Can you cut a dogs nail if its black?

Trimming Black Nails Go slowly. Hold your dog’s paw firmly but gently. Position the clippers to cut the nail from top to bottom (not side to side) Trim a very small length of the nail, about 1/16th of an inch.

How do you know when to stop cutting black dog toenails?

As you get closer to the quick, the center of the nail will appear black, and may eventually look pink right before the quick. The trick is to trim a very short bit of nail at a time and stop as soon as the cut surface shows a black center. If you get to the pink, definitely stop!

What angle do you cut black dog nails?

How do you safely clip a dog’s nails? – Some dogs will happily sit in your lap or on a table while you trim their claws, but many require some form of restraint. While this can done at home, it’s recommended owners learn to trim their dog’s nails from a veterinarian or veterinary technician first.

To clip your dog’s nails, drape your arms and upper body over the animal. When trimming the front claws, keep your left forearm over the neck to keep the dog from lifting its head. If the dog tries to stand, lean your upper body over its shoulders to prevent it from rising. If your dog is too wiggly, try laying it on its side.

Grip each individual toe firmly with your thumb and forefinger. Place the tip of the nail in the stationary ring of the trimmer with the clipper perpendicular to the nail. Squeeze the handle to move the cutting blade. The cutting blade should be closest to you, not the dog. Be sure not to cut too short, as the nail will bleed. Nails should be cut from underneath at a 45-degree angle.

Does a black nail ever heal?

How to Treat Black Toenails – Okay, you have a black toenail. Don’t fret. In mild cases, no treatment is needed, and the black nail will simply grow out. But in some cases, the subungual hematoma can cause pain—the more blood under your nail, the more it will hurt, says Metzl.

If this is the case, head to your doctor. He or she can poke a few holes into the nail to drain the blood, which relieves the pressure and will also help save the nail. Prompt action is key here, though: The procedure must be done within the first few days of the injury. So if you feel pain, don’t play the waiting game.

And don’t try to treat it yourself at home, either. This is a procedure that needs to be done at the doctor’s office. Despite what you may hear about it being a DIY trick, attempting this yourself can leave you at risk for infection. While it may be tempting to hide the discolored toenail with nail polish, think twice before painting it—nail polish does not allow the nail to breathe, and you could risk losing it altogether, says sports medicine physician William O.

Should I pull my nail off if its black?

Overview – Color changes occur in nails for many reasons.

A black nail may be caused by an injury.

Bleeding or bruising under an injured nail will cause a black or purplish appearance. You may need to have the blood drained from under the nail. The black appearance will most often go away as the injury heals, but this may take weeks. Occasionally the black appearance under an injured nail may mean damage to the nail matrix, the area where the nail first begins to form. If this is the case, it may be necessary to remove the nail and repair the matrix. Melanoma may give a black, irregular appearance to an uninjured nail.

Blue nails may occur as a side effect of a medicine. Blue nails are also caused by problems that reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, such as asthma and COPD, severe anemia, cold exposure, exposure to high altitude, peripheral arterial disease, or shock, Brown streaks occur normally in dark-skinned persons and are of concern only if they are new or changing. Brown streaks may also be caused by a medicine or malnutrition. Green discoloration may be caused by bacterial and fungal infections, Pale white nails may be caused by nutritional disorders, such as anemia or zinc deficiency, or other medical problems. White specks, spots, or bands (leukonychia) in the nail are common with mild injury. You may not even have been aware of the injury. These marks can last for weeks or months and go away on their own without any treatment. Yellow nails occur when the nail separates from the nail bed (onycholysis) because of an injury, a skin condition, or an infection. It is also caused by medical problems such as chronic lung disease or cancer. Nails can also become yellow from smoking cigarettes or from using some nail polishes, especially red polish.

Should you puncture a black nail?

If you’ve ever injured your fingernail or toenail, you may have noticed blood pooling under the nail bed’s surface. This bruising is called a subungual hematoma, It’s usually caused by a crushing or stubbing injury. Over time, the blood may turn dark, and the pressure of the hematoma may cause your nail to come off completely ( avulsion ).

