Nail Trimming
The diagram to the left shows the location of the quick and where the cut should be made.
If you are concerned about trimming them correctly, get a professional (vet or groomers) to show you how the first time.
What if my pet's nails are black, I can't see the quick?
It is usually possible to "guess" where it is safe to cut based on the shape of the nail.
If your Chihuahua has any lighter colored nails, those can be used as a guide to judge how to cut the other darker nails. Otherwise, get a professional to demonstrate a nail trim, and then regularly do them at home. It is best to do nail trims frequently.
Tips
No matter how careful you are, you will likely accidentally hit a nail quick and cause some bleeding at some point.
Kwik-Stop (a powder) or any styptic powder. These sting but are highly effective. Take a pinch of powder and press onto the tip of the affected nail after wiping away the blood.
Cornflour or flour can also be used in a similar manner
For minor problems, simply applying pressure to the tip of the nail may be effective.
If you are concerned about trimming them correctly, get a professional (vet or groomers) to show you how the first time.
What if my pet's nails are black, I can't see the quick?
It is usually possible to "guess" where it is safe to cut based on the shape of the nail.
If your Chihuahua has any lighter colored nails, those can be used as a guide to judge how to cut the other darker nails. Otherwise, get a professional to demonstrate a nail trim, and then regularly do them at home. It is best to do nail trims frequently.
Tips
- For Chihuahuas, human nail clippers can be used. Otherwise nail scissors made for small birds (that look like stubby scissors with a notch in the blade) I find work perfectly.
- Have something handy to stop bleeding (Kwik-Stop or styptic powder)
- The more often you do nail trims the better. It is easier to do frequent trims where just the tip of the nail is trimmed off, than try to cut overgrown nails. The quick gets longer as the nail gets longer, but they will recede with regular trims.
No matter how careful you are, you will likely accidentally hit a nail quick and cause some bleeding at some point.
Kwik-Stop (a powder) or any styptic powder. These sting but are highly effective. Take a pinch of powder and press onto the tip of the affected nail after wiping away the blood.
Cornflour or flour can also be used in a similar manner
For minor problems, simply applying pressure to the tip of the nail may be effective.