I have a daschund mix and his nails are black and I normally cut his nails or he will chew them down a bit to help me out. The past few times I have had a hard time judging where the quick is and I've cut to short. I've tried a flashlight and that doesn't help. I'd rather not take him to the groomer or vet because I think after a while my dog will get more comfortable with me cutting the nails. What do you suggest?
2007-03-15 15:15:49 · 16 answers · asked by radioactive_babywipes 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This is very difficult when you cannot see the line.
I understand your reasoning for wanting to do it yourself too.
I suggest the best thing may be to just cut very little off each time.
Letting him walk on rough surfaces (paving, concrete, roadways - under safe conditions of course etc) also helps to keep them short.
2007-03-15 17:28:09 · answer #1 · answered by Yellowstonedogs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dark Colored Nails
2016-10-05 09:58:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Originally, I was going to suggest what the other answers have said but I don't want to repeat those responses - they are all very good. The only other small advice I could give is to call the vet and/or groomer and see if they could add any additional information.
I don't know if this will help at all but, I have one toe nail where the quick extends more than the others, for some strange reason. It only took me once, from pain, to be very careful with that particular nail.
That's why I am suggesting to talk to a pet groomer or vet. Who knows, dogs or other animals may have the same dilemma.
2007-03-15 15:33:48 · answer #3 · answered by Oenophile... (Lynn) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you turn his paw over and look at the underside of the nail you can see the quick. It is right in the middle of the nail and you can see the nail growing around it and out past it.
Dremmels do work great for a lot of Bulldog owners so you could try that also. I haven't yet tried it but I know lots of people who only cut their dogs nails with a dremmel now.
2007-03-15 15:34:53 · answer #4 · answered by Grace 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its kinda hard to explain how to do without actually showing you.
Have you considered making an appointment with a vet or groomer and simple asking them to show you how to do it while they are doing it? If you have a regular veterinarian that you take him to, he/she should be happy to show you how to do it.
I know most of the ones I've met wouldnt have a problem with it.
There is actually a slight change of shape on the bottom side of the nail that I usually see, which is my personal guide.
Since I've learned how to spot that, I rarely hit a quick...
Here is a link that MIGHT help you see what I'm talking about.
Since the picture is of clear nails, it will be easier to see.
Study where the bottom of the nail SLIGHTLY changes degree where the pink tip inside stops.
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/images/dog_nails/show_nail.JPG
Hope it helps...
2007-03-15 16:58:11 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ Jasmine ♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just trim the very tip of the of the nail and then a very little bit after that at a time or take him to a pet shop that cuts nails and have them show you how to do.
2007-03-15 16:40:16 · answer #6 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of my dogs has black nails. I have always used the rule of never cutting any higher than the top of the "hook" portion of the nail. I have had her for 8 years and have never any problem. Thankfully!! Hope this helps!
2007-03-15 15:20:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
when you cut the black nails .. what you will see is alittle dot in the center of the nail and also a white power looking substance. do not cut any farther than that.. it is right before the quick.
2007-03-15 15:27:35 · answer #8 · answered by Skyhoss 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a guy, and personally, I don't like long nails. I actually know a lot of like long, painted nails cause they're "so pretty", but I don't like them.
2017-03-01 02:15:08 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A little bit of nail is fine... but I agree along with you. Long nails are kinda major.
2017-01-27 00:29:49 · answer #10 · answered by harvey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