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How can I trim my dog's nails safely without cutting the quick?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Male | neutered | 5 months and 11 days old | 28 lbs

Hey guys. Is there a nail cutter that cuts dog nails without hurting them? I need to cut my dog’s nails but I’m too scared I’ll hurt them because I don’t know how far down I can cut them.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2019

You can use a nail grinder instead of clippers; these are designed to "file" the nails down rather than cut them and they dramatically decrease the risk of bleeding during a nail trim. Sometimes the noise and or sensation is just as bothersome if not more so than trimming the nails, but it does give you a safer option at home if you are afraid of cutting them too short. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/wahl-premium-nail-grinder Thanks for asking PetCoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 15th, 2018

    It is quite tricky to clip black nails. We cannot see the quick either , so we often start taking a small bit, and keep clipping it by bit. Bleeding is not detrimental, it is rather a mess, but the bleeding can be stopped with some styptic powder. I think you may want to schedule a nail clipping with your vet every so often. The techs at your vet's can also show you how it is done.

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 23rd, 2017

    Hello. Cutting your dogs nails can be done with many different tools including clippers or grinders. You want to cut just the part off at the end where it hooks down, and cut very small bits at a time. When you see a black circle (the quick) in the middle you need to stop or else it will bleed. If you do cut too short and a nail bleeds then you should put the nail in either a bar of soap, or put flour on the end of it.

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