BLACK NAILS?! Here’s how to safely trim them yourself, by Jade The Vet Nurse on YouTube. 2 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a calm moment and let your dog settle. Have a helper hold the dog steady or place it on a non-slip surface so it cannot pull a paw away mid-cut.
Hold one paw and press the pad gently to push each nail forward. Work in bright light so you can see the nail clearly.
Look at the nail tip from the side. On a black nail the quick is hidden, so trim only a thin slice, about 1 to 2 mm, off the very end.
Check the cut face after each slice. A chalky white or grey centre with a dark ring around it means you are close to the quick. Stop there.
Stop cutting as soon as you see a dark spot or a pink dot in the centre. That is the quick, and one more slice would make it bleed.
Trim the rest of the nails the same way, one small slice at a time. Do the dewclaws too if your dog has them.
If a nail bleeds, press styptic powder onto the tip and hold firm pressure for a few seconds until it stops.
Reward your dog with a treat and check all paws. Repeat every 3 to 4 weeks, taking small amounts each time.
Tips and common mistakes
Never cut a large chunk off a black nail in one go, because you cannot see where the quick starts.
Cutting little and often is safer than one big trim, so book a short session every few weeks.
Keep styptic powder within reach before you start, not after a nail bleeds.
If your dog yelps, pulls away or the nails are very overgrown, ask a vet or groomer for help.
Questions
How do I know where the quick is on a black nail?
You cannot see it from outside. Cut thin slices and watch the cut face for a chalky centre with a dark ring, then stop before you reach the dark or pink dot.
What should I do if I cut the quick?
Press styptic powder onto the nail and hold pressure for a few seconds. Stay calm, comfort your dog and let it rest before finishing the other nails.
How often should I trim my dog's nails?
Most dogs need a trim every 3 to 4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, the nails are probably too long.
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.
