This is a difficult task for many people and it shouldn't be! I'll be the first to admit that since my dog's nails are all black and I can't tell where the quick is, it's not the most fun task! However with some of these helpful tips, I found an easier way to get my dog's nail trimming out of the way, quick, easy and painless!
Trimming Light Colored Nails:
Light colored nails are the easiest to trim simply for the fact that you can see the quick.
The "quick" is the blood vessel that runs through the toenail. It stops part of the way down the nail. The rest of the nail is hollow. (This is where you cut.) With light colored nails you can see a pinkish or purplish tint that stops part of the way down the nail. This is the quick.
Cut just in front of this and you'll be fine! Make sure to stay about an 1/8th of an inch in front of the quick to avoid pinching, or sensitivity. Voila! All done! Make sure to reward your pooch with a treat because for many dogs nail trimming is not a happy experience. Dinovite's NubOnubs are a great all natural 100% all beef freeze dried treat that are great for keeping up your sleeve for times like this!
Trimming Dark Nails:
Trimming dark colored nails can be a bit of a challenge. Especially when you can't see the quick at a glance. To make sure you don't cut down too far, turn the paw over and look at the back of the nail. There will be a groove in the nail. Where this groove stops is where the quicks begins. To avoid pinching or sensitivity, trim about an 1/8th of an inch before the quick.
If you happen to cut the quick, use stippling powder to stop the bleeding. If you have powdered corn starch on hand, this is great to stop nail bleeding as well. Try to avoid cutting the quick as much as possible because it hurts the dog and could pose a risk for infection.
Alternatives To Nail Clipping:
For those of you who're faint of heart and cannot clip your dog's nails, but do not have the cash to throw at a groomer, there are pet nail sanding devices made to sand your pet's nails down in a few seconds. These can be a bit pricey, however, once you own one it can save you trips to the vet or groomers.
Remember: Attitude is is everything! Take this task on with confidence and love. Pets can read simple body language. You must convey to your pet that this is good for them. Dogs and cats can pick up on a negative vibe. Be a little excited because you know, dogs love to see their owners happy and pleased with them.
All in all I hope this helps! I know it helped me! :)