How to Cut a Dog's Black Nails Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Cut your dog’s nails when they’re calm and tired. 2 Position your pup so you’re both comfortable. 3 Lift the paw up and pinch the first nail gently. 4 Hold the nail steady and line your clippers up. 5 Clip the nail at a 45-degree angle and inspect it. 6 File down to the chalky white ring. 7 Continue cutting the rest of their nails. 8 Try using a flashlight to find the quick. 9 Treat bleeding nails with flour. 10 Offer treats liberally while you work. 11 Take your time cutting their nails. 12 Introduce the nail cutting tools early. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Lancy Woo and Eric McClure
Last Updated: January 30, 2026 References
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This article was co-authored by Lancy Woo and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Lancy Woo is a Certified Pet Groomer and the Owner of VIP Grooming, a pet grooming salon based in San Francisco, California. VIP Grooming has served San Francisco for over 35 years. Lancy received her pet grooming certification from the WWPSA (Western Word Pet Supply Association). VIP Grooming has been voted "Best in the Bay" in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and won Bay Woof’s "Beast of Bay" in 2014. In 2018, Lancy's work contributed to VIP Grooming's acceptance onto San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development's Legacy Business Registry. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 8,300 times.
Cutting a dog’s nails for the first time can be daunting as it is, but if the nails are black, it provides another layer of complexity since you can’t see the quick. Take a deep breath, though—this isn’t as scary as it seems! All you need are some dog-safe clippers and some patience. There are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to ensure that you safely trim their nails without hurting your dog, and we’ll guide you through the entire process!
Steps
1
Cut your dog’s nails when they’re calm and tired.
If they’re anxious and full of energy, this can be a challenge. You could take your dog on a long walk later in the day to tire them out a bit, or just play an intense game of tug-of-war to tucker them out. Avoid trimming your dog’s nails when they’re full of energy. If they’re squirming all over the place, it can be exceptionally difficult to cut their nails.[1]X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane SocietyLeading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source
You may also accidentally hurt your dog if they’re full of energy and they jerk in a strange direction when you’re trying to cut their nails.
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2
Position your pup so you’re both comfortable.
So long as you have access to their paw, the rest is negotiable. If your dog is more comfortable on its stomach, sit next to them on the couch. If you’ve got a smaller dog or they’re a cuddler, you can hold them in your lap to do this. If you want more control and your dog doesn’t mind being held, you can even flip them onto their back when they’re in their bed or on your lap. Whatever keeps them still and comfy is fine![2]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
There are harnesses and hammocks that dog groomers use to keep a dog standing up straight. These are a good option if your dog is especially squirrely, but most dogs don’t need them once they get used to the nail-cutting process.
Some dogs really hate getting their nails trimmed and get extremely squirmy when you try. If that’s your dog, you can try letting them lick peanut butter up off of a silicone mat while you do this to keep them distracted.[3]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
3
Lift the paw up and pinch the first nail gently.
Put your thumb and index finger around the first nail and apply pressure. You can start with any paw you’d like. Lift it up gently and choose a nail to start with. Put your thumb and index finger around the base of the nail you want to start with, and gently push the nail down to extend the nail out as far as you can. The more room you have to work with, the better.[4]X Expert Source Lancy WooCertified Pet GroomerExpert Interview
You can put your thumb on top or bottom of the nail depending on how your pup’s nails are oriented and what’s comfortable for you. So long as you can hold the nail steady and apply pressure, it’s fine.
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4
Hold the nail steady and line your clippers up.
Aim to remove the curved portion of the nail at a 45-degree angle. You can’t know where the edge of your dog’s quick is, so be conservative. You can always file or cut more away if you need to.[5]X Expert Source Lancy WooCertified Pet GroomerExpert Interview Hold their paw firmly and wrap the blades of your clippers around the curved piece of the nail where it points down away from the portion at the top. Tilt the blades of your clipper down towards your dog’s paw pads so that they’re sitting roughly 45-degrees to the bottom of your dog’s foot.[6]X Expert Source Lancy WooCertified Pet GroomerExpert Interview
The quick can grow and recede over time. There is no uniform rule regarding how much you can remove, but the quick rarely develops into the tip of the nail where it curls down, so that’s a safe place to start.
Holding the nail firmly prevents you from over-cutting, even if the dog jumps.[7]X Expert Source Lancy WooCertified Pet GroomerExpert Interview
5
Clip the nail at a 45-degree angle and inspect it.
Trim the curved part of the nail off and check the texture. Close the jaws of the clippers firmly to remove the tip of your dog’s nails at a 45-degree angle. Then, inspect the nail where you cut it. If the texture of the nail is slightly white and chalky, you’ve reached the pulp of the quick. So long as the tip of the nail doesn’t extend past the base of the paw pads, you’re done with this nail and you can move on.[8]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
The quick refers to a collection of blood vessels and nerve endings that rest inside of the nail. Cutting the quick is painful for your pup, and the nail may bleed if you damage it.
