What is the Quick?
The quick is the soft tissue inside a dog’s nail that contains the blood vessels and nerves. It is located above the nail curve and runs from the base of the nail to the tip. The quick provides blood supply and sensation to the nail.
The quick is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and living tissue. Its purpose is to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the nail via blood circulation, as well as provide sensation to the nail bed. Without the quick, the nail would not be able to grow and would become devitalized.
The quick can be identified as a fleshy, pinkish area inside the nail. In dogs with light-colored nails, the quick is usually easily visible. However, in dogs with dark nails, the quick is harder to see. Care must be taken when trimming dark nails to avoid hitting or cutting the quick, which would cause bleeding and pain.
It’s important for dog owners to understand what the quick is, its location and purpose, in order to properly trim their dog’s nails without causing injury. Being able to identify the quick allows the nails to be trimmed to an appropriate length without trauma to this sensitive area.
References:
How to Find Your Dog’s Nail Quick – Four Paws
What to Do When Your Dog’s Nail Quick Is Exposed
Identifying the Quick
The quick of a dog’s nail is the living tissue inside that contains nerves and blood vessels. It’s important to identify the quick before trimming in order to avoid hitting it and causing pain or bleeding.
If your dog has light-colored nails, the quick is easier to spot. Look closely at the nail and you will see a pinkish area inside, surrounded by the harder nail material. This pink section is the quick. Avoid cutting into this area when trimming the nails. According to Four Paws (https://www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/grooming-gateway/how-to-find-your-dogs-nail-quick), gently hold your dog’s paw and look directly down at the nail to best see where the quick ends.
For dogs with dark nails, identifying the quick is more challenging. Look for a small dark circle within the nail, or a different texture or shine. The quick may appear slightly lighter or more opaque. You can also look for evidence of how far down the quick reaches, such as where nail clipping lines are visible. It’s ideal to trim just a small amount at a time to avoid hitting the quick on dark nails.
Trimming Around the Quick
When trimming your dog’s nails, it’s important to avoid cutting the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into the quick will cause pain and bleeding. Here are some techniques and tools to help avoid hitting the quick:
Trim just the tip of the nail. Take only a small amount off the end to reduce chances of hitting the quick. According to wikiHow, “you should trim off only about 1/8 inch or less at a time” (source).
Look for the quick. The quick is easier to see in light nails as a pinkish area, but you’ll have to be extra careful with dark nails. The quick ends where the nail starts to curve inward. Never cut past that point (source).
Use a nail trimmer designed for pets. Scissor and guillotine types work better than human nail clippers, giving you more control and visibility. File any sharp edges smooth after clipping.
Try a nail grinding tool. This sands the nails down gradually, helping you avoid any sudden cuts into the quick.
Have someone help hold your dog still, treats ready as a distraction. Go slowly and double check before each clip to avoid accidents.
Hitting the Quick
The quick is the pinkish part of the nail that contains the blood vessels and nerves. If you accidentally cut your dog’s nail too short and hit the quick, it will most likely start bleeding and be painful for the dog (Source 1). The quick has a rich nerve supply, so cutting into it can be very sensitive and uncomfortable for dogs. Severing the quick usually results in significant bleeding. It may bleed quite a lot at first and then slow to an ooze as the blood clots. The amount of bleeding depends on how much of the quick was cut.
Hitting the quick can be distressing for both owners and dogs. Your dog may yelp or cry when it happens. They may try to lick excessively at the nail or paw. The key is to stay calm and take quick action to stop the bleeding. Apply pressure with a clean towel or specialized product to help the blood clot. Styptic powder, cornstarch, or a silver nitrate stick can aid coagulation. Keep pressure for 5-10 minutes until bleeding slows. Distract your dog with treats or pets during this time. Once bleeding slows, bandage the paw lightly to protect it while healing if needed.
Treating a Damaged Quick
If you accidentally cut your dog’s quick while trimming their nails, the most important thing is to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. According to Wahl USA, “The easiest and most effective way to stop dog nail bleeding is with styptic powder or a styptic pencil, which can be purchased at most major pet stores.”
Styptic powder contains ingredients like ferric subsulfate that contract the blood vessels and promote clotting when applied to the nail. Simply dip the nail in the powder or apply it directly to the cut area with a cotton swab or tissue. Hold pressure on the nail for 30-60 seconds until the bleeding stops. Other popular styptic powder brands include ClotIt and Kwik Stop.
Once the bleeding is under control, you can bandage the nail to keep it clean while it continues healing. Wrap some gauze or a small piece of clean cloth around the nail and secure it with medical tape or a specialized claw bandage. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly. The bandage can be removed after 24 hours.