Before that happens, though, you may choose to relieve the pain and pressure by draining the hematoma. In this procedure, also called trephination, a small hole is made into the nail to allow the blood to flow out. Drainage can be performed quickly and relatively painlessly in a doctor’s office or urgent care center.

Here’s what you need to know about subungual hematoma drainage, when you can do it, what happens if you don’t, and when you should see a doctor or healthcare professional. Doctors recommend draining subungual hematomas when they cause pain or make up 50% or more of the nail.

• If you’ve also fractured your finger, doctors recommend drainage if the hematoma makes up 25% or more of your nail.
• Regardless, you’ll want to head to a doctor within the first 48 hours after your injury for the best results.
• The blood begins to clot after this amount of time, making drainage difficult.

Small hematomas may heal on their own without much issue. You may reduce some of these symptoms for more mild cases by elevating your hand or foot, using a cold compress for pain/swelling, and applying compression to slow the bleeding under the nail. Larger hematomas may or may not cause issues.

Without drainage, you may experience intense pain or other symptoms such as feeling pressure on the nail. The hematoma may change colors from red to purple to dark brown to black. The pressure of the blood underneath the nail’s surface may also cause the nail to fall off partially or completely. If home measures don’t give you relief, you should contact a doctor for the next steps.

Remember that nail drainage can only be performed within the first 2 days after your injury. So, if it’s bothering you, head to your doctor to get help. Also be sure to contact a doctor if:

the bleeding in and around your nail doesn’t stop on its ownthe pain you experience becomes severethe injury involves a fracture or open wound that may need stitches

You should not attempt to drain your hematoma at home. Using home methods such as a heated pin or paperclip to make a hole in the nail may cause infection from bacteria entering the wound. Infections can often cause much more damage than the simple injury that they stem from. The process doctors follow to drain subungual hematomas is as follows:

Step 1: Clean the area with alcohol, iodine, or another solution. Step 2: Administer a digital block, which is another way of saying pain relief or anesthetic, A doctor may or may not use an anesthetic because the procedure doesn’t necessarily involve pain unless you also have other damage to your finger. Step 3: Drain by applying gentle pressure to the nail with a heated 18-gauge needle or cautery device. Some clinics even use specialized lasers. You may hear a “pop” sound when the needle makes its way to the blood under the nail. Step 4: Ensure the hole is 3 to 4 millimeters thick to allow for continual drainage. Additional holes may be necessary for large hematomas. Step 5: Milk (squeeze) the nail to help the blood flow out of the hole. Then elevate the hand or foot. Step 6: Cover the affected area with a dry bandage/dressing and keep the wound clean and dry while it heals.

Relief from pain and pressure may be immediate after trephination. That said, you may experience drainage for a couple days after the procedure. This is normal. Contact a doctor if you experience any symptoms of infection such as fever, warmth at the injury site, pus, or swelling.

Other possible risks include loss of your nail or re-accumulation of the hematoma. Subungual hematomas are common after stubbing or crushing injuries to the fingers or toes. If you experience this type of injury, don’t hesitate to get checked out by a doctor. Draining the nail is a simple, relatively painless process that can help you feel better, but it needs to be done soon after your injury to be successful.

Home drainage methods shouldn’t be attempted, as they are likely to cause pain and infection.

How often should you cut dogs nails?

How often should I trim my dog’s nails? – Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once monthly. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go a bit longer between nail trims, because walking on a hard, rough surface can help file the nail. Dogs that are inactive or do not spend any time on hard surfaces may even need nail trims a bit more frequently, such as every three weeks.

How do you trim a black Dewclaw?

Restrain your dog by placing them on a table and have them harnessed or held by a partner. Or, lie with your dog on the floor, positioning your body so you’re over the dog’s abdomen and back, keeping them securely in place. Because the dew claw is located away from the other claws up against your dog’s foot, you can gently pull it away from your dog’s leg to clip it.

Position the claw so that you can easily clip with your nail trimmers. When your dog’s dew claw is overgrown, the quick may grow in length with the claw. Cut small amounts on an overgrown dew claw to avoid cutting the quick. But cut the dew claw often, as the quick will begin to recede the shorter the nail becomes.

