How to Safely Trim Black Dog Nails
Most dog parents know their fur baby’s nails need trimming, but dark nails can make the process seem daunting. Here’s what you need to know to do it safely.
Key takeaways:
When you can hear your dog’s nail clicking, it’s time for a trim.
A dog’s nails can be cut by clipping or grinding just 1/16th off.
A dog’s nail has two parts: the outer nail and the inner quick.
You can make nail trimming easier by acclimating your dog to it as a puppy.
If your dog is too stressed by nail trims, go to a professional.
Do your dog’s nails click on your floor tiles? Can you hear them clicking as they walk on the sidewalk?
If you are a new pup parent, it’s important to understand how important trimming your dog’s nails is for overall health and quality of life. The sound of nails clicking is a sign your pooch needs a trim, because overgrown toenails can lead to poor posture, spinal issues, difficulty walking, and other issues.
There’s one aspect of trimming a dog’s nails that strikes fear into dog parents: how to safely trim black nails. The dark color prevents you from easily seeing the quick, so it’s important to be careful to prevent injury. This guide will outline the parts of a dog’s nail, the tools available for trimming black nails, the precautions pup parents should take, and tips to make the process less stressful on your furry friend.
Anatomy of a dog’s nail
A dog’s toenail has two parts. The outer shell is what you see when you look at your dog’s nails. This hard material is similar to human toe and fingernails and doesn’t have nerve endings in it. That means there is no pain when it’s cut.
The second part, the inner part of the nail, called the “quick,” is where the blood vessel and nerve are. This is extremely sensitive and can frighten your pup if cut. A lighter color nail makes it easy to spot where to stop cutting, because you can see the pinkish color of the blood vessel through it. Black nails make this a challenge.
Cutting vs. grinding
A dog’s nails can be trimmed in two ways: using pet-friendly nail clippers or a grinder. The first is the most common, but there are Dremel-type tools made especially for dogs that make grinding nails down much safer. Grinding can be useful for very large breeds with very thick nails that are harder to clip.
The two models of dog clippers: scissors & guillotine
If you decide to use clipping to trim your dog’s nails, you have two styles to choose from. Dog nail scissors look like modified scissors and clip the nails as traditional scissors would. They are easy to use but are less precise. The second choice is the guillotine. This model is a little harder to use but is much more precise as to where the cut takes place. The guillotine model is also much stronger, so you may have to use the guillotine style of clipper if your pooch is Marmaduke-sized.
How to get your puppy used to having their paws touched
Like so many other things, dogs can adjust to having their paws touched. If you bring home a puppy, start right away by gently touching theirs. Get them used to having their pads massaged. Practice gently pressing their pads to push their nails further out. Do this for a few moments each day so they get used to it. Reward them with lots of praise and a few treats.
Next, let them sniff the clippers. Praise them and give them treats. You want them to be familiar with the equipment before the actual nail-cutting session begins. Next, gently touch the clippers to their paws and follow up with more praise and treats. You’re helping your dog associate these new sensations with positive feelings with treats and praise.
If you adopted an older dog, they may never have had their paws handled by their former parents. But don’t worry, because you can take the same steps to try getting them used to having their feet touched, too! Yummy treats will come in handy for the actual nail trimming, as well.
Prepare for nail cutting
First thing’s first: Have some styptic powder on hand. This powder will help blood vessels contract if you accidentally cut your dog’s quick and the nail starts bleeding. Sprinkling some powder on the nail will help to stop the bleeding. Consider having an extra pair of hands to help steady your dog and dispense treats! If your pup doesn’t like having their feet touched, a yummy treat may help distract them from the ordeal.
How to safely cut black dog nails
When it’s time to cut your dog’s black nails, hold their paw gently but firmly in your hand. Place your thumb on the pad of the toe, then place your forefinger on top of their toe. Push against the pad with your thumb while gently pulling backward with the thumb. At the same time, gently push forward with your forefinger. This helps to extend the nail.
Start by only cutting 1/16 of an inch off the very tip of the nail. Cut so the pressure is pressing down on the nail. Never use side-to-side pressure, as this may cause the nail to split. After you cut, look at the area head-on. If you see a whitish color, you can make another 1/16-inch cut. As you continue, keep these tips in mind:
Go slowly.
Take your time.
Never cut more than 1/16” at a time.
Always check the color of the nail at the cut mark between each cut.
When you look at the cut head-on and see black (or pinkish color), it means you’re getting close to the quick and it’s time to stop! If you do nick the quick, apply the styptic powder. If your pup is still relaxed, you can continue to do other nails. If they are getting stressed, let them off the hook until later.
Wrapping up
For some dogs, a nail trim is simply too much to bear. Rather than risk harming your pet, consider scheduling an appointment with a dog care professional. They will have the experience, extra staff, and equipment to make the procedure as easy and safe as possible.
Remember to let them know of your dog’s behavior, any nail trimming accidents, and any triggers that set your dog off. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed, even black nails, and you’ll be ensuring your dog’s safety and overall health. Contact Scenthound to set up a routine wellness appointment today.