Slicing Black Dog Nails: A Precautionary and Simple Advice to Owners of Dogs

Cutting the nails of a dog may be a frightening experience, especially when the nails are black. The dark colour does not allow seeing the end of the sensitive part of the nail, the quick. Pain and bleeding may occur as a result of a single mistaken cut, and this is why many pet owners attempt to avoid it. Nevertheless, when you learn how to cut black dog nails correctly, you will not need to visit a veterinarian, your pet will feel much better and possibly keep its paws healthier.

You will find an easy step-by-step guide on clipping your dog’s black nails safely, instruments to use, and what mistakes to avoid in this article.

Why do Black Dog Nails prove to be more difficult?

The quick is covered by black dog nails; this is not the case with white, or crystal-like nails, where the quick is easy to detect. Nerves and blood vessels are found in the quick, and therefore, an accidental cut can injure your dog and make him bleed. Due to this reason, mere safety and precaution are needed a little bit more to trim black dog nails.

Black nails may occur more often in some breeds, notably, the ones with dark or bi-colored fur. Even though nail clipping should be done regularly regardless of the breed, it is essential for nail comfort, posture and joint health.

The Necessities that you Need to Bring along are Tools

Make sure that you have the correct set of tools equipped before you begin to cut the nails of your dog. It will be much smoother and safer since everything will be available.

1. Dog Nail Clipper

Apply a fine-quality sharp dog nail clipper. The scissor-type clipper is best suited to the larger breeds, but the guillotine style is best for the small to medium-sized dog.

2. Styptic Powder or Pencil

This is necessary just in case you cut into the quick. It helps to stop the bleeding fast.

3. Optional Nail Grinder for Dogs

Filing of sharp edges following the cutting could be facilitated by use of a grinder. It also comes in handy in case you are not comfortable with the use of clippers because it removes small layers at a time.

4. Strong Light Source / Flashlight

Quick may be located by shining light underneath the nail, even in black nails.

5. Food and Forbearance

When you are in the process or after the process of the trimming, always reward your dog with a positive association.

6-Step Procedure: Trimming Black Dog Nails

Having the tools at the ready, the next thing to do is to trim the nails of your dog with confidence.

Step 1: Make your Dog Feel at Home

Select an environment that is not noisy. Present your dog with the tools and give him/her a chance to breeze smell them. You can practice more by just trying to touch and hold their paws daily before even using a clipper, so that they become familiar with it.

Step 2: Paw Position

Take your dog, lift a paw and look at the nail. Grip in a soft yet strong manner. See that your dog is in a calm state before continuing.

Step 3: First, It Clips a Tiny Tip

Trim the curved tip only because it is nearly impossible to tell that you have cut the black dog’s nails. Inspect the cross-section. Go ahead — you are all right– if it is still chalky white or grey. 

Step 4: Repeat after a Few Weeks

Trim a little every week in case your dog has got too long nails. Slowly trimming makes it quick to recede, giving you the chance to then trim shorter gradually.

Step 5: Polish with the Nail Grinder

A dog nail grinder, like what happened in the case, made the rough edges smooth and allowed the nail to have fewer chances of breaking.

Step 6: Other Treatment Available with Styptic Powder

Should you accidentally cut the quick, you will be all right. Apply styptic powder on it or have a clean cloth on the nail and gently press it for a couple of minutes.

Where to Find Black-Nails Quickly?

Hitting the quick is one of the greatest fears of trimming the black nails. Here is the way to prevent that:

• Whenever possible, a flashlight or lamp should be used to back light the nail.
• Search for a dark centre spot when you trim, this is often seen before the quick is reached.
• Cut off small portions instead of cutting off a huge lump.

It may take some time to know how to locate the quick in black nails, but with time and observation, this becomes easy.

A Question of Trimming

The majority of dogs require nail trimming at an interval of 3 to 4 weeks, although this aspect varies with the level of activity. The tendency of the dog to naturally file its nails should be present in those dogs who walk on hard surfaces. When you can hear your dog making clicking noises as he or she walks on the floor, then it is time to get some clipping done.

Success: Tips

• A scared or resistant dog must never be forced. Pause and come back at some point in case they are pleasant.
• Reward your dog with praise and treat always.
• Trimming is not a thing which should be tried.
• Make the treatment session short and not negative, at least when your dog has no experience of nail care.

When Is Assistance of a Professional Is Required?

It is not a bad idea when you hire a groomer or a vet to help you in the process of clipping their nails, either when you are not comfortable or when the dog grows violent. They are trained in working with nervous or problematic dogs and possess professional instruments.

Conclusion

It might appear that the idea of learning how to cut black dog nails will be a challenge, but in the right direction, it can be a simple procedure in your pet grooming routine. Be patient, clip piece by piece, and reward your dog all along. Things can be easy using things such as a grinder, the use of styptic powder and bright lighting.

Above all, be relaxed and constant. Your dog will become trusting of you, and nail clipping will shift on the scale of paranoia to the usual bonding process.