Caleb Foster
Overgrown nails can cause a lot of discomfort for dogs and may even lead to health issues like tendon injuries and deformed feet. The quick, a collection of nerves and blood vessels, grows with the nail, and trimming overgrown nails increases the risk of accidentally cutting into it, which can be very painful for your dog. Therefore, it is important to trim your dog's nails regularly and correctly. This paragraph will discuss how to cut a dog's overgrown nails safely and effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify if a dog's nails are overgrown | A clear sign of overgrown nails is when they begin to curl under the paw. Nails may also start tapping on the floor. |
| How to identify the quick | Hold the dog's paw up to the light. On light-colored nails, the quick will appear as a darker, pinkish section within the nail. On dark-colored nails, it may be harder to estimate where the quick begins. |
| How to cut overgrown nails | Trim nails in a quick and safe motion. After each cut, look at the freshly cut tip of the nail to look for a little black dot that tells you when to stop. |
| What to do if you cut the quick | Stop the bleeding with styptic powder or cornstarch. Reassure your dog and give them a treat to help calm them down. |
| How to prevent overgrown nails | Regular walks on hard surfaces like concrete can help naturally file the nails down. |
| How often to trim nails | Trim nails once a week. |
| When to cut nails | It's best to trim your dog's nails when they're relaxed and comfortable. |
| Who should cut nails | If you're uncomfortable trimming your dog's nails, consider taking your dog to a professional groomer or veterinarian. |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify when your dog's nails are overgrown
Overgrown nails can cause your dog a lot of pain and discomfort, so it's important to know how to identify them. Nails that are excessively long can bleed when your dog walks on hard surfaces, especially if the quick—a soft cuticle rich in blood vessels and nerves—is exposed. You can identify the quick in dogs with lighter nails by looking for a pink region in the centre of the nail. For darker nails, you may need to look at the bottom of the nail as you trim. As the nail grows, the quick will also grow, and in some cases, it may lengthen so much that it reaches the tip of the nail.
Several factors can lead to the overgrowth of a dog's nails. The most common cause is a lack of regular trimming. Nails that are not trimmed regularly can grow excessively long, making it harder to maintain their proper length. Seasonal changes can also play a role, with some dogs experiencing faster nail growth during warmer months. Additionally, dogs that spend most of their time on soft surfaces, such as grass or carpet, may not naturally wear down their nails, leading to overgrowth. Certain breeds, such as Basset Hounds or Dachshunds, tend to have faster nail growth due to their genetics.
There are several physical and behavioural signs that can indicate your dog's nails are overgrown. Curled nails that grow under the paw can cause pain and difficulty walking, and in extreme cases, they may grow into the paw pads, leading to infections or abscesses. You may notice a change in your dog's gait, as they try to avoid the discomfort caused by nails pressing into their paws. Overgrown nails are also prone to breaking or tearing, which can lead to nail bed infections characterised by redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge. Your dog may exhibit reluctance to walk or play, and you may observe excessive licking or chewing of their paws as a way to relieve discomfort.
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take a gradual approach to trimming your dog's nails. Start by trimming the tip of the nail, and then trim a little bit at a time on a regular cadence, about once a week, to allow the quick to recede gradually. This method reduces the risk of cutting the quick and makes the process less stressful for your dog.
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How to cut dark-coloured nails
It is important to trim your dog's nails regularly. Overgrown nails can cause pain and affect mobility. They are also more prone to breaking, which can lead to infection. The ideal length for a dog's nails is slightly longer than the quick (the part of the nail with blood vessels and nerves), but not touching the ground when the dog is standing.
If your dog has dark-coloured nails, it can be more challenging to trim them safely because it is harder to see the quick. Here are some tips for cutting dark-coloured nails:
- Start by clipping a small bit at a time. Cut gradually until the centre of the nail starts to appear darker, indicating that you are getting close to the quick. Stop trimming at this point.
- Shine a flashlight under the nail to help determine where the quick ends.
- Look for a black spot or "bullseye" in the centre of the nail. This is a sign that you are approaching the quick and should stop trimming.
- Trim the nails at a 45-degree angle. This will help you get closer to the quick without actually cutting into it.
- Have styptic powder on hand in case you accidentally cut into the quick and the nail starts bleeding. Apply a small amount of styptic powder directly to the nail and gently press it for a few seconds to stop the bleeding. Cornstarch or flour can also be used as a temporary alternative.
- Get your dog used to having their paws handled and nails trimmed. Start when they are a puppy by gently touching their paws and rewarding them with praise and treats. This positive conditioning will help them get used to the process and cooperate.
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What to do if you cut into the quick
If you accidentally cut into the quick of your dog's nail, don't panic. The quick is a soft cuticle that contains nerve endings and blood vessels, so cutting it will be painful for your dog and cause bleeding.