The pulp is the protective tissue around the quick. If you expose the pulp, it means you’ve trimmed the nail back as far as you can safely go.
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6
File down to the chalky white ring.
If your cut wasn’t far enough, you can file down to the pulp. If your dog’s nail is too long after you clipped the tip off, but it feels like you’ve removed too much to cut it again, grab a file. Drag it back and forth along your dog’s nail to remove small layers of material until you reach the pulp. You can tell you’re there when you see an off-white ring inside of the nail and the texture turns a little soft and chalky.[9]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
You can clip the nail down further before filing if you don’t see any chalky texture at all. If it’s a fraction of a millimeter you’re trimming though, you’re probably better off just filing.
7
Continue cutting the rest of their nails.
Cut each of the remaining nails, including your dog’s dewclaws. The dewclaws are those little “thumbs” on your dog’s front paws. Don’t forget about those! Once you’ve trimmed all of the nails on the first paw, move on to the rest of the nails. Clip each nail so that it’s roughly the same length.[10]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
If this is your first time cutting the dog’s nails and they’re a little skittish, you can do one nail a day until they’re all trimmed. This can be a good way to get them used to the process without forcing them to sit still for too long.[11]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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8
Try using a flashlight to find the quick.
If your dog’s nails are thin, a bright light can highlight the quick. Take any of your dog’s nails and extend it. Hold a small flashlight against the back of the nail. You may be able to see the outline and discoloration of the quick! If you’re extremely nervous about accidentally hitting the quick, this can be a good way to check to see how close you are.[12]XResearch source
A lot of people find this too unwieldy to be productive, so don’t force yourself to use a flashlight—especially if your dog’s nails are too thick for the light.
This may be easier if you have a friend or family member who can hold the flashlight for you.
9
Treat bleeding nails with flour.
Accidents happen, and if you cut the quick it’s going to be okay. If you do cut the quick, dip the nail in a small bowl of flour (cornstarch works too). This will clot the bleeding and protect the quick while it heals. So long as the bleeding stops and your dog doesn’t seem like they’re in persistent pain, it’s going to be fine. The nail will heal in a day or so.[13]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
If you’re the planning type, buy some styptic powder and use that instead. It’s a clotting agent that’s going to be a lot more efficient than flour or cornstarch.
The nail should heal on its own in a day or two, but if your pup keeps limping, chewing their nail, or the bleeding won’t stop, consult a vet as soon as possible. A damaged quick can lead to nerve damage or infection if it’s left untreated.
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10
Offer treats liberally while you work.
Reward your dog for sitting still by giving them plenty of treats. Nail trimming can be a stressful experience for your dog, so show them plenty of love while you’re doing this. If they sit still for long enough that you get a clean trim in on one of their nails, give them a treat! Over time, if you’re consistent, they’ll learn to sit still while you work.[14]XResearch source
You can use treats to keep your pup still if they start moving too much. Just be careful about overdoing that, since you can inadvertently end up teaching your dog that they get rewarded for moving.
11
Take your time cutting their nails.
If your pup fidgets or pulls away, take a break. You can’t rush this one—some dogs require a lot of patience, and this can take 20-30 minutes depending on how much your dog dislikes getting their nails cut. Go slow. Take frequent breaks. Let your dog relax if they lose their cool, and give them plenty of pets and positive feedback to encourage calmness. This can take a while, so just be patient![15]XResearch source
Remember, your dog has no idea what’s going on right now. The sound of the clippers and the feeling of someone handling their paws can be super scary for them. It gets easier each time you do this as your dog gets used to the experience, but be super patient for now!
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12
Introduce the nail cutting tools early.
The earlier you can start trimming their nails, the easier it will be. If you’ve got a puppy or a young dog, start exposing them to the process now. Even if you can’t trim their nails yet because they aren’t long enough, let them sniff your clippers every couple of days. Touch their paws (especially when they sleep) and handle their nails regularly so that they get used to the feeling of someone handling their paws.[16]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Give them treats when you show them the clippers or handle their paws. This way, when they’re old enough for regular trims, they won’t be as freaked out by the sensations or scared.
Expert Q&A
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Tips
If you’re using a Dremel tool, simply turn the grinder on and gently hold it against the underside of the nail, near the front. With a Dremel tool, simply move it back and forth in a very slow, even pattern. Continue wearing the tip of the nail down until the edge of the nail is above the paw pads. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about grooming a pet, check out our in-depth interview with Lancy Woo.
