How to trim your dog's nails without drama
Little and often, and stop before your dog wants you to.
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.
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