If your dog’s dew claw is dark in color, start from the edge and trim very small amounts until you are comfortable with the length. If your dog’s dew claw is lighter in color, the quick may be visible so you can position the claw for easy clipping. Using scissor trimmers or guillotine trimmers, very gently clip the end of the dew claw to your satisfaction being very careful not to cut the quick.

Do all black toenails fall off?

Losing a Toenail – While minor cases of a black toenail will simply grow out, if the toenail is raised it is likely you will lose the nail. It will take a few weeks or months, but as the toenail continues to grow, eventually it shoves out the damaged, blackened toenail.

The black toenail is raised off of the toenail bed and underneath it is often the healthy remainder of your toenail. Your black toenail will gradually loosen from the sides and you will be able to trim it away. If pretty toes are important to you, you can paint the black toenail or even the new thin toenail or the bare skin.

Most people won’t notice the difference if you use a darker shade of polish. Full replacement of your toenail takes about three months, and the new toenail will often be a bit wavy—thin in some areas and thicker in others. After four to five months your toenail should be back to normal.

What happens if you don’t cut your dog’s toenails?

More Than a Mani/Pedi: The Importance of Trimming Your Dog’s Nails Trimming dogs’ nails is very important for more reasons than just avoiding the annoying clicking on the floor. When your pup is young, overgrown nails can lead to broken nails, especially in a drier climate.

With mature dogs, untrimmed nails can cause decreased traction, affect mobility, and even cause pain. A dog’s nails should be trimmed every 2 weeks depending on your pup’s growth rate. At the very least, they should be trimmed every 4 weeks. That frequency may seem like a lot, but the more you trim them, the less you have to trim off.

I find this actually decreases the risk of quicking (cutting into the quick) your pup. Bear in mind that quicks grow as nails do. As a result, leaving nails unclipped for extended periods will mean significantly longer nails (even following a clip), because you cannot cut the nails back to their previous length without hitting the quick.

Make sure your clippers are sharp.

Carefully test the blade edge like you would any other edge.The blades may need replacing every few months.

Try changing the way you apply the clippers.

If you usually have the blades on the top and bottom of the nail, try placing them on the sides of the nail.

If the clippers don’t suit, try a Dremel. The noise and vibration take a little getting used to for most dogs, but some greatly prefer it to the clippers. Nails soften if soaked in water.

Try trimming nails after bathtime or let your dog stand in a few inches of water in the bathtub for about 15 minutes.

Sedatives may help.

Ask your vet for a prescription if needed, but it means a sedated day when your pet needs a nail trimming.

Most groomers and vet clinics offer nail trimmings for a small fee. Sometimes you need reinforcements; don’t be afraid to ask and get on the schedule.

Broken nails are more than a pain to tease ladies about. When a dog’s nails break, they usually split up the nail toward the toe and can cause severe pain and be a risk for infection. If the nail fragment comes away, the exposed quick is quite painful on its own, and every time they bump anything with it, it’s even more painful.

The same holds true for split nails that don’t break off, but they can be harder to detect if they are not bleeding. With a split nail that hasn’t broken away, it shifts around every time it contacts a surface, causing trauma and pain. In both cases, the exposed quick is at risk for infection, which can work up into the nail bed and the toe.

This can cause abscesses needing surgical relief and even destruction of the bone in severe cases that may require amputation. Broken nails need to be cut back above the split in the nail to prevent the crack from returning and continuing to climb up the nail.

1. This procedure involves deliberately cutting through the quick, which is extremely painful and requires sedation (there’s a reason that pulling nails is used as torture) and coagulation.
2. Oftentimes the nail has to be cut back to the skin, which can affect regrowth.
3. The nail may not regrow, or it may grow back unusually.

Most likely, it will just take a few weeks to grow back normally. While it regrows, it must be watched like a hawk because it will be at risk for infection during this time. In older dogs, you can see extremely long nails — so long that they can affect your dog’s ability to walk.

