Trimming your dog nails will make them more comfortable also, will reduce their scratches on your floor. You may need an assistant to help you clip the nails, a second hand to hold your pooch during the trimming process will be most helpful. but first, let’s discuss the steps of how to trim black dog nails safely!
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How to trim black dog nails safely
Until this moment, I usually get nervous when I cut my dog’s nails. I’m lucky to have a dog with light nails that I can see the quick easy. In fact, trimming black dog nails require more effort and to be more cautious because it’s a little bit difficult to see the quick (the inner layer that contains nerves and blood vessels which help nourish the nails)
However, with the right tools and clipping black dog nails tips you follow, you will be able to cut them easily. Read on to learn more about how to clip dog nails that are black with less stress.
The anatomy of your dog nails
Your canine’s nails are composed of two main layers. There’s the outer layer, the only part we see, is called the shell. Actually, it’s the nail itself which grows similarly to human nails.
And then there’s the inner layer, which is called the quick, it’s a soft layer that contains the nerves and blood vessels that begin at the base of the nails. The nail doesn’t have any nerve endings, however, if you cut the quick it will cause pain and may lead to yelping and bleeding.
You should learn how to avoid cutting the quick, it will save your pooch from a lot of stress.
Tools of nail trimming
You can clip your dog’s nails with two main styles; guillotine style or scissor style. You can choose whatever makes you and your canine comfortable. In fact, if your house scissor style it will be easier to use, however, guillotine style trimmers are more precise and stronger. They both work very well for cutting black dog nails.
Before you choose a method that suits you, try to figure out if your dog had a bad experience with a specific trimming tool. As a result, you can choose a different one to create a more stress-free experience.
Make sure to have styptic powder when you trim your pooch’s nails. It will help to slow bleeding if you cut your dog’s quick. they are also available in pencils, usually, you can find them at the shaving section because of their usage to treat shaving injuries besides minor cuts.
It’s a god idea to have it in your canine’s first aid kit.
Trimming black dog nails
- There’s no need to rush, go slowly.
- Hold your dog’s paw gently with one hand and use the other hand to hold the trimming tool.
- Start to clip your doggie’s nail from top to bottom. Don’t cut them side to side.
- Try to trim the top of the nail, and look at your dog’s nails. If it’s still whitest, you’re on the safe side. You can trim more.
Continue to cut small length at a time until you reach a dark center. Then you know you’re close to the quick.
You have to stop to cut as soon as you reach that black center. If you see a pinkish dot, it means you should definitely stop.
Cutting the quick
Even if you become professional and you cut your dog’s nail several times before, still accidents happen. If you cut your pooch’s quick, you can use styptic powder. It will help to stop the bleeding.
If you’re out of styptic powder and you forgot to buy more, you can apply corn starch or flour. It will slow the bleeding but won’t be very effective.
Make sure to praise your dog and give them some treats.
If you find your pooch is acting normal and not stressed, you can continue clipping the other nails. But if you find the contrary, you should stop for the day. You can give it a try another day!
Ask for help
Some parents find the process of trimming their dog nails is quite difficult, also some dogs become very stressful the they can handle the process.
You can visit a professional groomer to get your dog’s nails done. If you find out your pooch is very stressed and fearful when their nails clipped, they might be at risk to get hurt. You can ask your vet for advice.
If you want to learn more about nail trimming you may like this article The 3 Right Steps of How to Clip Dog Nails
