The Average Cost of Nail Clipping for Dogs

The vet's office is one the most popular options when getting your dog's nails clipped. Some vet's include the cost of nail clipping in the annual checkup price, but if you're getting the nails done separately, the average cost will be $10 or less. Groomers usually include the cost of a nail clipping in the cost of a grooming package. A full grooming can cost anywhere from $30 to $90, depending on the size of your dog. This includes clipping the nails, trimming the ear hair, washing and drying the dog, and clipping the hair into a certain style.

Some dogs can be extremely anxious about getting their nails clipped and this can lead to clipping the nail too short. A veterinary or groomer will have more experience and will be less likely to hurt the dog. If the dog knows she can get her way by whining, she may also try this in order to get you to stop working on her nails.

Allowing a dog's nails to grow too long can result in injuries. Not only may the nails crack, but your dog is more likely to get his toenail caught in the carpet or his bedding and rip the nail off. This can be extremely painful and will require immediate veterinary attention. Once nails are overgrown, the dog may require sedation in order to grind the nails down to the proper length.

Unless a dog has a bleeding issue, she will not bleed to death from cutting the nail into the quick. Your vet will dip the bleeding nail in cornstarch or use a styptic pencil to help clot the blood. If a dog's nails are extremely overgrown, the quick will be much further down the nail, making it almost impossible to cut the dog's nails short enough. This is where professional grinding of the nails comes into play. The dog will need to be put under sedation and the vet will use a grinder to take the nails down to the proper length. Afterward, your dog will not be able to walk on pavement or other abrasive surfaces for a few days.