How to Trim Your Dog's Nails (Without the Drama)

If you can hear nails clicking on hard floors, or they touch the ground when your dog is standing, they are ready for a trim. Most dogs need trimming every three to six weeks, though dogs who walk on pavements often wear their nails down naturally.

You need:

The quick is the living part of the nail, with blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into it hurts and bleeds. On pale nails, the quick is visible as a pink area. On dark nails, trim tiny slivers at a time and stop when you see a dark, moist dot in the centre of the cut surface.

If you do nick the quick, stay calm, press styptic powder onto the nail, and give a treat. It happens to everyone.

For nervous dogs, go slowly over several days or weeks:

If your dog is very fearful, growls, or tries to bite, stop and ask your vet or a professional groomer for help. Many clinics offer nail trims, and some dogs benefit from specialist behaviour support.