How to Cut Your Dog's Nails at Home

If you can hear your dog's nails clicking on the kitchen floor, it's time for a trim. I know it seems intimidating at first, but honestly, most dog owners can manage it at home once they know what they're doing.

Why It Matters

Long nails aren't just annoying; they actually hurt your dog. When nails get too long, they push back into the paw with every step, causing pain in the toes, joints, and legs. They're also more likely to split or get caught on things, which can lead to infection.

Dogs who walk regularly on pavements wear their nails down naturally, but even active dogs usually need a trim now and then. Smaller dogs and older pups who stick to grass need more frequent attention.

Knowing When to Trim

It’s really quite simple. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, they’re due for a trim. You can also have them stand and check if the nails touch the ground or curl under. Following some daily care tips can make a world of difference, especially for the smaller or older pups who spend most of their time on the grass, as it helps keep them happy, healthy and comfortable.

Most dogs need a trim every three to four weeks, though it can vary a bit from one pup to another. And don’t forget those dew claws up on the leg. They never touch the ground, so they won’t wear down by themselves.

What You'll Need

Tools:

• Pet nail clippers (guillotine style for small dogs, scissor style for larger breeds)
• Styptic powder or cornstarch in case of bleeding
• Treats to keep your pup happy
• Good lighting so you can see properly

Don't use human nail scissors; they'll split the nail. And if your dog has a thick coat, you might need to trim the hair around the paws first so you can see what you're doing.

Getting Your Dog Used to It

This is the most important bit. Start by handling their paws gently each day, touch each toe, give a few treats, and make it a normal, relaxed part of your routine. Let them sniff the clippers and get cosy with his new grooming gear at their own pace. Turn it into a little game, sprinkle in plenty of praise, and don’t be surprised if he gives you the cheekiest look. 

With a bit of patience and a few treats, nail trimming can become a fun bonding moment for both of you. You can even practice the cutting sound on dried pasta near their paws so it isn’t scary.

Pick a quiet spot where you're both comfortable. Some dogs are fine standing, others prefer lying down. If you've got someone to help hold them steady and offer treats, grand, but it’s not essential.

Understanding the Quick

The quick is the living part inside the nail with blood vessels and nerves. You absolutely don't want to cut it. On light nails, you'll see it as a pink bit inside. Cut a few millimetres before that pink area ends.

Black nails are trickier because you can't see through them. Take tiny bits off at a time. When you see a grey or white circle appear in the centre of the cut, stop, you're nearly at the quick.

How to Cut

The process:

• Hold the paw gently but firmly
• Press the pad to extend the nail
• Angle the clippers to follow the nail's natural curve
• Make a quick, clean cut on just the curved tip
• Do one nail, give a treat, then move to the next
• The middle toes usually need more off than the outer ones
• Remember those dew claws

If your dog seems nervous, just do a few nails today and finish tomorrow. There's no rush.

If You Hit the Quick

It happens to everyone eventually. Your dog will react and the nail will bleed, sometimes quite a lot. Stay calm. If you panic, they'll panic.

Press styptic powder or cornstarch onto the nail and hold it there for a few minutes. A damp tissue works too if you haven't got powder. The bleeding should stop within five to ten minutes. If it doesn't, ring your vet.

Making It Easier

Keep treats close by and heap on the praise after each nail. You could even surprise your pup with a gift or extra treat; a bit of fun goes a long way in turning nail trimming from a chore into a cheerful bonding moment.

Regular trims are easier than leaving them for ages and then trying to sort out really long nails. When nails grow too long, the quick grows with them, so you'll need several sessions to gradually get them back to a good length.

Watch how your dog walks between trims. If they're moving strangely or licking their paws a lot, check the nails. And if your dog gets properly distressed or aggressive about nail cutting, leave it to the professionals. Some dogs just don't take to it, and that's fine.

Cutting your dog's nails doesn't have to be a big drama. Start slow, stay patient, and keep it positive. Your dog will be more comfortable, and you'll both get the hang of it fairly quickly.