Caleb Foster
Trimming your dog's nails is an essential part of dog grooming and keeping your pup healthy and happy. While it may seem scary, it's a simple procedure if done correctly. Long nails can cause pain, infection, and irreversible damage, and may alter the way your dog moves. Regular nail trimming will cause the quick (the sensitive part inside a dog's nail containing blood vessels and nerves) to recede. For small dogs, scissor clippers are a great option. If your dog has dewclaws (smaller nails on the inside of the paw), don't forget to trim them as they don't touch the ground and can become overgrown. If you cut the quick, styptic powder can be applied to stop the bleeding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to cut small dog nails that curl | Use guillotine-style clippers, scissor clippers, or nail grinders. |
| How often to cut | Every four weeks, or less frequently if nails are naturally filed down. |
| How to get dogs accustomed to nail trimming | Start handling their paws and trimming their nails when they are young. |
| How to restrain dogs while trimming | Place them on a non-slip surface, with good lighting. Ask someone to help restrain the dog and give treats. |
| How to avoid cutting the quick | Cut light-colored nails 2-3 mm away from the quick. Cut dark-colored nails in small increments, stopping when a gray to pink oval appears. |
| What to do if you cut the quick | Apply styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. |
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What You'll Learn
Use the right tools for small dogs
Using the right tools is essential for trimming your small dog's nails safely and effectively. The most common types of nail clippers are guillotine-style and scissor-style. Scissor clippers, such as the Frisco® nail clippers, are a great option for small dogs. They are easy to use and allow for precise cutting. Guillotine-style clippers, on the other hand, can be harder to use as it is more difficult to see where you are trimming. This increases the risk of cutting into the quick, the sensitive part of the nail containing blood vessels and nerves.
If you are using guillotine-style clippers, place your dog's nail through the hole and push the sharp blade up to cut the nail. To avoid cutting the quick, it is recommended to trim only the very tip of the nail. For better control, hold the clippers higher up, towards the top.
Another option for nail trimming is a dog nail grinder, such as the Dremel® rotary nail grinder. Nail grinders file down the nail instead of cutting it, making it easier to avoid cutting into the quick. When using a nail grinder, it is important to only grind a small portion of the nail at a time. Support the dog's toe firmly but gently, and grind across the bottom of the nail and carefully in from the tip, smoothing out any rough edges. If your dog has long hair, make sure to keep it away from the grinder to prevent it from getting caught.
In addition to choosing the right type of clipper or grinder, it is important to have styptic powder or another clotting powder on hand in case you cut the nail too short. Cutting into the quick can cause bleeding and discomfort, so having a way to stop the bleeding is essential. If you do not have styptic powder, you can use powdered flour or cornstarch on the nail bed to help stop the bleeding.
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Prepare your dog for nail cutting
Trimming your dog's nails is an essential part of maintaining their health and wellbeing. However, it can be a daunting and anxiety-inducing experience for both you and your dog. Here are some tips to prepare your dog for nail cutting:
Start Early: If possible, start trimming your dog's nails when they are young. Puppies' nails can be trimmed the same way as adult dogs' nails, and by starting early, they will become accustomed to the process as they age.
Handle Their Paws: Regularly touch and handle your dog's legs, paws, and toes. This helps them get comfortable with you handling their feet and nails. You can give them treats and praise during this process to create a positive association.
Introduce the Tools: Let your dog sniff and get familiar with the nail clippers or grinder. Reward them with treats to create a positive experience. Turn on the grinder or cut a dry spaghetti noodle to get them used to the sound the tool makes, and again, reward them afterward.
Create a Calm Environment: Choose a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit environment for nail trimming. Keep the paw close to the surface your dog is resting on to avoid discomfort and potential injury. If your dog appears nervous, take time to calm them down with gentle strokes and treats for good behavior.
Get Help: Nail trimming is easier with an extra pair of hands to help restrain your dog and keep them calm and still. This also reduces the likelihood of accidentally cutting the nail too short.
Understand the Nail Structure: Know how to spot the "quick" of the nail, which is the sensitive part containing blood vessels and nerves. Cutting the quick can be painful and cause bleeding. In lighter-colored nails, the quick appears as a soft pink region, while in darker nails, it may appear as a black dot in the center.
Remember, it's important to take things slowly and patiently. Start with small steps and gradually build your dog's tolerance for nail trimming over time.
