Isla Bennett
Trimming your dog's nails is an essential part of maintaining their health and hygiene. Long nails can cause discomfort and health issues, such as deformed feet and tendon injuries. The quick, a blood artery and nerve located in the centre of the nail, can grow out along with the nail, making it challenging to trim without causing pain. To safely trim your dog's nails when the vein is too long, it is recommended to trim gradually, starting with the very tip of the nail and cutting a little bit at a time. This process encourages the quick to recede, making it easier to achieve and maintain a healthy nail length for your dog.
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What You'll Learn
How to trim black nails
Trimming your dog's nails is an essential part of maintaining their health and hygiene. Nails that are too long can cause pain and, in rare cases, irreversible damage. Long nails can also affect your dog's posture and cause arthritis.
If your dog has black nails, it can be challenging to trim them as the vein (or quick) is not visible. The quick is a blood artery and nerve that runs through the core of the nail. If you cut into the quick, it will bleed and be painful for your dog.
- Use dog nail trimmers designed for this purpose. Scissor-style trimmers are the easiest to use and allow you to see where you are cutting.
- Before you start trimming, get your dog used to having their paws touched. Start when they are young puppies, so they become accustomed to the process.
- For black nails, trim only the hook or curved portion (the skinny tip of the nail, not the thicker portion).
- If your dog does not have this hook, turn their paw over and look at the underside. You can usually tell the part that is safe to trim from the "meatier" bulk of the nail.
- Take it slowly and trim only a little at a time. Stop if your dog becomes stressed.
- As you cut back the nail, you will see a white circle appear under the black nail. This is the horn material. Once you see this, slow down as the quick will be close.
- Once you see a small black dot in the center of the white circle, stop cutting! This is the quick.
- If you do cut into the quick, use styptic powder, cornstarch, flour, or another clotting powder to stop the bleeding.
- Trim your dog's nails every 4-6 weeks, or more frequently if needed. Nails that are too long will need to be gradually trimmed over time to avoid cutting into the quick.
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Trimming nails with a grinder
Trimming a dog's nails is an essential part of their grooming routine. Long nails can cause several problems for dogs, including pain and, in rare cases, irreversible damage.
Nail grinders are a great option for trimming dog nails. They create a soft edge on the nail and are less intimidating for owners who are concerned about trimming their dog's nails too short. Grinders use a sandpaper-like material and a motor to shave down nails smoothly. They slowly grind the nail down, allowing you to stop and check that you're not cutting too far. When done correctly, grinding is essentially painless, and you can get a smooth, natural-looking tip.
However, many dogs do not like the vibration or noise of the grinder. It is important to get your dog accustomed to the grinder before using it on their nails. Let them sniff the tool, watch its motion, and listen to the sounds it makes. Reward them with treats and praise. You can do this over several days to get them comfortable. It is also a good idea to frequently touch and hold your puppy's paws right from the first day so they won't be sensitive about having their feet handled.
When using a grinder, hold it higher up, towards the top, for better control. Make sure your dog is comfortable and take note of any sensitivities. If your dog has long hair, keep it back from the grinding tool so it doesn't get caught.
To trim your dog's nails, pick up their paw and place your thumb on the pad of their toe and your forefinger on the skin above the nail. Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad while pushing your forefinger forward. This extends the nail. Only trim the tip of the nail, straight across. Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail, as you risk hitting the quick—the pink area of the nail that contains blood vessels. If your dog has dark nails, where the quick is less visible, look at the underside of the nail and stop cutting when you see a black spot called the pulp.
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Desensitising your dog to nail clippers
Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming, but it can be an anxiety-laden experience for many dogs. Desensitising your dog to nail clippers is a critical step in the grooming process and can turn nail trimming from a traumatic to a terrific experience for your dog. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Introduce Clippers or Grinders in a Calm Environment
Allow your dog to sniff and explore the clippers or grinders at their own pace in a calm environment. Reward this interaction with treats and praise to help your dog associate the tools with positive experiences. Getting your dog accustomed to the sight and sound of the clippers is an important first step.
Train Your Dog to Allow Paw Handling
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. Apply gentle pressure to the nail itself. If your dog becomes scared or pulls back, stop for a bit and continue only when they settle down.
