Pets

How to Trim Your Dog's Nails Safely

Avoid the quick, keep your dog calm and make nail trims a stress-free routine.

Editorial TeamNovember 6, 20261 min read

Long nails can be uncomfortable for dogs and affect how they walk. Regular trims keep paws healthy. With patience, most dogs learn to accept them.

What you need

  • Dog nail clippers or a nail grinder
  • Treats
  • Styptic powder or cornflour, in case of bleeding
  • Good lighting

Find the quick

The quick is the pink part inside the nail with blood vessels and nerves. On light nails it's easy to see. On dark nails, trim tiny amounts at a time.

Step by step

  1. Get your dog comfortable and calm.
  2. Hold a paw gently and press the pad to extend the nail.
  3. Trim a small amount from the tip at a slight angle.
  4. Stop when you see a grey or pinkish oval in the centre of the cut nail.
  5. Reward with a treat after each nail or paw.
Little and oftenTrimming a tiny bit every week or two is easier and safer than cutting a lot at once.

If you cut the quick

Stay calm, apply styptic powder or cornflour with gentle pressure, and comfort your dog. Bleeding usually stops within a few minutes. Contact your vet if it doesn't.

Ask for help

If your dog is very anxious, a vet or groomer can trim nails and show you how.

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Written by Editorial Team

Our editors research, test and simplify everyday tasks so you can get them right the first time. Spotted something we should update? Let us know on our contact page.

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