How can I tell how short my dogs nails should be trimed?

Question

He's a rottweiler so his nails are dark and I can't see where the vein begins. Also, how bad would a bleed be. He's not aggressive. He let's me clean his ears, brush him, bathe him, but I've never done his nails.

Answer 1

I'm a Pet Groomer and I have experience trimming dark nails. If you look closely, you will notice that the part where the quick starts is shiny and the tip of the nail is dull. If you clip the dull part, you're fine. Unless you're experienced, this technique might be more difficult for you so just start by clipping a tiny portion at a time.

Also, until you get more comfortable, you might want to consider just filing or grinding your puppy's nails. Nail grinders could get pricey though and they're not 100% safe. Most grooming places have really reasonable prices for just nail trims. Probably around 4 bucks.

If you decide to clip the nails yourself, you can buy styptic powder at your local pet store that will quickly stop the bleeding if you hit the quick. It is important to make any grooming experience a positive one for dogs, so always make sure you make a huge deal about how great your dog was after the experience.

You can also use flour to stop the bleeding, but styptic powder will work more effectively.

My best advice is if you do not feel confident when you're about to trim your dogs nails for the first time, he will be able to tell and it will make him more nervous. So just calm down, take a deep breath, and be careful.

Answer 2

The best way to clip his nails is to do just a tiny bit each time. Like, a millimetre.  That way, you'll get to know where the vein is - you can actually see the sensitive part when you get real close to the vein. Plus, if you only clip a little bit, if you DO nick the vein, the bleed wont be bad.  Then if you clip him regularly, you wont have to worry about where the vein has gone to.  Also, when you walk him, if you walk him on concrete, the friction will help to wear his nails down too.

Good Luck

Answer 3

my shephards are black, but if you look at the nail from underneath, you can tell where the vein ends.... bleeds are bad because then he might not trust you or ever let you trim them again

Answer 4

If you walk him enough on concrete or hardened dirt, or he walks on a hardwood floor, then he should keep his nails sufficiently worn that they won't need trimmed.

But if they do, generally go gradually (though don't take TOO long or he might get restless, though keep a firm grip to show you're confident). In general, where the nail really starts to curve is where you should cut. But it depends on how long they are. The longer the nail has been allowed to get, the longer the quick is.

If you keep the nails short enough, the quick will shrink further in over time.

My sources will list some details and have some pictures for reference. Good luck!

Answer 5

one visit to the vet to show you how to do the job then it will be all yours to do for the next 15 years