If the nails are too long and the first thing to touch the floor, they can inhibit traction and make it even harder for old dogs with arthritis or other orthopedic impairments. Nails can get so long that they alter how the dog’s foot sits on the ground, causing discomfort and even resulting in arthritis over time.

Ingrown nails are also a concern. In severe cases, I have seen nails come all the way around 360 degrees and back through the top of the toe. I don’t need to mention how excruciating this is, especially in weight-bearing digits. Ingrown nails are most common in, as they don’t contact the ground or anything to abrade or wear on the nail.

Trimming dogs’ nails can certainly be a challenge, but it is much easier if you start early and make it a simple, positive process that happens regularly. Keeping up with it will also help you avoid painful conditions for your dog that may be very expensive to remedy. If you need help or guidance, just ask.

Your vet and their technical staff are all experienced in this area and would be happy to teach you. Trimming dogs’ nails is one of the most common demonstrations clients ask us for, especially with black nails where you can’t see the quick. If you decide it’s beyond you, just bring them in for a visit.

1. We’d be happy to fix them up with a mani/pedi with a medical eye.
2. Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center in Palmer is Alaska’s only comprehensive animal hospital.
3. We are available by appointment, in addition to accepting emergencies and walk-ins.
4. With available on-site, our facility provides advanced treatment options for your pet.

today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Paige Wallace is the Urgent Care Coordinator at Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center. Born and raised right here in the Mat-Su Valley, Dr. Wallace received her education and veterinary training through her service in the United States Army. She served as a Captain with the 218th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support, under the 62nd Medical Brigade.

Do long nails hurt dogs?

Just like human nails, dog claws grow constantly. How often a dog’s nails need to be cut will depend on the breed and lifestyle, which can change with age. Many dogs naturally wear their nails down by walking and play, especially if the walk involves hard surfaces. An inactive dog may not wear their nails down. Similarly an older dog will often favour grass and softer ground and will prefer not to walk on hard surfaces, so their nails will not naturally wear down as much either.

Do all dogs have 1 black nail?

Many dogs have naturally black nails, but if you see a normally white dog nail turning black, then there is usually a cause for concern. It’s worth paying attention to your dog’s nail color since changes in color can indicate fungal infections, allergies, and even an autoimmune disease.

Why are all my dogs nails black but one is white?

Not to worry, this is perfectly normal! Many dogs have a mixture of black and white nails, and it’s due to pigmentation in their nails. Now sometimes they can be a medical reason for the different colored nails, such as a fungal infection, so it’s always good to have Archie checked out by a vet just to be sure.

Can I walk my dog after cutting the quick?

Can I Walk My Dog After Cutting The Quick? – You can usually walk your dog within an hour after cutting the quick. Provided it was only a small cut, and you stopped the bleeding, there is no reason not to walk your dog. The only matter you want to keep in mind is how deep the cut is and whether you take some precautions.

1. Firstly, unless you cut too deep, your dog will be on their feet and walking in any case, even if you aren’t taking them out,
2. Nevertheless, it is critical to remember that this is an open wound, and it can bleed a lot.
3. This is why it’s vital to apply pressure to the wound immediately.
4. Styptic powder or a styptic pencil pressed against the cut should stop the blood within a few minutes.

After that, you can simply apply a disinfectant, and your dog will be good to go. However, if the bleeding does not stop within 15 to 20 minutes, or if you see your dog limping after cutting the quick, they certainly cannot go for a walk. If the bleeding is severe and your dog remains in pain, you need to see a veterinarian.

Do you cut dogs nails straight or curved?

Trimming Your Dog’s Nails – There are several types of dog nail trimmers, including scissors, grinder tools specifically designed for dogs, and guillotine types. You can use whatever type you are most comfortable with, or whatever works best for your dog. Here are the steps to follow to properly trim your dog’s nails:

1. Pick up a paw and firmly, but gently, place your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail. Make sure none of your dog’s fur is in the way.
2. Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad, while pushing your forefinger forward. This extends the nail.
3. Clip only the tip of the nail, straight across. Include the dewclaws, located on the inner side of the paw.
4. Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail or you risk hitting what is called the quick (the pink area of the nail that contains the blood vessels). A nick there is painful and will bleed. For dogs with dark nails, watch for a chalky white ring.

