How to safely cut your dogs nails at home - Vet Nurse tutorial, by Jade The Vet Nurse on YouTube. 2 min 18 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 18 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet, well lit spot and let your dog settle. Have treats ready so you can reward calm behaviour during and after the trim.
Handle each paw gently for a few seconds before cutting. This gets your dog used to the hold and shows you where the nails are.
Look at the nail tip and find the quick, the pink inner part visible on clear nails. On dark nails, trim only small slivers at a time.
Hold the clipper with the cutting blade facing the nail tip. Keep the blade square to the nail rather than angled steeply.
Cut a small slice off the tip, about 2 mm, then check the cut end. Stop once you see a solid grey or pink centre appear.
Work around each paw, trimming only the tip of every nail. Skip any nail you are unsure about and leave it for a professional.
Reward your dog with a treat after each paw to keep the session calm and short.
If you nick the quick and it bleeds, press a clean cloth on it and keep pressure on. Call your vet if bleeding does not stop.
Tips and common mistakes
Trim small amounts often rather than a lot at once, especially on dark nails where the quick is hard to see.
Never force a struggling dog. Stop and try again later or book a groomer.
Keep styptic powder or a clean cloth nearby in case you cut too close.
Check nails monthly and trim when you hear them clicking on hard floors.
Questions
How do I know where the quick is?
On clear nails the quick looks pink inside the nail. On dark nails you cannot see it, so cut thin slivers and stop when a solid centre appears.
What if my dog hates having their nails cut?
Do one paw per session and reward heavily. If your dog stays stressed, a groomer or vet can do it safely.
How often should I trim my dog's nails?
Most dogs need a trim every 3 to 4 weeks. Trim sooner if you hear clicking on hard floors.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
