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Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Written by Antoinet | May 13, 2025

Trimming your dog’s nails is an important part of their grooming routine. Nails that are too long can cause discomfort or even pain, and in some cases, they can affect your dog’s posture and gait. In this blog, you’ll learn when and how to trim your dog’s nails, how to deal with black nails and anxious dogs, and what to do if you accidentally cut the nails too short.

When Should You Trim Your Dog’s Nails?

You should trim your dog’s nails as soon as they start touching the ground or begin to curl. A good test is to have your dog stand on a hard surface: if you hear clicking sounds when they walk, their nails are likely too long.

How often you need to trim them depends on your dog’s activity level and the type of surface they walk on. Dogs that walk frequently on asphalt naturally wear down their nails, while those that mostly walk on grass usually need trims more often. Also, the dewclaw (the thumb nail) does not wear down on its own. This one requires extra attention. Some dogs also have a dewclaw on their hind legs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

How do you trim your dog’s nails?

Use a special nail clipper or nail trimmer designed for dogs.

Make sure your dog is relaxed and hold the paw firmly.
Trim small pieces at a time to avoid cutting into the “quick” (the blood vessel inside the nail).
For light-colored nails, you can see the pink area and should stay well above it.
After trimming, you can file the nails to prevent sharp edges.

How do you trim black nails on a dog?

It’s harder to see the quick in black nails.

Always trim small sections and inspect the nail from underneath after each cut.
If you notice a darker or grayish core, you’re getting close to the quick and should stop.
To avoid mistakes, it’s better to trim frequently and remove just a little at a time.
Nervous about cutting black nails? Use a nail file or an electric nail grinder instead.

How do you trim a fearful dog’s nails?

If your dog is afraid of nail trimming, patience is key.

Start by letting your dog get used to the clippers—show them and reward with a treat.
Begin by touching the paws without cutting.
Then trim one nail at a time and reward in between.
If your dog is extremely anxious, consider having a professional do it.

How do you stop bleeding if you cut the nails too short?

If you accidentally cut into the quick, the nail may bleed heavily.

Stay calm and use styptic powder or a special blood stop stick to stop the bleeding.
Don’t have any? A small amount of cornstarch or a damp bar of soap can also help.

Let your dog rest to prevent further bleeding.

Where can you get your dog’s nails trimmed?

If trimming nails yourself is too difficult, you can go to a vet, grooming salon, or sometimes even a dog training school. These professionals have experience and know how to trim nails safely and properly.

How much does it cost to trim a dog’s nails?

The cost of trimming your dog’s nails varies. At the vet, you usually pay between €10 and €30. Grooming salons often charge similar rates, sometimes lower if it’s part of a full grooming session. Some dog training schools or pet stores offer nail trimming for a small fee.

With the right approach and regular care, your dog’s nails will stay healthy and you can prevent discomfort. Keep an eye on nail length and trim when needed to help your dog walk comfortably!

Inflamed Nail in Dogs

A dog can suffer from an inflamed nail, most commonly due to a nail bed infection. This is a painful condition where the skin around the nail becomes inflamed. Several factors can cause this issue:

Damage to the nail, such as tearing, trauma, or cutting it too short
A bacterial or fungal infection
An allergy that irritates the skin around the nail
An autoimmune disease that affects the nail bed, such as SLO (Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy)
Tumors in the toe, which inflame the surrounding tissue — for example, squamous cell carcinoma is known to occur as a toe tumor in Schnauzers

Symptoms of Nail Bed Inflammation in Dogs

If a dog has an inflamed nail bed, you might notice the following signs:

Redness and swelling around the nail
Pain when touched
Licking or biting at the toe
Limping
Pus or bloody discharge from the nail bed

The treatment depends on the underlying cause. Often it involves a combination of antibiotics and painkillers/anti-inflammatories. In addition, foot soaks are commonly used. Nail care is crucial to help prevent nail bed infections as much as possible.

Do you suspect your dog has a nail bed infection? Contact your veterinarian.

Can a Dog’s Dewclaw or Thumb Be Removed?

In the Netherlands and many other countries, it is prohibited to remove a dog’s dewclaw or “thumb” for cosmetic reasons. This is comparable to docking tails or cropping ears. The procedure is only allowed for medical or functional reasons:

Medical reasons: If the dewclaw nail repeatedly tears, becomes infected, or causes other issues, the vet may advise removal.
Practical reasons for working dogs: In some working or sporting dogs, the dewclaw may pose a risk of injury, such as in hunting or sled dogs.
Congenital abnormalities: Occasionally, the dewclaw is poorly developed or loosely attached, making removal necessary.

Do you still have questions about trimming your dog’s nails? Contact us at [email protected].