Do you cut your dog’s nails regularly? Then you probably know how stressful it can be, especially if your dog is squirmy. The whole venture gets even more complicated if your dog has black nails. Such nails are impossible to see through, which means you need to be even more careful not to cut into the nail quick - a sensitive part full of nerves and tiny blood vessels. So, how to cut black dog nails without hurting your dog? Keep reading to find out!
How Do You Know It’s Time To Cut Your Dog’s Nails?
First, you need to learn to recognize the signs that your dog’s nails are ready to be clipped. One telltale sign if you have hard floors in your home, is the clicking sound when your dog walks or runs over them. Additionally, take a look at your dog’s feet while it is standing. Are its nails touching the ground or even splaying out to the sides? You should cut them.
Some other signs include difficulty walking, curled nails, and if you notice that your dog is constantly snagging on carpets, clothes, and other fabrics. Don’t ignore these signs because too-long nails on your dog aren’t just bad because of your furniture and material damage - they can also injure both you and your dog.
Step-by-step Guide On How To Cut Black Dog Nails
It is obvious how important cutting your dog’s nails is, regardless of their color. If you don’t know how to cut black dog nails, follow this guide:
Preparation
First, gather the tools that you will need. You will obviously need some good and sharp dog nail clippers. Make sure to use the clippers made for dogs because human nail clippers aren’t precise enough. In case you accidentally cut into the quick, and it starts bleeding, you should have a styptic powder at your hand, as it can stop the bleeding in just a few seconds.
Use a flashlight to shine through the nails - this can help you see the dog nail quick even through the black nails. Some of the best dog nail clippers even come with built-in tiny flashlights, so you can try them and see if they help you see better.
Get some treats as a reward for your dog. Dogs are easily bribed, and your dog will certainly cooperate more easily if some nice treat is given. Finally, try to relax your dog before the nail trimming by petting it and spending some quality time together.
Cutting Process
Now comes the hardest part - the cutting. Place your dog on the floor or on a table, wherever it suits you. Take its paw and examine the nails before you start cutting them. In some dogs, their nails have visible chalky lines where the quick starts. If that’s not the case with your dog, you can look beneath the nails to see the quick. Use the flashlight if needed.
Start cutting one nail by one. You can even cut smaller portions of the nail. This will make the cutting even safer and more likely to help you avoid the quick as it ensures that you don’t cut dogs nails too short. After each nail is done, give a treat to your dog, as well as some petting and affection.
After Care
Once you have cut the last nail, inspect all paws and nails to see if you have skipped something or if you have cut too much somewhere. Use a damp cloth to clean your dog’s paws. Give some more treats and petting. If you want to pamper your dog even more, you can buy dog paw pomades in pet shops. They will keep your dog’s paws soft and hydrated.
Additional Tips
If you get a puppy, start trimming its nails as soon as possible. This way, you will teach it that this is a normal process, and it will be much easier to cut its nails once it grows up. Keep the nail clippers around your dog so that it can sniff, touch, and look at them. This will make your dog even less scared of nail clippers and nail clipping. Try to learn the basics of dog nail anatomy, as it will help you to make even more precise cuts.
Consider buying a grooming table for your dog. This will make the whole process much easier, as these tables allow you to restrain your dog, and they have compartments where you can keep all of the necessary tools in one place. For instance, take a look at this grooming table:
Heavy-Duty Electric Dog Grooming Table
This grooming table is made of stainless steel, and it can take on even the biggest dogs. On top of it, there is a non-slip surface that will keep your dog comfortable. You can later detach that surface to clean it better and then attach it back to the table. The whole table is easily adjusted in height by pressing on a pedal.
Alternatively, you can buy this dog washing station and use it not only to bathe your dog but also when you want to trim its nails. This washing station is also suitable for dogs of all sizes, and its height can be easily adjusted. With this washing station, you can cover all the grooming needs for your dog.
What To Do If You Hurt Your Dog When Cutting Its Nails
If you cut dogs nail too short, it can start bleeding and even make your dog feel discomfort and pain. Obviously, it would be best if you could avoid this from happening, but if it happens, there are some things you could do to make the situation a bit better.
As already mentioned, a styptic powder is great for stopping the bleeding, but if you don’t have it, you can use flour or cornstarch. Try to comfort your dog because it is probably scared. When the bleeding stops, gently clean the wound with a damp cloth. Consult your vet for the next steps.
Conclusion
Cutting your dog’s nails can be challenging, especially with brown and black dog nails, as you can’t see the nail quick so easily. However, if you follow the steps and advice from this article, you can make these nail cutting sessions pain- and stress-free.