To relieve pain and discomfort, you can give your dog a dog-safe pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Just be sure to consult your vet on the proper dosage for your dog’s size and weight. Some home remedies like applying coconut oil to the nail may also help soothe irritation.
Preventing Future Injuries
There are several ways to help prevent hitting the quick when trimming your dog’s nails in the future:
Slow introductions to trimming – For dogs new to having their nails trimmed, start with short, positive sessions, giving treats and praise. Take it slow to get them comfortable with the process. This will make them less likely to struggle or jerk their paws during trimming.
Regular trims – Trimming your dog’s nails frequently, such as every 2-3 weeks, keeps the quick short and helps prevent overgrowth. Long quicks are harder to avoid. With regular trims, you can trim just the tips without getting close to the quick.
Grinding – Using a nail grinder can help wear the nails down gradually instead of cutting them. Rotate the grinder slowly across the nail to smooth and shorten it little by little. Going slowly avoids overheating and discomfort. This gently pushes the quick back over time without risk of hitting it.
When to Seek Help
While many minor broken and torn nails can be treated at home, others require professional veterinary care. Signs that indicate your dog needs to be seen by a vet include:
- Persistent bleeding that cannot be stopped with pressure or styptic powder
- Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, foul odor, and fever
- Exposed nail bed that you are unable to keep protected with a bandage
- Extensive damage where the entire nail has been torn off
- Inability to trim the remaining nail without hitting the quick again
- Your dog is in extreme pain, lethargic, or not eating
A veterinarian can properly assess the severity of the injury, provide pain management, treat any infection, and help avoid future issues from improper nail trimming. Seeking timely professional help is crucial for preventing complications or permanent damage. While accidents happen, certain situations warrant the care of a vet to get your dog back on their paws as soon as possible.
Common Myths
There are some common myths and misconceptions when it comes to trimming dog nails around the quick.
One myth is that if you cut into the quick, it will never grow back. This is not true. The quick is made of living tissue and will grow back over time, just like our fingernails grow back after a trim. Owners simply need to allow time for the quick to recede before attempting to trim that nail again.
Another common myth involves black nails. Some think black nails should not be trimmed as short as light nails because the quick is harder to see. However, the color of the nail does not determine length of the quick. Black nails can be trimmed to the same optimal length as light nails. Owners should use other signs like examining nail thickness and touching the ground to determine where to cut black nails.
There is also a myth about dogs with double-quicks, where the quick splits and appears like two. In most cases, this is actually just pigmentation in the nail and not an additional quick. Owners should still cut conservatively until the true quick is determined.
The key is proper technique, caution, and understanding how the quick recedes over time. With patience and care, any dog’s nails can be trimmed safely and effectively no matter the color or initial length.
Owner Stress
Trimming your dog’s nails can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re worried about hitting the quick and hurting your dog. This anxiety is very common among dog owners. The key is to stay calm and make the process as relaxing as possible for both you and your dog.
Try to approach nail trimming with a positive attitude. If your dog senses your stress, it will only make them more anxious too. Take some deep breaths before you start and try to project a calm, confident energy. Go slowly and carefully. If your dog seems scared, stop and take a break. Offer praise, pets, and treats to keep things positive.
It can help to watch tutorials or ask your vet for pointers on the proper technique. Knowing what you’re doing will help you feel more assured. Remember that even experienced groomers occasionally hit the quick, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it happens. Just stay composed and follow the proper steps to care for your dog.
With time and practice, you and your dog will get more comfortable with the process. But don’t be afraid to seek professional help if your stress is too much. Some groomers or vets offer nail trimming services that may be worth utilizing if it’s causing you extreme anxiety.
Professional Trimming
Many pet owners choose to have their dog’s nails professionally trimmed by a veterinarian or professional groomer. This can provide several benefits over trimming nails at home:
Veterinarians are trained professionals who can properly identify the quick and avoid hitting it during the trim. Vets will use sedation if necessary for anxious or difficult dogs. According to Petco, vet trims typically cost $10-$15.
Professional dog groomers also have experience safely trimming dog nails. They often offer the service for a lower cost than a vet, ranging from $5-$10. Groomers may provide additional nail care services like filing and clipping.
The main advantage of professional trimming is avoiding injuries that can happen when owners trim at home. Even experienced owners can hit the quick, which is painful and causes bleeding. Vets and groomers rarely quick dogs during trims.
Professional trimming also reduces stress for both the owner and dog. Some dogs hate having their paws handled, making home trimming a struggle. The pros have tricks to keep dogs calm.
For owners who find trimming challenging, professional services ensure their dog’s nails stay a proper length. Overgrown nails can cause pain and mobility issues. Regular professional trims every 4-6 weeks can prevent problems.