You will learn learn how to safely cut your dog’s overgrown nails with this DIY grooming guide. Save money and keep your pet happy and healthy!
In the last topic you will find useful products for that.
Besides, I also recommend you to check our other DIY guides such as THIS (dog grooming) and THIS (dog bath). They are also extremely useful in taking care of your dog.
PS: Also works for trimming the overgrown dew claw.
“Overgrown nails are not just a problem for your dog, they can also be a hazard for your furniture.” – Unknown
What you'll find here
Why to trim the nails
When a dog’s claws become overgrown and remain that way, problems, risks, and inconveniences arise. Your pet’s health is at risk if their nails are allowed to develop unchecked, as this can cause painful injuries and even bleeding if the nails split or break.
As a responsible pet owner, it’s your duty to ensure your dog’s nails are trimmed regularly to guarantee a long and happy life.
Learning how to cut your dog’s overgrown nails is crucial for their overall well-being. Neglecting to trim your pet’s nails can result in various problems, such as curled nails that invade the fleshy tissue, causing punctures that hurt and can lead to infections.
Besides, overgrown nails may cause tendonitis and misshapen feet if left untreated. Long nails can also cause injuries to your dog’s feet and get caught on objects like blankets and rugs, causing pain and discomfort. If you hear tapping sounds when your dog walks, it’s a sign that their nails need trimming.
It can be tempting to trim all your dog’s nails at once to ease their discomfort, but doing so can have negative consequences in the long term. This is because the “quick,” which is the blood vessel and nerve that runs through the base of their nail, is located there. Cutting too far down could lead to bleeding, pain, and other complications.
Cutting your dog’s nails may seem like a challenging task, but with a little attention and effort, you can easily perform this procedure at home and help your friend lead a happy and healthy life.
Be aware of the nail’s anatomy:
“Overgrown dog nail”… Have you ever thought you would be reading about that? hahahaha
However, understanding how a dog’s nails are structured is crucial when it comes to trimming them.
A nail consists of a hard outer shell and a softer, pink quick that has blood vessels and nerves.
The middle of the nail has a rapid that carries blood and oxygen. Imagine a dog’s nail like a piece of candy corn – there’s the white nail, the orange quick, and the golden bone.
It’s important to remember that only the white part of the nail should be trimmed since it doesn’t have any nerve endings or blood vessels. If your dog complains when you trim their nails, you’re probably cutting too close to the quick, which can be painful. Also, make sure you don’t accidentally cut the quick while filing or cutting your dog’s nails.
If your dog spends most of their time outside, particularly on concrete surfaces, their nails may not need to be trimmed since they tend to wear down naturally. However, it’s still essential to keep an eye on their nails to avoid overgrowth and potential injuries.
Step-by-step guide
People search the same question online in many ways:
- How to cut overgrown dog nails that are black?
- How to cut overgrown dog nails?
- How to trim dog nails that are overgrown?
All these questions show your true concern and care for your pooch friend. Overgrown dog nails require extra care. You can always take your canine to the groomer or vet to trim its nails if you feel they are getting too long. Your dog’s nails’ quick and dead areas may have grown past the pad. The quick is harder to see in black-nailed dogs. Nail trimming is a must, but most dogs and owners dislike it.
Here are the step-by-step instructions for cutting those overgrown dog nails:
Make your dog relaxed and prepared
Many dogs do not enjoy having their nails trimmed, especially if they have had bad experiences before. To help your dog feel more comfortable, introduce the clippers ahead of time and let your canine sniff them out to ease their nerves. It’s a good idea to invite them to explore and sniff the trimming tools.
Associate the clippers with positive things, such as getting a treat, to help your dog feel more relaxed. Cut the nails and reward your dog afterwards. It’s important to be patient, as it may take a few days for your canine to become comfortable with having their nails trimmed. If you’re using a grinder, your dog may need more time to adjust to the noise, so take it slowly and reward them with a treat when they’ve adjusted to the sound. Always wait until your pup is calm before trimming their nails.
Timing and position
Trimming your dog’s nails can be easier with a second person to hold your pet while you work. It’s important to have good lighting to see what you’re doing. Begin by holding the paw near the dog’s body and lift one toe at a time. Gently compress the paw and separate one toe from the rest before trimming the nail. Take your time and be patient to avoid hurting your dog.
Identifying the “Quick” is the real art
Identifying the “Quick” is important when dealing with severely overgrown dog nails.
The Quick is a part of the nail that appears rosy and is darker than the rest of the nail. However, it may be difficult to see in pets with dark nails, so it’s better to start by cutting the nail tip. This will reveal more of the nail and expose a pink or grey center. In some dogs, a circular black patch on the chest may indicate where the Quick is located.
It’s crucial to avoid cutting into the Quick, so be sure to stop trimming before reaching it. Before trimming your dog’s nails, take the time to locate the Quick. This is easier to do in pets with light-colored nails.
In other words, you have to identify how much the nail is actually overgrown.
Clip the nails and repeat:
When trimming your dog’s nails, start with a small cut and work your way up slowly. As you do this, you’ll see the Quick of your dog’s nail emerge, which will appear as a tiny circle that is either whitish, gray, or pink. After each cut, inspect the tip of the nail for a tiny black dot, which indicates that you should stop trimming.
It’s essential to trim your dog’s nails quickly and safely, but avoid rushing as it can increase the risk of injuries. Take breaks as needed, but be sure to trim effectively. To keep your dog’s nail-trimming experience pleasant, offer praise and treats after each clip.
Final thoughts
If you’re concerned about trimming your dog’s nails too much, it’s crucial to have good dog training skills. To learn more about dog training, be sure to check out our post titled “Dog Training Mastery: Stop Bad Behaviors Fast”.
It’s essential to remember that accidents can happen, especially if your dog’s nails are lengthy. However, if you accidentally cut the “Quick” (the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels), don’t panic. Use styptic powder to stop the bleeding and take some time to relax with your furry friend. Take deep breaths, offer positive reinforcement, and reward your pup with plenty of treats to ease any anxiety.
Product Recommendations.
- gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers (Amazon.com – link below):
- STOPWOOFER Dog Nail Grinder (Amazon.com – link below):
