Trimming your pet’s nails need practice and using the right tool. A dog’s nail has a spot called the ‘quick’ where nerves and blood vessels are present. It is usually identified as a thin red line running through the nail. You will know that you have accidentally hit the quick because it will start to bleed. Your dog may also give a whimper as he tries to withdraw his paw.

Some dogs have black or dark nails, so the quick is not as visible. Trim the nail a little piece at a time until it is even with his paw pad.

Don’t panic when you see the quick starting to bleed. It is treated like most bleeding injuries. Apply some pressure by placing a clean tissue or cloth over the quick until the bleeding stops.

Make sure to monitor the toe for infection. You can also ask your Centennial, CO veterinarian for preparations which can be used to stop the bleeding. Check out more pet care information here.