When armed with the correct information, trimming your canine’s black nails becomes less stressful. Accidentally cutting the quick causes pain, discomfort, and bleeding for your loyal companion. The hard outer shell or nail on the paws is devoid of nerve endings, unlike the quick.
Therefore, trimming black dog nails can be challenging when you are particular about grooming your canine’s paws. How to find the quick on black dog nails without hurting your pup is a common worry among pet parents. The quick is the blood vessel or inner nerve that supplies blood to dog nails, nourishing them.
Knowing how to find the quick on black dog nails prevents you from trimming this delicate part by mistake. Enumerable questions surrounding quick on black dog nails. Here are some answers.
What is the Ideal Method to Trim Black Canine Nails?
You must slowly begin the process of trimming black toenails by firmly but gently holding your dog’s paw. Trim only a tiny section of the nail by moving the clipper from top to bottom instead of side to side. Making minor cuts allows you to observe your puppy’s nailhead closely. It is safe to trim more of the nail when the latter is whitish. Your canine’s nail center appears black and eventually pink as you near the quick region.
Which Are The Nail Trimming Tools Designed For This Purpose?
Dog nail trimmers are available in guillotine and scissor styles. While the former guarantee precise results, scissor-style trimmers are easier to use. Both these clippers work equally well while trimming black dog nails, so choose the one you are most comfortable using.
Having styptic powder at hand is recommended as administering this medicinal powder on cuts contracts the blood vessels, slowing down the nail bleeding. Equipping your doggy first-aid kit with styptic powder is wise as then dealing with accidental scrapes and nicks is not stressful.
Any Trick to Trace the Location of the Quick?
You must lookout for the pulp or soft tissue located before the quick on black dog nails. Identifying the circular-shaped pulp, slightly lighter than the nail itself, guides you on when to stop the trimming of nails. Making multiple minor cuts on the nail helps you avoid a regrettable accident.
The pulp is visible in the nail head center and must be your cue to trim no further. Confidently trimming your furry pal’s nails with a practical nail clipper assures you of a smooth and clean finish. If the clipped end of the nail is uneven, tracing the pulp does become challenging.
How to Rectify Cutting through the Quick?
Any hesitation on your part can also unnerve your canine and cause an accident while trimming his nails. If you cut through the quick, immediately apply styptic powder over the damaged nail. This step plugs the blood vessel thereby, putting an end to the bleeding.
Little flour or cornstarch can be administered in the absence of styptic powder. Do not proceed with the trimming exercise when the bleeding unnerves your canine. You can soothe your furry pal by showering him with your love accompanied by tasty treats.
Is It Necessary to Cut Black Dog Nails Till the Pulp?
Yes, because trimming the nail only slightly encourages the quick to continue growing longer. Cutting the black dog nails till the pulp recedes quick and allows you to cut their nails short. Overgrown canine claws invite other complications like abnormal gait and infected ingrown nails.
Canines with long nail quick need frequent trimming every one to two weeks. Otherwise, trimming them every three to four weeks should be a regular nail care practice. So, prioritize nail care for the wellbeing of your pet.
