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If your dog's nails are clicking on the kitchen floor, they're too long. It's a simple test, but one that catches most owners off guard. Those overgrown nails aren't just noisy—they can cause real pain, alter your dog's posture, and lead to joint problems over time.[1]
The good news? You can handle this at home with the right tools and technique. Most dogs need their nails trimmed every 3–6 weeks, though this varies depending on how much pavement walking they do.[2] A dog that spends most of its life on carpets and grass will need more frequent trims than one that pounds the pavements daily.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right clippers to handling the inevitable "I've cut too far" moment. And if you're already feeling anxious, don't worry. Professional groomers across Kent charge around £6–£12 for a nail clip if you'd rather leave it to the experts.[3]
Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general guidance on dog nail care for healthy dogs. If your dog has extremely overgrown nails curling into the paw pad, signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge), a torn or split nail, or shows aggression during nail handling, please consult a veterinarian or qualified groomer. Dogs with bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning medication require veterinary supervision for nail trims.
This isn't about cosmetics. When a dog's nails get too long, they push against the ground with every step. This forces the toes back and puts pressure on the joints—imagine walking in shoes that are three sizes too small, all day, every day.
Long-term consequences of neglected nails include:
The PDSA recommends regular nail checks as part of your dog's routine care.[5] And while UK pavements do help wear nails down naturally, most domestic dogs simply don't walk enough on hard surfaces to keep their nails at a safe length.
Every dog nail has two parts. The outer shell is dead keratin—like your own fingernails—and can be trimmed without any pain. But inside runs the "quick," a core of blood vessels and nerves that will bleed and hurt if you cut into it.[6]
Here's the tricky part: the quick grows longer as the nail grows. If your dog's nails have been neglected for months, the quick will have extended almost to the nail tip. This means you can't just cut them short in one go. Instead, you'll need to trim little and often—every few days—to encourage the quick to recede gradually.[7]
On light or white nails, you can usually see the quick as a pink area inside the nail. Cut 2–3mm away from where the pink starts, and you'll be safe.[2]
Black nails are harder. The quick is invisible from the outside. The safest approach is to make tiny cuts—1–2mm at a time—and check the cut surface after each snip. You're looking for a dark spot or circle in the centre of the nail (sometimes called the "bullseye"). When you see it, stop immediately—you're at the edge of the quick.[8]
If all your dog's nails are dark, the PDSA suggests asking your vet to show you where to cut during a routine appointment.[5]
Most dogs need a nail trim every 3–6 weeks. But this depends heavily on their lifestyle. A Border Collie doing daily beach runs on shingle will wear its nails down naturally. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that prefers the sofa? Probably needs trims on the more frequent end.[9]
Try these simple checks:
Some breeds are more prone to fast nail growth or simply don't wear their nails down as effectively. These include toy breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers), sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets), brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs), and any senior dog with reduced mobility.
Never use human nail clippers or regular scissors on your dog—they'll crush and split the nail. You need proper dog nail clippers or a grinder.[5]
These look like small scissors with curved blades and are best for small to medium dogs with thinner nails. They're easy to control and give you good visibility of what you're cutting. However, they lack the power for thick nails on larger breeds.[11]
Also called guillotine clippers (though true guillotine styles have a single rising blade), these are heavier-duty tools suited to medium and large breeds with thick nails. The spring-loaded handles give you more cutting power, but they can be trickier to position precisely.[11]
The Thunderpaws Professional-Grade Dog Nail Clippers feature a protective guard to prevent over-cutting and a safety lock for storage. Suitable for medium to large breeds with thick nails. For smaller dogs, the Candure Dog Nail Clippers offer precision cutting with a safety guard.
Electric grinders sand the nail down rather than cutting it. The main advantage? You're far less likely to hit the quick because you're removing tiny amounts at a time. The result is also smoother, with no sharp edges.[12]
The downsides: grinders take longer per nail, make noise that some dogs dislike, and create a burnt-nail smell that's not pleasant for anyone. They work best for dogs that are calm and patient—or can be trained to tolerate the sensation.
The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder is a top-rated rechargeable grinder with two speed settings, quiet operation, and USB charging. Perfect for nervous dogs who don't tolerate clippers. For a premium option, the Dremel Pet Nail Grinding Kit includes multiple sanding discs and is trusted by professional groomers.
Before you start, make sure you have:
Don't start without it! Petsol Styptic Powder for stopping nail bleeding instantly. Keep it within arm's reach during every nail trim session.
The key to a successful nail trim is preparation and patience. Rush it, and you'll have a stressed dog and probably a bleeding nail.
Don't attempt a nail trim when your dog is hyper after a walk or anxious about something. Choose a quiet time when they're relaxed—after a meal or during a lazy afternoon.[5]
For small dogs, you might hold them in your lap. Larger dogs are often easier to manage on the floor or a non-slip mat. If possible, have a helper gently restrain your dog while you focus on the nails. Position the paw so you can clearly see the nail and have good control.[2]
Look for the quick in light nails, or plan to cut in very small increments for dark nails. You're aiming to cut 2–3mm away from the quick. If you're unsure, cut less rather than more—you can always trim again.[2]
Position your clippers at a 45-degree angle to the nail, cutting from underneath. This follows the natural curve of the nail and creates a smooth finish. Make one clean, decisive cut—don't squeeze slowly as this can crush the nail.[14]
On dark nails, look at the freshly cut surface. If it's pale and chalky, you're safe to continue. If you see a dark spot appearing in the centre, stop—that's the quick.[8]
Most dogs have dewclaws—the small "thumbs" on the inside of the front legs, slightly above the paw. Because these never touch the ground, they don't wear down naturally and can grow long enough to curl into the leg. Always check and trim them.[15]
Some dogs also have rear dewclaws. These are often loosely attached and more prone to catching on things, so keep a close eye on them.
