Keeping your dog’s nails short is more than just a beauty task — it’s essential for their health. Long nails can hurt your dog’s paws, make walking hard, and even cause joint pain.
If the thought of nail trimming makes you nervous — you’re not alone! But don’t worry. With the right tools and tips, you can do this safely.
Let’s break it down.
Nail Clippers vs Nail Grinders: What’s Better?
There are two tools you can use to trim your dog’s nails:
Nail Clippers
- Work like small scissors or pliers
- Fast, but easier to make a mistake if you’re not careful
- Good for calm dogs with light-colored nails
Nail Grinders
- Like an electric nail file
- Gently sands the nail down
- Better for black nails and nervous owners
- Takes longer but safer to avoid cutting too deep
Choose the one your dog is most comfortable with.
How to Tell Where a Dog’s Quick Is?
Inside every nail is the quick — it has blood and nerves. Cutting into the quick is painful and causes bleeding.
- If your dog has white or clear nails, you can see the pink part inside — that’s the quick.
- If your dog has black nails, the quick isn’t visible. Instead, trim a tiny bit at a time. When you see a grey or white dot in the middle, stop — you’re getting close to the quick.
TIP: Always trim slowly and gently. You can do it over a few days if needed.
What to Do If You Cut a Dog’s Nail Too Short and It’s Bleeding?
If you cut into the quick, don’t panic. It happens — even to vets and groomers!
Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm and speak gently to your dog.
- Use styptic powder (or cornstarch/flour in an emergency) to stop the bleeding.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean tissue or cloth.
- Keep your dog calm and still until it clots — usually within a few minutes.
If it bleeds for more than 10 minutes or your dog is limping, call your vet.
What to Do If a Dog Won’t Let You Cut Their Nails?
Some dogs hate having their paws touched. That’s normal! Here’s how to make it easier:
- Start by touching their paws gently for a few seconds each day.
- Reward with treats so they learn it’s not scary.
- Use a calm, quiet space — no loud noises or kids running around.
- Break it into short sessions — even one nail a day is progress.
Still no luck? Don’t force it. You can book a trusted pet professional to come to your home and help.
Where to Get Help with Cutting Your Dog’s Nails?
If you’re not confident or your dog is too wriggly, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to do it yourself.
PetCloud can help:
- We offer at-home pet care visits for nail trimming and more.
- You can book regular visits to keep your dog’s nails, coat, and walks on track.
- If you’re on the NDIS, you may be able to use your funding for support with daily living if your mobility or hands and fingers are impaired.
Pet Help for People with Disability or Seniors
PetCloud supports NDIS participants and seniors with:
- In-home nail trimming
- Grooming support
- Regular dog walking
- Help for pets during hospital stays
We match you with police-checked pet carers, so you the person who will be home visiting you and your dog has a clear background.
Ready to Make Nail Care Easy?
📅 Book a Pet Sitter who offers Home Visits to Help With Nail Trimming
🧑🦽 See How PetCloud Supports NDIS Participants
Final Thoughts
Nail trimming doesn’t need to be scary — for you or your dog. With the right tools, patience, and a little help from PetCloud, you can keep your dog’s paws healthy and pain-free.