Combine Paw Handling with Clippers
Sit on the floor with your dog relaxed and handle their paw with one hand while opening and closing the clippers with the other. Gradually move the clippers closer to your dog, and if they stay relaxed, gently touch the clippers to one toe. If your dog stays relaxed, touch each toe with the clippers. If they become anxious or retract their foot, take a break and try again with a gentler touch.
Simulate the Motion
Before actually trimming the nails, simulate the motion with the clippers or grinder without making contact with the dog's nails. This helps the dog get used to the sound and sensation.
Take it One Nail at a Time
Once your dog is comfortable, begin by trimming just one nail. Reward your dog generously with treats and praise after each successful clip. Take multiple breaks throughout the process and avoid pushing your dog too far, too fast. Shorter, more frequent trimming sessions are better than trying to trim all the nails in one go.
Natural Sedation Methods
If your dog is particularly anxious, you can try natural sedation methods to help them relax. Prepare chamomile tea and let your dog drink it, or soak their favourite treats in the tea. You can also use aromatherapy to relax your dog—massage them with lavender oil, paying attention to the back of their head and the base of their spine, to help stop the production of cortisol and reduce stress.
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How to know if your dog's nails are too long
Keeping your dog's nails short is important for their health and hygiene. Nails that are too long can cause pain and discomfort, and in rare cases, trigger irreversible damage. Long nails can also affect a dog's posture and gait, causing inflammation and pain in their joints.
- You can hear their nails clicking loudly or dragging on the floor when they walk.
- Their nails are curling towards the paw pads.
- You are getting scratched when your dog paws at you or jumps on your lap.
- They are licking and biting their paws more often, which could indicate pain or discomfort.
- They are limping or walking gingerly, which could mean their nails are hitting a hard surface and causing pain.
- Their nails extend past their paw, which is more challenging to see on long-haired dogs.
If you are unsure or uncomfortable trimming your dog's nails, especially if they have black nails where the quick is not visible, it is best to have them trimmed by a veterinarian or professional groomer. Regular nail maintenance will help keep your dog's nails healthy and prevent potential issues.
To trim your dog's nails safely, you can follow these steps:
- Use dog-friendly nail clippers or grinders specifically designed for dogs.
- Get your dog accustomed to the trimming process by letting them sniff and touch the clipper or grinder, offering treats and praise along the way.
- When trimming, pick up their paw and place your thumb gently on the pad of their toe, with your forefinger on the top of the toe above the nail. Ensure their fur is not in the way.
- Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad while pushing your forefinger forward.
- Trim only tiny bits of the nail at a time, checking after each cut to locate the quick. If you see a grayish oval or black dot in the center, this is the quick, and you should stop cutting.
- Always have styptic powder or clotting powder on hand to stop any bleeding in case you cut the nail too short.
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What to do if you cut the nail too short
It is fairly common to accidentally trim a dog's nail too short, and it can usually be treated at home. Here are some steps to follow if you find yourself in this situation:
Remain calm
It is important to stay calm if you accidentally cut your dog's nail too short. A bleeding nail will startle and distress your dog, and your own strong reaction will only cause more distress and make them more resistant to handling and treatment.
Apply pressure
Find gauze or a towel and apply pressure to the nail. If it continues to bleed, you can use a pet-nail-specific clotting powder, such as Kwik Stop, or styptic powder to help the blood clot. You can also use cornstarch, flour, or baking soda, which will thicken into a paste with water and cover the quick while it clots.
Prevent licking
It is important to prevent your dog from licking the wound, as this can cause the scab to lift and the nail to bleed again. If your dog keeps trying to lick their nails, it may be helpful to use an e-collar to prevent this.
Consult a veterinarian
If the nail continues to bleed, it is time to take your dog to the vet or an emergency vet hospital. Very long nails can turn inwards and become embedded in the dog's pad, causing pain and infection.
Regular trimming
To prevent this situation from occurring, it is important to trim your dog's nails regularly. Long nails can cause pain and irreversible damage to the dog. Regular nail trimming will cause the quick (the pink, living part of the nail that supplies blood and runs through its core) to recede. Short quicks are the preferred length for the dog's well-being and easy maintenance.
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