Vet's Orders: A Stress-Free Guide to Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Dr. Shané Anders, BVSc

Many dogs find paw handling uncomfortable, but maintaining short nails is a vital part of their physical health. Long nails can become a problem as they curl and grow back toward the skin, and they are much more likely to snag or tear during exercise. The key to a successful trim is moving slowly and making the experience as positive as possible.

Steps for Success:

1. Handle your dog's paws daily for just a few seconds at a time, followed by a treat, to get them used to the sensation.

2. Push back the hair to expose the nail and cut right before the quick. It is always safer to cut "little by little" rather than one large chunk.

3. Always remember to check for the dewclaw (the "thumb" nail higher up the leg), as these are often forgotten and can easily grow into the skin.

4. You don't have to do all four paws at once. If it takes a full week to finish all the nails, that is perfectly fine as long as your dog remains calm and rewarded.

Understanding the "Quick":

The most important part of nail anatomy to understand is the quick. This is the internal layer of the nail that contains active blood vessels and nerves.

• White Nails: The quick is usually visible as a pink area inside the nail.

• Black Nails: The quick is hidden, so you must visualize its approximate location and cut very small amounts at a time to avoid injury.

• If you cut the quick: Don’t panic. While it is painful and will bleed, it is not a major emergency. Simply press the nail into a small container of corn starch for about 30 seconds until a paste forms and stops the bleeding.