Cutting Dogs nails that are black? - Paw Talk

patnjackmom · #1 03-27-2003, 06:47 PM

How do you figure where the nerve is so that you don't cut it?

Sam's nails are black, and I am nervous about cutting them.

DirtySouthChins · #2 03-27-2003, 07:12 PM

Depending the length of the nails, can determine where the "quick" is. I hate black nails, I used to work in a vet office, and when assisting in surgeries, or mouth cleanings, while the dog was under I would trim their nails, and I would still get nervous, lol.... I take Tabitha in to have hers done, our other 2 are clear (thank goodness) GL!

BrendaLynn · #3 03-27-2003, 07:28 PM

If you look under the nail there is a groove and the quick has a more fleshy look to it. and it fills the nail groove. I always cut about an 1/8 of an inch in front of that and i haven't had any problems.

BrendaLynn · #4 03-27-2003, 07:38 PM

I apparently was posting the same message twice. Weird!

PokeyPokey · #5 03-27-2003, 08:50 PM

I guesstimate depending on the length of the other nails. If I'm not sure I just snip it off or spend a while sanding it down with a foot scraper(heavy duty nail file)

#6 03-27-2003, 09:25 PM

I take my black nailed dogs to the vet.

I used to do them myself until I cut lucky's so short that it looked like someone had been murdered on the living room floor. Thankfully we were a week before the new carpet!

BrendaLynn · #7 03-28-2003, 10:00 AM

It's tough to guage but I have had 3 dogs in the last 12 years all with black nails. I just got used to it.
Vet is always the best if you're uncomfortable doing that. That is what my sister does with her 12 year old Rottie.

Linda Lee · #8 03-28-2003, 05:10 PM

This question is right up my alley, I was pro. dog groomer for 21 years and have cut at least a thousand nails if not more I'm sure.
With black nails take a sliver at a time off , when looking at the freshly cut area of nail when you see a black dot in the middle , stop. Now, sometimes the black dot may be dry looking , than you can go down shorter. The black dot is the quick. It's nice to have a product called quick stop on hand for when you accidently cut too short. but try not to cause it hurts them and of course can bleed all over place.

Linda Lee · #9 03-28-2003, 05:22 PM

Quick stop is a sulfer product when packed on the bleeding nail it stops the bleeding almost immediatly.

#10 03-31-2003, 04:55 PM

I am aslo a groomer, and I have always been taught to only cut the dull part of a black nail, the shinnny part is the still healthy part of the nail where the quick is. And yes if you just do 1/8 of an inch at a time you should so fine. I have yet to clip my 2 boys too short. Good luck!!

#11 03-31-2003, 07:22 PM

I'll give anyone $10 if they can cut Lucky's with no blood.

The little s**t is HYPER!

Linda Lee · #12 03-31-2003, 07:30 PM

Give him to me I'll sit on his head while I do it

I have such trouble finding those darn smiles i want- so I used the brow guy. Can't we put a winkie in the front?

BrendaLynn · #13 04-01-2003, 08:58 AM

LOL If I was closer I would do it for you!

patnjackmom · #14 04-02-2003, 04:18 PM

We will be doing it this weekend. I will let you know how it goes.

#15 04-04-2003, 03:45 PM

Hi,
I used a medium wood rasp to file my Springers black nails ~ the nail centre gets soft before the quick and wont file down. Easy & no problems. :cool:
Best of luck.