What happens if a dog’s quick is exposed?

Why are broken nails such a problem? – The nails of dogs consist of a central collection of blood vessels and nerves that are called the quick, The quick is covered by a layer of hard material called keratin, which surrounds these sensitive structures to protect them.

The quick is living tissue while the keratin is not. That is why trimming the tip of the nail is not painful for your pet but exposing the quick is uncomfortable. The quick is also attached to the bone, so any damage to the quick can lead to an infection in the bone, which is very serious. There are normally five toes on each front foot and four on each rear foot, but sometimes an extra nail called a dew claw is located higher up on the foot.

All nails except the dew claws are worn down when the dog walks on hard surfaces such as the sidewalk, but normal wear may not keep nails short enough, making it necessary to trim your dog’s nails. Dew claws do not bear weight so they need to be trimmed more frequently and are more susceptible to breaking.

Do you cut dogs nails vertically or horizontally?

How To Trim Your Dog’s Nails – A Guide for Beginners Do you notice your dog making “click-clack” sounds as they stomp across hard surfaces? If so, it’s a sign that your dog needs to have their nails trimmed. Untrimmed nails can be painful for our canine friends and could lead to serious problems if left unchecked.

1. In this short tutorial, I’ll teach you how to easily and safely trim your dog’s nails.
2. Before we get into the actual trimming, you should assess your dog’s nails and paws.
3. Find a comfortable location and a time where your dog is relaxed; if you see your dog finding a place for a nap, it’s a good time to trim.

Hard-surface floors(hardwood, linoleum) are good for cleanup post-trimming, but carpet or a rug might be more comfortable for your dog. When your dog is relaxed and laying down, you can gently hold one of their paws to get them used to the feeling. Inspect the paw for anything abnormal like sores, cuts, swelling, nail damage, or pain – bring ANY unusual findings to the attention of your veterinarian before doing any nail trimming.

Step 1: Tools and Prep! Now you’re almost ready to trim your dog’s nails! Make sure you have the following tools at hand before beginning to trim:Dog nail clippers (use clippers specifically intended for dogs, or you risk injury)Paper towels or a cloth towelCornstarch (in case of bleeding due to cutting a nail wick)A broom/vacuum to cleanup trimmed nailsBring those tools (and your dog) to the selected comfortable location, at a time when your dog is feeling relaxed.

Common Question: What kind of dog nail trimmer should I use? Answer: There are two common styles: scissor and guillotine. Scissor-style clippers are what I recommend, they are the safest for your dog and adjustable. Guillotine clippers can be difficult to use and can sometimes result in a crushing effect on the nail as opposed to cutting, which your dog will not enjoy.

1. Step 2: Trimming! You’re ready to trim! You have your tools, you’re in a comfortable environment with your dog, and your dog is feeling relaxed.
2. Often it can be easier to trim your dog’s nails if they’re laying on their side; find a position that works for you and your dog.
3. Ease your dog into the trimming with some loving pets, and try holding the paw you’ll work with first to get your dog used to it.

The key to trimming your dog’s nails is to not cut too much all at once. Inside your dog’s nail is a” quick”, which is the blood vessel and nerves leading into the nails. If the quick is cut, it will result in pain for your dog and bleeding. Most dog nail trimmers come with a guide that prevents you from cutting too much nail at once, but if yours don’t then you must be extra careful.

1. The quick will grow with your dog’s nails, so long nails require frequent trims rather than cutting back all at once.
2. Aim to trim to 2-4 millimeters before the quick.
3. If your dog has white nails, you can often see the pink quick through the nail so you can see how far to go.
4. For dark nails, be careful and do small trims as you cannot see the quick.

If your dog’s nails are long, you may trim them once every 7 days to avoid damaging the quick. To trim your dog’s nail, gently but firmly hold their paw, and bring the clippers to the nail. Slide a small section of the nail into your clippers, not too deep as to avoid cutting the quick, and cut.

