Clipping Nails

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Mandz

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Is there any easy way to clip nail which are black ??

I have been attempting this with my dogs (both who are blessed with black nails) and I am worried about getting it wrong.

I only take a small amount off each time but they still seem very long.

When standing (the dog's that is ) the tips of thier nails reach the ground. Is that how they should be or should they be shorter?

Any suggestions or do I just carry on as I am doing - I just don't want to hurt them if I get it wrong
confused.gif


Thanks
Mandz
xx
 
No, they shouldn't reach the ground. I guess with black nails that grow long the only thing you can do is to lightly press at the length you think they should be, if they pull back or flinch then its too short and so you don't cut, you move slightly further down the nail.

Or get the vet to do them this once and make a note of how short they are able to cut them and then you cut them next time. Its about 11-16 pounds at the vets so I'm told.
 
That is how I do it with my 2 that have black nails!
If you squeeze the nail with the cutters hard but not enough to cut if you are on the wick (blood vessel) the usually will pull back.
If you can hold the pad upside down the nails should be level with the pad if that makes sense!
Also when I look at mine underneath you can almost tell where the wick is as the end of the nail is quite hollow once I have cleared the dirt out!
Always have a steptic pencil to hand just in case you do catch the wick to stop the bleeding. I have caught it once or twice & luckily my dogs have not held it against me.
I also as an insentive always give them a treat when finished so they get a pigs ear which makes them more keen to have it done!!
 
As Severnmiles said! we x posted!

Our vet nurses do them for free though!!

I also when get a pup play with their nails & all parts so that they are not bothered about being touched. I also start the pups with a industrial strength emery board which I find handy to finish the nails with after cutting to get rid of the ruff edges or run them up the road to smooth them as they scratch just after being snipped.
 
Try cutting them very gradually, if u only take a small amount of at a time with guilotine type clippers.....u will beable to see in good time where the quick begins to show.....if you catch the quick and it begins to bleed....place the foot/nail in some flour/using a plate or flat object...its a very good co-agulant.
Also try walking your dog on concrete to keep the nails down.
 
Yes if you dog has good feet & exercised on hard ground they generally take care of themselves. Like wild horses! All to do with conformation as well!
 
Thanks for the the helpful replys.

I have been taking off a little at a time and I have discovered that I can go a lot shorter than I thought.

What I thought was the 'quick' is actually dirt that has compacted in the channel under the nail so on soaking in baby oil (another suggestion from a friend) I was able to better define where I could cut to.

Once again thanks for the suggestions.

Mandz
xx
 
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