I’m a stickler on this. I simply hate seeing sloppy feet on a pet. Why?
Maybe because I have four big, furry dogs and I live on a farm. I know first-hand the more fur left in the pads of my pooches spells dirt and discomfort depending on the time of year here in Michigan. Or maybe it’s because in order to provide a quality pet grooms to clients – quality lays in the details. Details like getting the feet clean – really clean.
Let’s face it – once a dog is at home, the pet spends a lot of time snoozing. The feet are totally exposed, and so is your work. In my book, there simply is no excuse for messy feet. The process hardly takes any time when using the right tools and techniques.
Before we dig into the “how” to get perfect feet in a snap, let’s look at the “why” it’s important not to miss this area in the grooming process.
- Health of Pet
- Mats can cause discomfort between the toes and pads.
- Mats and excessive coat between the pads traps moisture, causing skin irritation.
- In winter climates, excessive coat causes ice and salt buildup between the pads and toes.
- Excessive coat hides burrs, thorns, tar, gum, and a wide range of items that can be uncomfortable to the pet.
- Cleanliness
- A clean foot pad does not track as much dirt and mud into an owner’s home.
- Visual
- Trimming accentuates the proper foot type.
- Clean, neat pads present a “finished picture” of a well-groomed pet.
TRIMMING THE PADS
Clipping the pads should take between 10 and 30 seconds per foot, depending on the size and attitude of the pet.
The blades used on most pets will range from a #15 to a #40. With any blade option, remember to always use a light touch as you clip. No heavy pressure and no digging into the foot pad.
Hold the clipper like a pencil. This will allow you the most flexibility in your wrist in most cases. Occasionally, an overhand grip on your clipper with give you a better range of motion depending on your position. Use the hold that allows you the most flexibility.
Following a routine will enhance speed and efficiency. Personally, I always like to start with a rear foot. By starting on a rear foot, you can note any adverse reaction the pet has to the handling its feet. If the pet demonstrates discomfort or aggression, you are in a better position to address the situation safely.
Lift the foot only high enough to get the job done. Most of the time this will be 4 inches or less from the tabletop. Anything higher than that could make the pet uncomfortable while you clip. Keep the foot as low to the table as you can and still be able to clip freely. The lower – the better. This will ensure both the pet’s comfort and safety – and yours – should the pet become unruly or try to bite.
When asking the dog to pick up its foot – start by sliding your hand down the pet’s leg, with your thumb and first finger closest to the table. As you approach the foot, gently lift and let your thumb and first finger rest flush with the pet’s foot pad. Holding the foot in this manner gives you the most control over the pet and reduces the risk of trimming up into the side coat of the foot. It also allows you to use your fingers as a brace to remove stubborn excessive coat from around the foot.
Keeping the clipper blade flush with the foot pad, lightly start clipping at the nail bed of the center two digits. Make a pass over the entire pad of the foot while barely making contact with the pads. The second pass should focus on the outside digits and then repeat the process on the opposite outside digits. At this point, all the excessive coat should be removed from the foot pad. (The outside of many foot pads can be “edged” at the same time.)
Finish the procedure by clipping between the large heel pad and the digit pads. Spread the foot slightly with one hand and make two soft bouncing motions into the crevice area. On the second bounce, follow through and gently scoop the excessive hair out of the way. Repeat on the other side of the foot pad. If the foot is heavily coated, rotate clippers and repeat the soft bounce and follow-through action from the opposite direction. Do not dig into the crevice if the fur does not come out easily. Gently spread the crevice apart and work at the difficult area with a light touch. (This is normally a very large mat that will have skin irritation under the matting.)
On smaller pets, you will remain in one spot as you move from one foot to another on the pet. Start with one back foot, then move to the opposite back foot. Next, proceed to the front foot nearest you. Finally, reach over the pet and trim the opposite front foot. On a larger pet, you will need to move your position slightly. Try to minimize how much you move while working from foot to foot. You will follow the same procedure for the smaller pet, except that you will reach under the dog to get to the off foot or ask them to sit and reach over them for the off foot.
The foot pads may be trimmed before or after the bath. There are pros and cons as to which procedure is best. If you trim the pads before the bath, you will not have to wash and dry the coat. The negative side is that you will have clipped through a very dirty coat that will act like sand paper on your blade. Waiting until after the bath allows you to work on a clean coat, which makes clipping easier and prolongs the life of your blade. In either case, the finish work cannot be started, nor the job properly completed, until the pads are trimmed and clean.
To learn how to apply the proper pressure to the blade while clipping the pads, practice on your own hand. Feel how much pressure is comfortable to you. With the clipper turned off, rotate and move it over your own fingers. This will teach you how to manipulate it in difficult areas. If it’s comfortable on your skin, it will be comfortable to the pet. When clipping a pet, always monitor the heat of the blade for safety and comfort.
As a professional pet groomer, time is money. Details count, even if it’s the bottom of the dog’s feet. Paying attention to the details also ensures you will have a loyal stream of repeat clients every week.
Happy trimming,
-Melissa
P.S.
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