Gauge your dog’s reaction, and check the nail to see if the trim was safe and did not cut the quick. If the nail was successfully trimmed, move onto the next nail and repeat until all four paws and dewclaws are safely trimmed. You should cut your dog’s nails vertically, not horizontally – exactly like you would trim a human’s nails.

If you do happen to cut your dog’s quick, they may react suddenly as it can be painful for them. With a cut quick, there will be bleeding and it’s best to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. Don’t panic, just reach for the cornstarch you brought with you and scoop some out, and apply it to your dog’s nail.

Cornstarch is the best choice for stopping a bleeding quick. When I trim my dog’s nails, I always bring a small Ziploc bag of cornstarch to put my dog’s nail in if a cut quick does happen. For very minor bleeding, sometimes tissue is enough to halt the blood flow until a clot forms. If your dog’s nail does not stop bleeding for several minutes, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Reward your dog often during nail trimming! Dog’s love positive reinforcement, and giving them lots of love, pets, and a treat during the trim will make your dog remember nail trimming as a positive experience instead of a painful or stressful one. Spend time with your dog after each trim and they will appreciate you. Step 3: Cleanup and Maintenance A dog with healthy nails is a happy dog. After the trim is done, use your broom or vacuum and any other cleanup tools to gather up the trimmed nails and any other mess. You don’t want to step on a piece of trimmed nail that you missed! To keep your dog’s nails short, and avoid frequent trimmings, make sure to take your dog on walks.

• Walking your dog can naturally trim their nails and keep them short, reducing(or even eliminating) the need to trim your dog’s nails.
• Do keep a vigilant eye(and ear) out for your dog’s nails in case they do grow long enough to trim again.
• Again, long nails can be painful for your dog and lead to problems if left unchecked.

If you are unable to walk your dog, then it’s safe to trim your dog’s nails once a week (every 7days) until they are the correct length. If your dog’s nails are the correct length, simply monitor them for the next time you will need to trim. Conclusion Congratulations! You’ve successfully trimmed your dog’s nails, and hopefully learned more about caring for them.

• Now you and your dog can enjoy some happy, healthy bonding time.
• Caring for your dog’s nails is critical.
• Long, untrimmed nails can result in pain and damage to your dog’s body.
• If you don’t feel safe trimming your dog’s nails yourself, there are often dog-grooming services and veterinary services that can help you or do it for you.

‍ : How To Trim Your Dog’s Nails – A Guide for Beginners

Is it safe to cut your dog’s nails at home?

Correct length for a dog’s nails – If a dog’s nails are too long, you will hear them clack when the dog walks on hard surfaces. Deciding if your dog’s nails are too long is quite simple. The claws should not protrude over the pad and should not touch the ground when standing.

• The quick You can cut your dog’s nails at home.
• This is particularly easy if your dog has clear or light coloured nails.
• In these cases you can see the quick inside the nail.
• The quick is the blood vessels and nerves that supply the nail.
• Nowing where the quick is will help you to trim to just before that point.

The general recommendation is to cut approx 2mm away from the quick. But if a dog has black or dark claws it can be difficult or impossible to see the quick and this will make nail trimming more difficult. You may prefer, in these cases, to try filing your dog’s nails or to have your vet or dog groomer trim them for you. Purchase a specially made implement for the job of cutting your dog’s nails. There are several styles of nail trimmer available. Guillotine nail clippers are often the easiest to use and work well for toy and small breeds. Plier dog nail clippers with a scissor type action are also very effective and especially suit larger breeds or if the dog has strong, thick nails.

1. Look for a claw cutter with sharp stainless steel blades and a comfortable handle with plenty of grip.
2. Each clipper will vary as to how it should be used.
3. Carefully read the instructions specifically for the clipper you have purchased.
4. When you cut the nail you must be decisive and make a smooth, quick squeeze while holding the nail cutter steady.

