Expert: Kim Wingate - 10/13/2009

Question
how do we properly do at home?can u specify where exactly on the tail of new born that needs to be cut also how o stop the bleeding after the cut has been made.

Answer
Hello Frankie,
The best way to do the dew claws is to get a hemostat and pinch the dewclaw off as close to the skin as you can get.  You want to get the root of the claw.  You can put Quick Stop Bleeding aid on the leg to stop the bleeding.  If you don't have anything else, you can use corn starch.  Press it on the wound until the bleeding is stopped.  Most Pet stores will have Bleeding aids for toenail trimming and such.  

For the tail, we usually take about 1/3 off the tip.  If 1/3 of the way is at one of the joints, make your cut towards the base of the tail.  You can take off a bit more that 1/3 if you are comfortable with it, but leave a bit more than 1/2.  Taking 1/2 off leaves it a bit short.  Also, if you are comfortable with stitches, a couple of stitches in the end of the tail will cause the skin to grow over the tip and hair along with it.  Otherwise, you tend to have a bald spot on the end of the tail.

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim