How to trim a dog's nails
Jessica, CVT
Rogers Pet Clinic
Can you show us how to identify the quick in a dog's nail?
In dogs who have white nails you can often see an area of pink through the nail. With darker nails, it is helpful to look from below, you can see a bit of tissue a slight ways back from the tip of the nail.
What should you look out for as you trim closer to the quick?
You can visualize a whiter area when looking at the trimmed nail head on. That gets smaller and darker the closer in you get to the vessels in the quick. Slowly trim small increments until you reach the darker area and use that as a stopping point.
What should you do if you accidentally cut the quick and make the nail bleed?
If you accidentally clip too far and the nail begins to bleed, apply pressure to the tip of the nail or dip the nail in a bit of styptic powder (sometimes cornstarch or flour could work too), then make sure the animal is kept inactive for a short time. We like to use a product called Kwik-Stop, we have it available for purchase at the clinic if you would like to keep it on hand in the event you trim back a little too far.
How often should you trim a dog's nails?
Although dogs are less likely than cats to injure someone with their claws, timely nail trimmings help ensure that a dog can walk without pain or discomfort. The nails of very active dogs may not require any trimming, since they’re continually worn down by contact with concrete and other rough surfaces. But it’s still a good idea to check the nails occasionally to make sure none of them are torn or split. A good rule of thumb would be to trim the nails every 4-6 weeks as needed.
How do I distract my pet?
Dogs are often pretty cooperative when it comes to having their nails trimmed as long as distraction is involved, and those who were handled often as puppies are even more likely to comply. Still, you may need to work a little to keep the animal still. If you’re working alone, have the dog sit or lie down on the floor, then trim the nails, one paw at a time. Use high value treats such as peanut butter or cheese on a lick mat to keep them busy.
If you have any other questions, please give us a call at (763) 428-8688. You can also email us at info@rogerspetclinic.com and we will get back to you as soon as we are able. Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram