Watch the video below to learn more about techniques we use for trimming dog and cat nails!
Nail Trimmers
For nail trimming, there are several different types of trimmers. We typically use one similar to the green trimmer pictured, but the type you choose is personal preference.
We recommend having a styptic powder, such as Kwik-Stop, to stop bleeding that may accidentally occur, especially if your dog has black nails. If you trim a nail too short and do not have styptic powder available, you can use flour or corn starch to stop the bleeding, although they are not as effective.
Where to Trim
For nail trims, you want to trim the shell of the nail without cutting into the quick, which is where the blood vessels and nerves are.
Dog Nail Trims
On dogs with white nails, you can see the quick as a pink area.
On dogs with dark nails, you will not be able to see the quick.
In these dogs, we recommend taking a small amount of the shell at a time until you see the start of the quick, which is typically a small black spot at the end fo the nail.
It's better to leave a little extra than to cut too much and cause bleeding.
Cat Nail Trims
Cat nail trims are typically easier than dogs because with cats, it is much easier to see their quick.
For cat nail trims, start by applying pressure to the toe to extend the nail. Make your cut where the nail hook begins - making sure not to cut too far back.
We recommend starting nail trims on puppies and kittens to get them used to trims. Most dogs and cats need their nails trimmed every 4-8 weeks, but this timeframe can vary based on the pet.
Again, it's better to leave a little extra than to cut too much and cause bleeding.