It’s helpful to trim your dog’s nails after you bathe them. Allowing them to stand in warm water gives their nails time to soften. Soaking the nails first means they will be less brittle and less likely to break or split. They will also be softer and easier to cut. Further, cleaning the dirt and debris from the nails will make it easier to see the quick.Rubbing paw balm on the paw pads after a bath moisturizes and protects the pads, while a little argan oil on the nail further softens them and prevents any brittleness, especially in older dogs.