A dog’s nail is made up of two parts – the outer shell and inner “quick” – and inconsistent nail trims can cause the quick to overgrow. Here’s how to keep your pup’s nails healthy and fix an overgrowth.

Key takeaways:

• Overgrown nails are painful and can affect your pup’s mobility.

• Clipping your dog’s nails prevents infections, tell-tale signs of which are a bad smell and pus.

• Causes of nail infections include split nails or a nail torn off, exposing the quick.

• Regular weekly trims will cause the quick to recede and fix the issue.

We dog lovers worry about our furry pals as much as the special people in our lives. Good pet parents know there are many important responsibilities they must take on to keep their dogs happy and healthy. One that is sometimes overlooked, though, is regular dog nail care.

Neglecting a dog’s nails can cause many problems. One of the biggest is overgrown nails, which can in turn cause an overgrown quick (an inner element) – which can make clipping a pup’s nails dangerous. This article will define the parts of your dog’s nails, problems that can stem from neglecting his nails, how to get an overgrown quick to recede, and much more.

A dog’s nails decoded

Your dog’s nails have two parts. The first, the outer shell, is what you’re probably most familiar with. It’s the thick part of the nail that feels similar to your own finger and toenails. There are no nerve endings in the outer shell, just like your nails, so cutting it doesn’t cause your pup any pain or discomfort.

The inner part of the nail is called the “quick.” It consists of a blood vessel and a nerve ending. If you cut into this part of the nail, your dog won’t like it. They’ll be in pain and will most likely bleed from the nail.

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed consistently is very important, because a lack of regular nail trimming can cause an overgrown quick. Without regular nail care, the quick will advance inside the nail and may even advance enough to match the end of the nail’s outer shell!

Problems and warning signs of overgrown nails

It’s usually easy to tell when your dog’s nails are overgrown. Just listen for the click of their nails as they run by you in your home or on the sidewalk. Overgrown nails can lead to a host of problems, including mobility issues, pain, and infection. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Overgrown nails can split or be torn off, exposing the quick, resulting in a lot of pain.

• Nails with an exposed quick are not only painful for your dog but can lead to infection.

• Keep in mind that an infected nail will have a very bad smell.

• If you suspect your pooch has an infected nail, it’s time for an inspection.

• Gently squeeze each toe pad to see if any pus comes out. Pus indicates infection.

Your dog’s skin may develop a reddish-purple color as they lick to ease the discomfort. They may also have a fever, which for dogs is anything over 103 degrees Fahrenheit. If you suspect your pup has an infection, get them to a vet. Try to keep the infected area dry in the meantime. This may become tricky, so you may want to get your pooch an e-collar, also known as the “cone.” This fits around their collar and extends past their head to prevent them from licking.

How to see a dog’s nail quick

Are your dog’s nails clear or light-colored? If so, you’re in luck. A close look at their nails will reveal the pinkish line of the quick inside it. You may need to inspect them from underneath if your dog’s nails are very thick or dark in color, however. As you begin trimming black nails, you’ll want to keep checking under their nails to gauge how far in you should trim.

How to get a dog’s nail quick to recede

Good news! There is nothing magical or mystical about getting a dog’s overgrown quick to recede. The only ingredients are consistency and patience.

There are two ways to make it happen: The first is consistent activity. Make sure your furry pal gets plenty of exercise and works those feet by walking on abrasive or hard walking areas. As with any exercise, be mindful of weather conditions. If you take your dog for a walk on a hot summer day, for example, the sidewalk may be too hot for their pads. Use caution and common sense with your dog.

The second way to cause quicks to recede is by trimming the nails every week. These weekly trims will “train” the quick to recede, but it’s the consistency that matters! You’ll likely use either scissor- or “guillotine”-type clippers. Scissor-type clippers are similar to the scissors you probably use every day. “Guillotine” clippers are easier to use for very thick dog nails.

Start by trimming 1/16th off the tip of his nail. Inspect the cut portion head-on. If you see a clear nail, you can trim another 1/16th of an inch. If your pooch has black nails, you’ll be looking for a whitish color head-on at the cut section after your 1/16th trim. If you see black, that’s a sign you’re nearing the quick. A pinkish color means you’re in the danger zone!

Nervous about cutting your pup’s nails? Schedule a visit with a dog care specialist.

Regular wellness routines keep your pup safe

Take the time to prevent infection in your pup’s paws by sticking to a regular schedule of wellness and nail maintenance. They’ll love you for it and you’ll feel better knowing you’re being a responsible dog parent.

Your dog’s health is easier to maintain with consistent visits to your dog care specialist. Contact Scenthound to learn more about how regular care can keep your pup living their best life.