How Often Should You Trim Your Dog's Nails? (And How to Do It Safely)

There's no single schedule that fits every dog. How fast nails grow, and how much they wear down on walks, varies a lot. The American Kennel Club suggests checking your dog's nails every 1–2 weeks; that habit also gets your dog used to having its paws handled.

Signs it's time for a trim

• You can hear the nails clicking on hard floors.
• When your dog stands, the nails touch the ground.
• The dewclaws (on the inside of the leg) look long or curved. They never touch the ground, so they don't wear down on their own.

Dogs that walk mostly on pavement often need trims less often than dogs that live on carpet, grass and soft ground.

Know where the quick is

Inside each nail is the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Cutting into it hurts and bleeds, so the goal is always to trim only the tip in front of it.

• Light nails: the quick shows as a pink area. Trim a little in front of it.
• Dark nails: you can't see the quick, so take tiny slices. Look at the cut surface each time: when it changes from chalky white or grey to a small dark dot or a pale, slightly moist-looking circle in the center, stop. The quick is just beneath.

Step by step

1. Choose a calm moment and have treats ready.
2. Hold the paw gently but firmly, and press lightly on the pad to extend the nail.
3. Trim a small piece from the tip with a sharp clipper, at a slight angle.
4. Reward, then move to the next nail. You don't have to do all four paws in one go.
5. Don't forget the dewclaws.

If you cut too short

Stay calm, apply styptic powder (or cornstarch in a pinch) with gentle pressure, and give your dog a break. It happens to everyone; trim less next time.

Make it easier over time

• Trim more often but take off less each time. Frequent trims can help the quick recede so nails can be kept shorter.
• Nails are often easier to cut after a bath or a walk.
• If your dog's nails are badly overgrown, or your dog is very anxious, ask your vet or a groomer to show you once.

Everything in one case: the Complete At-Home Grooming Kit includes a slicker brush, rubber bath brush, two combs, a nail clipper, grooming scissors, a double-ended toothbrush and a travel bowl in one zip case, plus our free step-by-step guide. Free US shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Source: American Kennel Club, How to Trim Dog Nails Safely. This article is general advice, not veterinary advice.