How to Trim Dog Nails at Home, Including Black Dog Nails | Pupford
30 Comments Filed under grooming
Learning how to trim dog nails can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and advice, it can be safe and simple for you and your pup!
In this video, Quinci Cole, a groomer with over 14 years of experience, walks you through step-by-step how to trim your dog's nails with simple dog nail clippers. She demonstrates how to trim black dog nails and also how to trim white dog nails.
An important note from Quinci is to take it slowly and always start by taking off a very small amount of the nail, to begin with. It can be overwhelming and stressful, so have patience for yourself.
So, without further ado, check out how to trim a dog's nails safely and effectively.
Note: You will learn the most by watching the entire video below, Quinci is an expert in this field! 😃
HOW TO TRIM DOG NAILS VIDEO
OVERVIEW OF HOW TO TRIM DOG NAILS
As Quinci discusses, the key to trimming dog nails is to have the right tools. She uses a simple clipper and has seen that to be the safest and easiest to use for at-home grooming.
Cutting your dog's nails is a little different depending on whether your dog's nails are white or black. White nails are easier because you can see the pink inside (the quick). Black is harder since you can't locate exactly where the quick is.
Remember you do NOT want to cut the vein as that can result in bleeding. But if you do accidentally cut too far, you'll want something on hand like:
- Kwik Stop Powder (this is preferable)
- Baking Powder
HOW TO CUT YOUR DOG'S WHITE NAILS
As mentioned previously, trimming white dog nails is a little bit easier than black nails. You want to keep an eye on your dog's vein (also called quick) and not cut down to that, as that can cause bleeding.
Here are quick steps to trim white nails:
- Look at the hook on a white nail, you'll trim right off the hook (not all dog nails have a hook)
- If no hook is present, just identify the quick ⬇️
- Identify the quick (pink), push barely in front of it, and then trim it off
CUTTING BLACK DOG NAILS
Cutting black dog nails requires a bit more care and gradual trimming. Since you can't see the quick, you want to start small and only gradually cut more.
Here are some tips for cutting black dog nails:
- If your dog has hair around paw pads, brush that hair up
- Put a finger on your dog's pad then push on the back and grip (shown in the video)
- Take very small sections of the nail at a time and trim
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A couple of ways to help make cutting your dog's nails simpler is to give them something to distract them. We recommend using a Pure Focus Lick Mat to help keep them distracted while you do the nail trimming. Get a lick mat here.
RECAP OF TRIMMING DOG NAILS
Remember not to feel rushed or stressed! Keep the experience positive for you and your pup and opt for trimming less than more.
Be sure to keep an eye on your dog's body language and find ways to make them as comfortable with the process as possible.
If you'd like to learn all about how to groom your dog at home, check out the At-Home Grooming Course taught by Quinci Cole here.
Good luck as your trim your dog's nails, and let us know how it goes in the comments.
PS- Here's an article all about caring for your dog's paw pads!
30 comments
Leave a CommentI have a German Shep/Bull Terrier mix and this is her story as well. I have tried taking her to the vet and the added stimuli makes it even harder so I try to do it myself. You’re not alone Mary!
My GSD (almost 11 months) freaks out! I’ve been trying to trim her nails off & on since I got her, (she was almost 5 months when I got her, & already panicked about them) I’m wondering if other owners hurt her with the Clippers. I’ve even had to muzzle her, & she still will not settle to let me do them. I can’t even touch them. I’ve tried the desensitization. Nope. Any ideas appreciated!
Hi Robert, you can try desensitizing your dog more to the tools so they are more comfortable having it done. Also, do it after some training or play so that your dog doesn’t have as much energy!
I own a rescue Shepard and they have “white-coat syndrome,” which basically means they panic every time we bring them to the vet. So I’ve had to teach myself how to trim her nails as the vet was too traumatizing for nail trims. I started just putting the clippers in front of her while she was lying on her bed and every time she looked at them I would give her a treat. I did this for a few nights. Then once this was successful, if she nose-booped them, engaged with them in any way, or touched them I would give her a treat. I did this for a few nights. This has helped teach her that she is rewarded when she sees the clippers. Once she was finally calm seeing the clippers, I then started touching her paws and giving her a treat every time I did this while the clippers were out. This whole time I reserved these treats (her favourite ones) ONLY for this nail desensitization training. Again, I did this for a few nights. Once this was successful over enough repetitions, the next week I introduced the lick matt with peanut butter. I would wait until she was lying in her bed. I would bring out the clippers and show her those favourite treats of hers AND the lick matt. Once she lay down, I gave her the lick matt and slowly, one at a time, used the clippers one nail at a time. Each time she let me cut a nail, I would put a treat on the lick matt, along with the peanut butter.
Overtime, she has now learned that when the lick matt comes out, she lays down and waits for the peanut butter! She lets me cut all nails without any treats. Please keep in mind, all dogs can regress….and trust me that she has. The moment I feel that I have lost her trust…if she pulls a paw away or flinches, I stop cutting and try again the next day starting from basics and build on that again. I teach her every time that she can trust me and that the clippers result in treats and affection. Patience is key, especially with rescue pups, and it pays off with so much love!
Liverwurst works too!