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Position your dog correctly
Positioning your dog correctly is key to cutting their nails safely and effectively. Here are some tips to help you position your dog correctly when trimming their nails:
Start by sitting or standing your dog on the floor. If your dog is very small or you feel more comfortable standing, place them on a non-slip surface at a comfortable height for you to work. Good lighting is also important so you can see your dog's nails clearly. If your dog has furry feet, be sure to trim or push the hair away from their paws to ensure you have a clear view of the nails and don't accidentally trim fur.
Next, lift one of your dog's paws and examine the nails. You can do this by picking up their paw and placing your thumb on the pad of their toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe, above the nail. Gently squeeze to extend the nail. If your dog has long nails, you may need to push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad while pushing your forefinger forward to get a good view of the nail. If your dog has dewclaws, located on the inner side of the paw, be sure to include these in your examination as they can become overgrown and curl around.
Once you have a clear view of the nails, you can determine how much nail you need to trim. If your dog has light-colored nails, you should be able to see the quick, the sensitive part of the nail containing blood vessels and nerves. Your goal is to cut 2-3 mm away from the quick to avoid causing pain. If you can see the quick clearly, trim the nail tip straight across. If you cannot see the quick, make a series of small cuts, removing 1-2 mm of nail with each clip, stopping if you see the centre of the cut surface changing colour to pink or red, as this indicates the quick.
Throughout the process, it's important to keep your dog comfortable and still. Some dogs may happily sit in your lap or on a table while you trim their nails, but others may require some form of restraint. If your dog is wiggly, try laying them on their side. You can also smear peanut butter on a wall or door to distract them and keep them still. Having a helper hold your dog and give them treats throughout the process can also be beneficial.
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Identify the quick
The quick is a soft cuticle that contains blood vessels and nerves that run through your dog's nail. It is located above the nail curve, providing nourishment to the nails and allowing them to grow and feel sensations. If you cut into the quick, it can be painful for your dog and may cause bleeding.
Identifying the quick can be challenging, especially for dogs with dark or black nails. Here are some tips to help you identify the quick:
Visual Inspection
If your dog has light-coloured or translucent nails, the quick can be easily identified as a small pink centre. It is the pinkish area visible through the outside of the nail, indicating the presence of nerves and blood vessels.
For dogs with black or dark nails, it is more difficult to identify the quick. One method is to look at the bottom of the nail. There may be a groove or gap that separates the hard nail from the soft part, which is the quick. You can also shine a light, such as a small flashlight or your phone's light, through the nail to reveal the shadowy quick within.
Trimming Technique
When trimming your dog's nails, it is important to trim gradually and in small portions. After each clip, inspect the cut surface of the nail. For light-coloured nails, look for the pinkish area; for dark nails, look for a dark spot or pulp in the centre of the white surface. Stop cutting when you see these indicators as you are approaching the quick.
Sensitivity to Pressure
The quick contains sensitive nerves, so you can gauge its location by gently squeezing the clippers against the nail without cutting it. If your dog tries to pull away, you are likely close to the quick.
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Treat your dog and go slowly
Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming. It can be an anxiety-laden experience for dogs, so it's important to take it slowly, especially if your dog is new to the process. Start by getting your dog used to having their paws handled. You can do this by frequently touching and holding their paws gently and cheerfully, offering praise and treats when they let you.
Once your dog is comfortable with this, you can introduce them to the nail clippers or grinder. Let them explore the tools by touching and sniffing them. You can also give them treats when they come into contact with the tools to create a positive association.
When you're ready to start trimming, go slowly and take your time. If possible, have a helper hold your dog and give them treats throughout the process. You can also use a lick mat with peanut butter or a spreadable dog treat to distract your dog and provide a positive experience during nail trimming.
Only trim a small amount of the nail at a time, especially if you're using a grinder. For clippers, cut at a 45-degree angle rather than straight across. Aim to cut 2-3 mm away from the quick, which is the sensitive part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If your dog has light-colored nails, you'll be able to see the quick. If they have dark nails, trim just the very tip of the nail.
If you accidentally cut the quick, stay calm. You can apply styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to the nail to stop the bleeding.
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Frequently asked questions
Scissor clippers are a great option for small dogs.
Examine your dog's nails. If they touch the ground or you can hear them clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Cut only the tip of the nail, straight across. Cut dark-coloured nails in several small cuts to reduce the chance of cutting into the quick.
Start handling your puppy's feet and trimming their nails when they are young, so they get used to the process. Let your dog sniff the nail clippers, then reward them with a treat.
Apply styptic powder to the nail to stop the bleeding. If you don't have styptic powder, you can use powdered flour or cornstarch.
