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How to trim my puppy's long nails at home when she's too young for grooming?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 10 days old

My puppy's nails are long and I was wondering what are some options I have for trimming them down/cutting them? I can't take her to get groomed considering she only has her first few shots.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 6th, 2017

Great question! You can cut them yourself, and I would get some dog nail trimmers from the pet store. Take a look at Nala's nails, and can see a clear part and a pink part. The pink part is the quick, and if cut that, it will be painful to her and it will bleed a lot. It's always best to cut a little a time to avoid the quick than cutting too much at once. Now some dog's nails are black, and you can't see the quick on those nails. It's best to cut a little bit off in that case. If you accidentally cut the quick, you can put styptic powder or cornstarch in the palm of your hand, and hold the nail in it to stop the bleeding. I will put a link to a website that has pictures to help you cut Nala's nails: https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/procedures/dogs/clipping-your-dog's-claws

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