To stop the bleeding, use styptic powder or another clotting powder formulated for dogs. Apply this to the nail. You can find styptic powder in most pet supply shops or online. Some well-known brands include Kwik-Stop.
If there seems to be any further damage to your dog's nail or foot, call your vet for advice.
To prevent cutting into the quick, it's important to trim your dog's nails regularly. This will cause the quick to recede, and you will be able to cut the nails shorter without hitting it. The quick is more visible on light-coloured nails, but it can be challenging to spot on darker nails. If your dog has dark nails, try looking at the bottom of the nail as you trim to gauge how deep into the nail bed you are cutting. Remember, it's always better to cut less of the nail than risk cutting into the quick.
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How to cut nails with a grinder
Grinders are a safe and effective way to cut your dog's nails. They are especially useful for dogs with thick, tough, or black nails, as they reduce the risk of cutting the quick and causing bleeding. Grinders are also a good option for inexperienced dog owners as they are straightforward to use and allow for more control.
Before you begin, ensure you have the right grinder for your dog's nail size and shape. Dog nail grinders are designed specifically for this purpose and are available with low noise options for anxious dogs. Familiarise your dog with the grinder by letting them sniff and examine it, and turn it on so they get used to the sound. You can also give them treats and positive reinforcement to create a positive association.
When you are ready to start, hold your dog's paw securely but gently to avoid causing any discomfort. Firmly but gently place your thumb on the pad of their toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe, above the nail. Ensure that none of your dog's fur is in the way. Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad while pushing your forefinger forward to extend the nail.
Hold the grinder high up, towards the top, and place it on the top of the nail for about three seconds. Gradually grind the nail down to a shorter length, checking frequently that you are not cutting too far. Continue until you see the circle in the nail that indicates the quick.
Throughout the process, give your dog plenty of treats and praise, and take breaks to play and snuggle with them. This will help make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
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How to cut a dog's nails when they are nervous
If your dog is nervous about getting their nails cut, there are several methods you can use to help them relax. It is important to remain calm yourself, as your dog will pick up on your energy. If your dog is nervous, it may be because they have had a negative experience with nail clipping in the past, or because they have not been handled enough to feel safe having their paws touched.
First, you should train your dog to get comfortable with the sensation of having their paws touched. When your dog is relaxed, lightly touch their shoulder and work your way down to their paw. Use a soothing voice to keep them calm as you gently rub their paws. Then, focus on the toes, giving each one a soft squeeze. Next, apply gentle pressure to the nail itself. If your dog becomes scared or pulls back their paw, stop for a bit and continue only when they settle down. You can supplement verbal praise with treats, but do not withhold praise if you withhold treats. Do not scold your dog if they retract their paw. Repeat this process several times a day.
Next, you should acquaint your dog with the sound of the clippers. Repeat the previous step, but with the addition of the clippers—open and close them as you talk to your dog and offer a treat. Gradually decrease the space between the clippers and your dog without touching them with the device. You can also try touching the clippers to just one nail on the paw they are most comfortable with, ending with a treat as a reward. Touch the clippers to one nail on the same paw each day, and once they seem comfortable, move on to the next paw and repeat the process. Continue until you can touch the clippers to every nail on each paw.
Once your dog is comfortable with the clippers, you can attempt to trim a single nail, again starting with the paw they are most comfortable giving you. Ensure that you are exuding confidence, and are calm and relaxed. Trim one nail each day until you notice that your dog is feeling more comfortable during the experience. Begin trimming a couple of nails in one session.
If your dog is still nervous, you may want to try sedatives or prescription drugs to help them relax. There are many over-the-counter drugs that you can use, such as Benadryl, melatonin, or natural relaxants like California poppy, chamomile, rosemary, or valerian. Be sure to use the correct dose for your dog's size. For prescription drugs, you can consult your vet to see if medications like Trazodone, Diazepam, Acepromazine, Valium, or Gabapentin can help.
Finally, if your dog's nails are extremely overgrown, do not try to cut them short all at once. Ask your vet or groomer for help. Chances are, the nails will need to be cut a little bit at a time to allow the quick to recede.
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Frequently asked questions
If you hear your dog's nails clicking on the floor as they walk, it's probably time for a trim. Overgrown nails can also cause your dog to start limping or change the way they walk to avoid discomfort.
Overgrown nails increase the risk of accidentally cutting into the quick, which consists of a blood artery and nerve. This can cause significant pain, bleeding, and agony for your dog.
You can use dog nail clippers or a grinder to trim your dog's nails. If you're using clippers, make sure to find one that fits your dog's nail size. You can also use a nail file or grinder to smooth any rough edges after trimming.
It's important to trim your dog's nails gradually, especially if the quick has grown long. Trim a small amount of the nail each week to allow the quick to recede. Before cutting, examine your dog's nails in the light to identify the quick and avoid cutting into it.
