How do I cut my black labs claws?

Question

Claws, toenails, whatever the right word is! He has a damaged ligament/nerves so one of his "toes" sticks up & doesn't get worn down when he walks. Anyone got any information/advise on how to cut it? I've tried filling but that didn't work!

Answer 1

Your local "Walmart" carries a pet nail cutter. They are under $10. Just make sure that you don't cut to short because the nail will bleed, if you do. There is no pain if you cut properly,

Answer 2

Firstly, make sure you have the right tool for the job. Buy some high-quality dog claw clippers and keep them sharp and in good repair. There are two types available, a guillotine type and a scissor type. Many dog owners agree that the guillotine type is easier to use. The scissor type is more often used for curling claws such as the dew claw, to clip it and stop it from ingrowing, although the claw can usually be gently pulled away from the skin to allow the guillotine clippers to be slid over the claw for cutting purposes. The cutting blade on guillotine cutters should be replaced immediately when they begin to lose their sharpness.

Dark-colored or multi-colored claws should be cut carefully to avoid cutting into the “quick”, the live area of the claw that contains the blood vessels and nerves. Cut the claw in several tiny pieces – as you cut, look carefully at the cross-section of the claw. When you see a grey-pink oval begin to appear at the top of the cut surface, you should stop cutting as you are approaching the quick.

In paler claws, the quick can be seen through the claw so it obvious where to cut. Never cut closer than 2mm of the quick as this may hurt your dog or make the claw bleed. If in doubt, ask your vet for advice or assistance.

Answer 3

You need to get some dog claw clippers, they don't cost too much, but then if you haven't done it before ask your vet or vet nurse to show you how as if you take off too much you cut into the quick, which like cutting your own nails too short, is really quite painful for them and they can bleed a bit as well. Once your vet nurse has shown you how far back you can cut, its really quite simple and easy to do, but you should be supervised the first time to make sure you know how to do it.

Answer 4

I am lucky as I have 3 yellow labs and the nails are almost see through - so I can see the quick. I would just cut a little at a time with dog nail clippers. You can buy a stop bleeding powder (at a pet store) to apply to the nail if you do cut too far and nip the quick. I have nipped the quick a couple of times and my dogs did not even notice. The powder stops the bleeding so it does not make a mess.

Answer 5

If you attempt it yourself be very careful there is a blood vessel runs down into the claw I believe, personally I would leave it to a groomer or a vet

Answer 6

You should let a vet do it for you. The dogs claw is a delicate thing and you can easily cut the "quick" of the claw.This is very painful for your dog.

Answer 7

Go to the vets, most cut the for a couple £

Answer 8

For the regular "toes" just use clippers you can get them at Petsmart or at your vet. For the damaged one I would take it to a vet.

Answer 9

There are specific cutters on the market for dogs.
Also your library may have a video to give step by step instructions.
It's a liitle unnerving at first, but once you've done it a few times both you and your best friend will be more at ease.

Answer 10

the dog needs taking to the vets dont try n cut them yourself u will do more harm