So you’re probably wondering, how to cut a dog’s nails that are black? Giving your four-legged friends a pawdicure can be daunting, especially if the nails are too dark. If you can’t properly see the quick, which contains an important nerve and a blood vessel, you can potentially harm your pooch. For this reason, many pet owners end up bringing their furry friends into grooming salons for a professional to take care of it.
However, the reality is that everybody can trim their pup’s nails at home provided they have the right tools and guidance. If you are considering the idea of taking your dog’s paw maintenance into your own hands, read on! This article will outline the best techniques and devices you need to bring your trimming skills from beginner to pro in no time!
Trimming Black Nails: Guidelines
You should always trim your pet’s nails slowly if they are black, and even more so when you can’t locate the quick. It is also vital to tackle them head-on and not from side to side. Following this method will allow you to do things safely and significantly reduce the chances of any pain for your four-legged friend.
Even if you are an experienced trimmer, accidents can still happen. If you do cut the quick, don’t panic! Just apply anticoagulant powder with pressure. If you don’t have any at hand, cornstarch, or even flour, will do the trick. Most times, a cut quick does not require medical attention. However, it won’t hurt if you pamper your furry pal with treats and snuggles.
How Short to Cut Dog Nails That Are Black
It is crucial to cut your dog’s nails the correct length to avoid inducing pain. As a general rule of thumb, they should be even with the paw pads. Be sure only to take about 1/16 of an inch at a time. After the first trim, always look at your pet’s nail head-on.
Did you know you can determine how close the quick is by checking the nail color? If it looks whitish, it is safe to trim off a bit more. Continue to observe the nail following each small cut. As the quick gets closer, the nail center will start to turn darker and eventually pink, which is a sign that you’ve gone too far.
Nail Trimming Tools
Clippers and nail grinders are the two most popular styles of nail trimming tools. While clippers will snip the nails off, grinders mill it away. Let’s delve deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Guillotine Clippers
Guillotine clippers seem like the more advantageous option for a few reasons. The main one is the price tag. These tools are generally more affordable than grinders. However, although this may be appealing, cheap clippers cannot always get the job done. If they are too dull or used incorrectly, these devices can break off your furry friend’s nails instead of smoothly cutting them.
If your pet gets squeamish during the trimming process, clippers may appear to be a good option for you as they seemingly work faster. Still, you could end up hurting your furball if they happen to move unexpectedly. Nevertheless, guillotine clippers have a ring to place the nail in and a blade that moves up and down. This feature allows you to line it up better to ensure a more controlled cut.
As we mentioned above, it is crucial to cut only a small portion of the nail in each clip. To start trimming:
- Place the nail in the ring.
- Hold their paw still while snipping to avoid any injuries.
- Squeeze the handles to put the blade in motion, cutting a little at a time.
- Continue this process until the center of the nail is black.
A device like the Resco Jumbo Clippers works wonders on both large and smaller pups. 
This product is extremely heavy-duty, so there is no need to worry about breaking it when handling thicker nails. It has replaceable spring-loaded blades that ensure a clean cut every time. However, keep in mind that grinding always provides a far superior finish.
Nail Grinders
Do you want pet salon results? Grinders are a great alternative to the guillotine clippers and many dog owners’ favorite choice. They give you very smooth, rounded, and clean nails, avoiding potential jagged edges that may result from their counterpart. If your dog has had a bad experience with clippers in the past and is scared of getting a trim, grinders are your best option.
When you’re using these devices, it is best to perform several small grinds instead of a large one. This way, you will reduce the chances of harming the quick. Work on each nail separately, and finish one before moving to the next to provide a more uniform appearance. Here are some tips:
- Starting from the bottom of their nail, move the grinder upwards to the top of the nail.
- Once you reach the top, reverse the motion downwards, grinding off thin slices of the nail.
- Repeat this motion until the nail is black in the center, and then begin polishing.
For a professional touch, some grinders come with finishing attachments that you can use at this stage. You’ll need to lightly move them around in small circles on the top of the nail to smooth it out.
We recommend the LuckyTail grinder. 
This device is one of the best on the market, and it comes at a very low price point. It is suitable for all dog breeds and even other pets, including rabbits, bunnies, and cats. This grinder is very quiet and has ultra-light vibration, providing the most comfortable experience possible for your pet. The LuckyTail is cordless and charges using USB, making it a more practical alternative to those requiring batteries.
Final Thoughts
Although each style of trimming tool has its advantages, the LuckyTail grinder is the best option. The sleek design with powerful and quiet components is unrivaled. It will give you a better trim than the guillotine clippers if used according to the guidelines shared above. After reading this article to the end, you can now compete with the professionals. You can check out our post for more information on how to trim or grind dog nails. Happy trimming!
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