formation. Nails that have grown into the skin and muscles can tear blood vessels. The dog's gait changes, it stops being springy, and then there are disturbances in posture and coordination of movements. There are negative changes in the overall muscle tone since the main load falls on the nails rather than on the toes, as nature intended.

General Information About Nail Trimming for Russian Toy Terriers.

In young age, puppies whose nails are not trimmed develop an incorrect body constitution. This later results in improper positioning of the paws and dislocations, which are nearly impossible to correct. For dogs with ingrown nails, the risk of injury increases, and cracks, chips, or fractures can occur. Disruption of the skin's integrity opens the door for pathogenic microflora, which, if it develops, leads to purulent inflammation that can progress to tissue necrosis. And from there, it’s not far to the amputation of a toe or an entire paw.

As you can see, the process of trimming a Russian Toy Terrier's nails is a minor issue compared to the problems that arise from the untimeliness of regular hygiene procedures.

The first time you should trim a Russian Toy Terrier's nails is at one and a half weeks of age. This needs to be done not so much for the puppy or for yourself, but for the Toy's mother. When the mother feeds the baby, the sharp little claws can scratch her mammary glands. You may have noticed that during feeding, the puppy actively moves its paws, trying to push against her belly. The sharp nails of the puppies can even cause the mother to refuse to feed her young.

The frequency of nail trimming for puppies is about once every two to three weeks. The growth rate of the nail plate in a puppy is much higher than in an adult dog. When the dog grows up, you should trim the nails of the Russian Toy Terrier once every three to four weeks. This period is conditional, as everything is highly individual. For you, as the owner of a Russian Toy Terrier, the characteristic clicking sound that your pet makes when walking on the floor should be a signal. But even if after a month you don't hear the clicking, check the paws, just in case you missed the moment when it was time to trim the nails.

How to Trim a Russian Toy Terrier's Nails.

You are not alone in feeling panic at the thought of how to trim a Russian Toy Terrier's nails. Believe me, the little terrier is just as scared as you are. Read the step-by-step instructions on how to trim a Russian Toy Terrier's nails, and you will understand that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Let's prepare and gather the necessary items:

• The main tool (don't be afraid, it's just a daunting word) for trimming nails is a dog nail clipper. You cannot use a pruner, manicure scissors, regular clippers, or household scissors for trimming nails! These tools are not designed for dog nail plates, as they do not trim but rather split and crush the dog's claw. A regular nail clipper sold in pet stores will be your reliable assistant in performing this hygiene procedure.

Tip: When choosing a nail clipper, opt for a guillotine-type tool with a curved end and rubberized metal handles.

• A nail file. A regular one will do.
• Cotton discs.
• Any antiseptic. You can use alcohol, chlorhexidine, or hydrogen peroxide.
• Just in case, have a styptic powder like talc or potassium permanganate on hand.

Put all the items in a separate box so you don’t disturb the animal while you frantically search for a specific item or tool around the apartment.

Now, about the claw itself. The structure of a dog's claw includes a "living" and a "dead" part. Your task is to cut off the tip of the hardened epithelium without touching the "living" part. Inside the nail, dogs have a special sheath (the pulp) that contains a blood vessel and a nerve ending. The light-colored nail of the Russian Toy Terrier allows you to see the translucent vessel and easily determine its end. If you still can't see the vessel, take a flashlight and shine from below. With a dark claw, you will have to work by feel.

Call your Russian Toy Terrier to you. Some advisors recommend placing the pet on a flat surface and starting the procedure. This advice is good only in theory. In practice, you will need to place the terrier on your lap and, holding it gently with your legs, firmly grasp the paw whose nails you are going to trim. As soon as you see that the Russian Toy Terrier is trying to break free, try wrapping it in a towel, leaving one paw sticking out.

Depending on the method of holding the dog you chose, extend the paw forward or backward. Then press your left hand fingers on the pad of the paw. The claw will elongate. Inspect the claw. Your gaze should clearly fix the point where the pulp ends. You should trim the nail a couple of millimeters away from the pulp. Now, with a clear, confident motion of your right hand (if you are right-handed), cut the hardened epithelium at a forty-five-degree angle toward the foot. Use the nail file to polish the trimmed claw.

Tip: For the Russian Toy Terrier, the fur between the pads on the paws can interfere with the cosmetic procedure. Therefore, before starting to trim the nails, carefully trim the fur.

If your hand accidentally trembles, or the pet jerks, and you touch the pulp while trimming the nails, don’t panic. You have prepared everything necessary. Treat the wound with antiseptic and press a cotton disc with a styptic powder onto the claw.

Are you still afraid to trim a Russian Toy Terrier's nails? Then for the first time, consult a groomer. The specialist will perform the hygiene procedure on the animal and show you how to properly trim a Russian Toy Terrier's nails. You will see how simple and easy this procedure is. The biggest challenge is convincing the dog to sit still during the nail trimming process.

At first, you will have to contend with the animal's character. But, training from puppy age, your careful actions and communication with the Toy during nail trimming, the consistency of such procedures, and of course, treats after completion will all play their role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Russian Toy Terrier need its nails trimmed?

Yes, nail trimming is necessary as the nails do not wear down on their own, which can lead to health problems.

When should a Russian Toy Terrier puppy's nails be trimmed for the first time?

The first nail trimming should be done at one and a half weeks of age to avoid injuries during feeding.

How often should an adult Russian Toy Terrier's nails be trimmed?

An adult Russian Toy Terrier's nails should be trimmed approximately every three to four weeks, depending on the individual growth of the nails.

How can you tell when a Russian Toy Terrier's nails need to be trimmed?

If you hear the characteristic clicking sound when walking on the floor, it signals the need for nail trimming.

What can happen if a Russian Toy Terrier's nails are not trimmed?

Untrimmed nails can grow into the paws, cause inflammation, and may even require amputation of the limbs.