Bathing Services: Nail Process

Purpose

Nail trims: clippers or dremel, done slowly, with the quick located before every cut. This is the process.

At a Glance

• Use clippers or a dremel, whichever is appropriate for the dog.
• Locate the quick before you cut or grind, every time.
• Black nails hide the quick. Use extra caution.
• Small amounts at a time, not one big cut or grind.
• Dremel runs hot. Keep contact short.
• Dog struggling or averse? Stop and get help.
• For the standard this process falls under, see Bathing Services: Standards & Responsibilities.

Steps

1. Choose nail clippers or a dremel, whichever is appropriate for the dog.
2. If the dog isn't conditioned to nail trims, work through it slowly to keep the experience as positive as possible.
3. Gently hold the paw while trimming to avoid discomfort or a struggle.
4. Locate the quick before cutting or grinding. Only clip or grind what's necessary.
5. Black nails: you can't see the quick through the nail. Use extra caution.
6. Clippers: trim a little at a time, removing excess nail and sharp edges.
7. Dremel: grind slowly and shape as needed. It heats up, so keep contact to a few moments per nail.

Edge Cases

• Black nails: no visible quick. Go slower, take smaller amounts, and stop sooner than you would on a light nail.
• Dremel getting hot: pull back and give the nail a break rather than continuing on the same spot.
• Dog struggling excessively or showing aversion: stop and ask for help from an experienced staff member or a manager. Don't push through it alone.

Who to Ask

An experienced staff member or a manager, any time a dog is struggling or you're unsure about a quick. For the training that gets a dog comfortable with paw handling and nail trims, see Nails.

What should I do when black nails hide the quick?

Use extra caution since you can't see the quick through a black nail. Take smaller amounts with each clip or grind pass than you would on a nail where the quick is visible.