Give treats generously throughout. The goal is to make nail trims a positive experience, not a battle. If your dog becomes stressed, stop and try again another day—even if you've only done one nail.[5]
If your dog panics at the sight of nail clippers, you're not alone. Many dogs have learned to fear nail trims through past negative experiences. The good news is that with patience, you can change this—but it won't happen overnight.
The idea is simple: gradually introduce the tools and handling while pairing them with good things (usually treats). VCA Animal Hospitals recommends this step-by-step approach:[16]
This might seem tediously slow, but it works. A dog that happily offers its paw for nail trims is infinitely easier to manage than one that needs to be wrestled into submission.
A lick mat smeared with peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free—xylitol is toxic to dogs) can keep your dog occupied while you work on their nails. Stick it to a wall or the floor at your dog's head height. The licking releases calming endorphins and gives them something to focus on besides your clippers.[17]
The LickiMat Classic 2-Pack (Soother and Buddy) is perfect for nail trimming sessions—the varied textures keep dogs occupied longer. For bathing and grooming, the LickiMat UFO with suction cups sticks securely to walls and floors.
It's perfectly acceptable to trim just one or two nails per session if that's all your dog can tolerate. Better to do a little often than create a major trauma by forcing the issue. Over time, as your dog builds positive associations, you'll be able to do more at once.
It happens to everyone eventually. You've clipped a fraction too far, there's blood, and your dog is not pleased. Here's what to do:
Your dog reads your energy. If you panic, they'll panic more. Take a breath and speak soothingly.
Dip the bleeding nail into styptic powder or press a pinch of it onto the end of the nail. Hold for 1-2 minutes with gentle pressure. The powder works as a coagulant and should stop the bleeding quickly.[13]
No styptic powder? Cornflour, plain flour, or pressing the nail into a bar of soap can help in a pinch.[18]
Most quick-nicks stop bleeding within 5-10 minutes. If the bleeding continues beyond 15 minutes despite pressure and styptic powder, contact your vet. Similarly, if your dog has completely torn off a nail (usually from injury rather than trimming), that's a vet visit—it may need cleaning and possibly antibiotics to prevent infection.[19]
Home nail trimming isn't for everyone, and that's okay. Here are signs that you should hand the clippers to a professional:
Professional nail clips in the UK typically cost £6–£12 at groomers or vet practices.[3] Many groomers will show you their technique if you ask, which can help you feel more confident about doing it at home next time. If you're looking for a groomer in Kent, our Folkestone groomer directory lists trusted local professionals.
Start with desensitisation training. Don't try to trim nails straight away. Instead, spend a week or two just touching and holding paws briefly while giving treats. Gradually build up to touching the nails, then introduce the clippers without cutting. Only attempt an actual trim when your dog is comfortable with all the handling.
Neither is inherently "better"—they suit different dogs and owners. Grinders are safer because you remove tiny amounts at a time, reducing the risk of hitting the quick. But they're slower, noisier, and some dogs hate the vibration. Clippers are faster but require more precision. Many owners use both: clippers to remove bulk, then a grinder to smooth the edges.[12]
Regular pavement walking does help wear down nails, but it rarely eliminates the need for trimming entirely. Most domestic dogs simply don't walk enough on hard surfaces to keep their nails at the ideal length. Dewclaws, which never touch the ground, always need manual trimming regardless of how much walking your dog does.[2]
No. When nails are very long, the quick has grown out with them. Cutting too short will hit the quick, causing pain and bleeding. Instead, trim a small amount (1-2mm) every few days over several weeks. This gradually encourages the quick to recede, allowing you to safely shorten the nails over time.[7]
Most dogs have 18 nails: five on each front paw (including the dewclaw) and four on each back paw. Some dogs have rear dewclaws too, giving them 20 nails in total. Count your dog's nails so you know how many to check at each session.[5]
Dog nail care is one of those tasks that seems daunting until you've done it a few times. The basics are straightforward: trim little and often, cut at a 45-degree angle, and stop before you hit the quick. With the right tools, some patience, and plenty of treats, most dogs can learn to tolerate (or even enjoy) their regular pedicure.
If you're nervous, start slow. Handle paws without cutting. Clip one nail and call it a day. Build positive associations. And if it's all too much, there's no shame in letting a professional handle it—that's what they're there for.
Your dog's nails might not be the most glamorous part of pet ownership, but keeping them trimmed makes a real difference to their comfort and long-term joint health. A few minutes of maintenance every few weeks is a small price to pay for a happy, mobile dog.
Browse our directory of qualified, reviewed dog groomers in Folkestone. Compare services, prices, and availability for expert coat care.
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