How to trim your dog's nails without drama

If you hear clicking on hard floors, the nails are too long. Overgrown nails change how a dog stands and can cause real pain over time.

The quick

Inside each nail is a blood vessel. On pale nails you can see it as a pink line; on dark nails you cannot, so take tiny slivers and stop when you see a grey or pink dot appear at the centre.

Build the habit

Start with one nail a day, paired with something excellent to eat. Do not push through struggling. Two calm nails beat four stressful ones.

Kit

Sharp scissor-type clippers or a grinder, and styptic powder in case you catch the quick.

When to get help

Black nails you cannot read, a dog who panics, or nails so long the quick has grown out: book a groomer or vet nurse.