The claws on a dog’s rear feet are often shorter and require less frequent trimming than those on the front feet. Don’t forget your dog’s dew claws. These are on the inner leg. As they are located slightly higher up the leg, they therefore do not touch the ground and do not wear down naturally like the rest of the claws. After trimming with nail cutters you can either file the nail smooth or simply let the rough edges smooth themselves away over time.

• A great way to get your dog’s claws cut without them causing too much of a fuss is to distract them.
• We love the LickiMat Splash Dog Lick Pad,
• Its innovative curved shape means less mess as the licking will be contained inside the lick pad.
• Simply spread it with something tasty, suction it to a wall or the floor and let the licking begin.

Your dog will be distracted, allowing you to get on with the job at hand. Cutting dark claws The problem with dark nails is that you cannot easily see the quick. Cut dark claws in several small cuts to reduce the chance of accidentally cutting into the quick.

Try shining a torch or bright light towards you and through the claw. Try looking on the underside of the nail where the quick is often more visible. Bathing can make the quick easier to see and also makes nails easier to cut. Applying baby oil will serve the same purpose.

If you cut the quick Don’t panic. If you accidentally cut the nail too short and it starts to bleed, hold some tissue tightly to the bleeding. Alternatively, use a styptic pencil, styptic powder or styptic pads to stop blood flow. Even without treatment, the bleeding should stop within about 5 minutes.

If your dog licks the wound it will slow the healing and clotting process and bleed for a bit longer. If your dog’s nails are long The longer the nail the longer the quick. If your dog’s nails are long it is better to cut a little at a time because the quick will also be long. Cut a little bit from each claw and then wait a few days or a week for the quick to recede before cutting again.

Once you have the claws at a sensible length then cut monthly or as required. Trim your dog’s claws regularly Most dogs do not like having their nails trimmed. It is therefore a good idea to get your dog used to having their paws handled at a young age if possible, or at any age by gentle handling and praise.

• Take things slowly.
• You don’t have to do all the claws in one session.
• Eeping your dog’s nails trimmed is important.
• Schedule it into your diary if you are likely to forget.
• Make a foot inspection part of your usual health routine with your dog.
• Apart from the pain of long nails, your dog could get infections, broken or ingrown nails and other painful conditions.

So with just a little bit of effort and know how, you can keep your dogs feet in tip top condition. By Jenny Prevel © D for Dog www.dfordog.co.uk This article belongs strictly to D for Dog and we do not authorise the copying of all or any part of it.

How can I cut my dog’s nails without a nail cutter?

3 Ways to Cut a Dog’s Nails Without Clippers Some dogs are very sensitive to the impact of clippers going through their nails. If your dog won’t put up with you, try another method. You can use a dremel tool or a simple file to get your dog’s nails in shape. These alternative ways of cutting your dog’s nails may just make the process easier for both you and your dog.

1. 1 Get a dremel tool made for trimming dog’s nails. These are that have an abrasive head, which wears down the surface of the nail. These tools are available at most pet supply stores and from online retailers, such as those that sell supplies for showing dogs.
   • One reason to get a specialized dremel tool is because it will run at a safe speed for cutting down your dog’s nails. A dremel tool that is not made for this purpose may run too fast or too strongly.
2. 2 Turn the tool on to get the dog used to the noise. First, try turning the dremel on while you are in the same room as your dog. If the dog doesn’t respond to the noise, move it closer until you are right next to the dog. If the dog does respond, keep it running for a minute or 2 and then turn it off.
   • Continue this daily until the dog is acclimated to the noise and doesn’t mind it.