Co-authored by: Lancy Woo Certified Pet Groomer This article was co-authored by Lancy Woo and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Lancy Woo is a Certified Pet Groomer and the Owner of VIP Grooming, a pet grooming salon based in San Francisco, California. VIP Grooming has served San Francisco for over 35 years. Lancy received her pet grooming certification from the WWPSA (Western Word Pet Supply Association). VIP Grooming has been voted "Best in the Bay" in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and won Bay Woof’s "Beast of Bay" in 2014. In 2018, Lancy's work contributed to VIP Grooming's acceptance onto San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development's Legacy Business Registry. This article has been viewed 8,300 times. 7 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6Updated: January 30, 2026 Views: 8,300
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Co-authored by: Lancy Woo Certified Pet Groomer This article was co-authored by Lancy Woo and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Lancy Woo is a Certified Pet Groomer and the Owner of VIP Grooming, a pet grooming salon based in San Francisco, California. VIP Grooming has served San Francisco for over 35 years. Lancy received her pet grooming certification from the WWPSA (Western Word Pet Supply Association). VIP Grooming has been voted "Best in the Bay" in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and won Bay Woof’s "Beast of Bay" in 2014. In 2018, Lancy's work contributed to VIP Grooming's acceptance onto San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development's Legacy Business Registry. This article has been viewed 8,300 times. 7 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6 Updated: January 30, 2026 Views: 8,300 
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415 
If they’re anxious and full of energy, this can be a challenge. You could take your dog on a long walk later in the day to tire them out a bit, or just play an intense game of tug-of-war to tucker them out. Avoid trimming your dog’s nails when they’re full of energy. If they’re squirming all over the place, it can be exceptionally difficult to cut their nails.[1] 
So long as you have access to their paw, the rest is negotiable. If your dog is more comfortable on its stomach, sit next to them on the couch. If you’ve got a smaller dog or they’re a cuddler, you can hold them in your lap to do this. If you want more control and your dog doesn’t mind being held, you can even flip them onto their back when they’re in their bed or on your lap. Whatever keeps them still and comfy is fine![2] 
Put your thumb and index finger around the first nail and apply pressure. You can start with any paw you’d like. Lift it up gently and choose a nail to start with. Put your thumb and index finger around the base of the nail you want to start with, and gently push the nail down to extend the nail out as far as you can. The more room you have to work with, the better.[4] 
Aim to remove the curved portion of the nail at a 45-degree angle. You can’t know where the edge of your dog’s quick is, so be conservative. You can always file or cut more away if you need to.[5] Hold their paw firmly and wrap the blades of your clippers around the curved piece of the nail where it points down away from the portion at the top. Tilt the blades of your clipper down towards your dog’s paw pads so that they’re sitting roughly 45-degrees to the bottom of your dog’s foot.[6] 
Trim the curved part of the nail off and check the texture. Close the jaws of the clippers firmly to remove the tip of your dog’s nails at a 45-degree angle. Then, inspect the nail where you cut it. If the texture of the nail is slightly white and chalky, you’ve reached the pulp of the quick. So long as the tip of the nail doesn’t extend past the base of the paw pads, you’re done with this nail and you can move on.[8] 
If your cut wasn’t far enough, you can file down to the pulp. If your dog’s nail is too long after you clipped the tip off, but it feels like you’ve removed too much to cut it again, grab a file. Drag it back and forth along your dog’s nail to remove small layers of material until you reach the pulp. You can tell you’re there when you see an off-white ring inside of the nail and the texture turns a little soft and chalky.[9] 
Cut each of the remaining nails, including your dog’s dewclaws. The dewclaws are those little “thumbs” on your dog’s front paws. Don’t forget about those! Once you’ve trimmed all of the nails on the first paw, move on to the rest of the nails. Clip each nail so that it’s roughly the same length.[10] 
If your dog’s nails are thin, a bright light can highlight the quick. Take any of your dog’s nails and extend it. Hold a small flashlight against the back of the nail. You may be able to see the outline and discoloration of the quick! If you’re extremely nervous about accidentally hitting the quick, this can be a good way to check to see how close you are.[12] 
Accidents happen, and if you cut the quick it’s going to be okay. If you do cut the quick, dip the nail in a small bowl of flour (cornstarch works too). This will clot the bleeding and protect the quick while it heals. So long as the bleeding stops and your dog doesn’t seem like they’re in persistent pain, it’s going to be fine. The nail will heal in a day or so.[13] 
Reward your dog for sitting still by giving them plenty of treats. Nail trimming can be a stressful experience for your dog, so show them plenty of love while you’re doing this. If they sit still for long enough that you get a clean trim in on one of their nails, give them a treat! Over time, if you’re consistent, they’ll learn to sit still while you work.[14] 
If your pup fidgets or pulls away, take a break. You can’t rush this one—some dogs require a lot of patience, and this can take 20-30 minutes depending on how much your dog dislikes getting their nails cut. Go slow. Take frequent breaks. Let your dog relax if they lose their cool, and give them plenty of pets and positive feedback to encourage calmness. This can take a while, so just be patient![15] 
The earlier you can start trimming their nails, the easier it will be. If you’ve got a puppy or a young dog, start exposing them to the process now. Even if you can’t trim their nails yet because they aren’t long enough, let them sniff your clippers every couple of days. Touch their paws (especially when they sleep) and handle their nails regularly so that they get used to the feeling of someone handling their paws.[16] 
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