Grooming Dog Long Nails

Long Nails

Book Now

  Back to Grooming Overview


It is possible that a nail can bleed when clipped. This is because it has a vein inside called the "quick," which has likely grown too far toward the edge of the nail. The nail clipper can hit the quick, causing it to bleed. Even the most experienced groomers can hit the quick from time to time - it has nothing to do with their skill level, as the quick can be extended even if the nails are short. It can also be difficult to detect the quick when the nails are dark.

Sometimes the nails can seem OK in the grooming room, but there may be only a thin layer of the nail covering the quick. When the dog walks on the sidewalk, it can cause this layer to wear off, causing bleeding.

It would never be the case that we would know your dog's nail is bleeding and do nothing about it.

How to minimize the chance of bleeding

Keep them clipped regularly. When a dog's nails are regularly trimmed, the quick recedes and doesn't extend to the edge of the nail. If the nails are already short and the quick is not an issue, we recommended doing it at least once every six weeks. If the quick was extended to the edge, you may need to have them clipped once every week or two until it recedes.

Get your dog used to a grinding tool. We try to use a grinding tool, such as Dremel, if a dog can comfortably handle it. The tool grinds down the nail instead of clipping it. Some dogs are not as comfortable with this option because the tool makes noise and may feel strange. You should try to desensitize them at home until they are used to it. Some dogs never get used to it, but many of them are fine once they determine it will not hurt them.

If your dog's nail is bleeding

There are various ways to treat a bleeding nail, including corn starch or styptic powder. Search on "bleeding dog nail" to find the solution that works best for you.