   Advertisement

3. 3 Acclimate your dog to the vibration. After your dog gets used to the noise, you will need to expose the dog to the vibration of the tool, which can be quite strong. Turn the dremel on while petting the dog and gently press the none-cutting end of the tool onto the dog’s fur.
   • Do this once or twice a day until your dog does not respond negatively to the feeling of the dremel vibrations.
   • Alternate petting and touching with the vibrating tool so that your dog has a positive association with the vibrations.
4. 4 Get the dog into a comfortable position. Have the dog lay down in a spot where it will be comfortable and where you can access its nails easily. If you have a big dog, this will likely be the floor. If you have a small dog, this could be on a piece of furniture.
5. 5 File down each nail with the tool. Hold the paw in one hand and the tool in the other. Gently hold one specific nail, start the tool before it is touching the nail, and then bring it into contact with the nail. Dremel tools can take a few minutes to wear down the nail, so go slowly and only work for as long as your dog will put up with it.
   • Start with short sessions, where you just file down 1 or 2 nails in a session. This will acclimate your dog to the tool more gently than trying to do them all in a single sitting.
   • Work on one nail at a time and don’t apply a lot of pressure, as this can make your dog uncomfortable and resistant.
6. 6 Avoid grinding into the quick. A dog’s nail has a living area in the middle of it that can bleed and hurt if it is cut into. You can sometimes see the area, called the quick, at the core of the nail if you look closely at it. When cutting your dog’s nails, it’s important not to cut them so much that the quick is impacted.
   • How far you can grind may take some practice. When starting out, it’s best to err on the side of caution and just grind off a little bit of nail.
   • If you do accidentally cut into the quick, you should comfort your dog and work to, The bleeding can typically be stopped with a bandage or by putting corn starch on the surface. If this doesn’t stop the bleeding, consult with your veterinarian.

Advertisement

1. 1 Get a nail file to buff the dog’s nails. These are sold at most pet supply stores, veterinary offices, and through online pet supply retailers. However, you can also use any firm file that you already have, such as a metal or glass nail file.
   • Buffing the nails will slowly remove bits of nail, but it won’t be as effective as using trimmers.
2. 2 Get your dog into a position where you can work on its nails. If you have a little lap dog, you can simply position it on your lap. However, a medium to large dog may need to lay on the floor with you sitting next to it.
   • You should be positioned so that you can hold a paw in one hand and your tools in the other.
   • You will create a bit of dust with the file, so pick a spot that can be easily swept or vacuumed.
3. 3 Rub off bits of the nail using the nail file. Any long or ragged areas can be gently filed away relatively quickly if you have a good file. Be cautious while doing this, though, that you don’t file into the quick.
   • If your dog will not put up with filing, a rough tipped nail can usually be worn down by taking your dog for a walk on concrete sidewalks or other rough, hard surfaces.

Advertisement

1. 1 Handle your dog’s paws regularly. When you are petting the dog or brushing it, take a moment to gently rub the dog’s paws. Many dogs are resistant to nail trimming because they don’t like, and are not used to, their paws being handled. The only way to overcome this is to simply get the dog used to it through repeated exposure.
   • When you handle your dog’s paws, take the time to inspect their health. For instance, look at the pads and make sure they are not cracked or damaged in any way.
2. 2 Make nail trimming time positive. Make the experience of having their paws handled as positive as possible. For instance, pet them and tell them how good they are doing in a sweet voice. If your dog is well behaved while you are trimming its nails, give it a treat as a reward for good behavior.
3. 3 Trim the fur around the nails on a regular basis. Use a pair of dog grooming scissors and gently trim away any fur that is growing down past the nails. Trimming the fur will make the area around the nails clear for trimming but it will also get your dog used to its paws being handled.
   • Be sure to get in between the toes when trimming.
4. 4 Trim your dog’s nails regularly. Set a schedule in which you trim your dog’s nails every few weeks. Doing it on a regular basis, even if your dog resists the process and you only get a few nails done at a time, will help it get used to the process.
   • It is important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed so that their paws stay healthy and their nails don’t crack or dry out.

Advertisement

Question How often should you trim your dog’s nails? Veterinarian Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. It depends on the dog, because some dogs’ nails don’t grow as quickly. Other dogs can be walked often on cement or concrete, which naturally files down their nails. It really depends on the dog and what kind of substrate they exercise/walk on.

Ask a Question Advertisement

• Thanks
• Thanks

Advertisement Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about taking care of a dog, check out our in-depth with, This article was co-authored by, Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information.

She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.

This article has been viewed 43,718 times.

• Co-authors: 7
• Updated: January 23, 2023
• Views: 43,718

Categories:

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,718 times. : 3 Ways to Cut a Dog’s Nails Without Clippers