Nail Clipping - If Left Too Long Does The Quick Grow?

[Alkhe]

I know there are lots of topics about nail clipping, but I can't find the answer to this question, so forgive me for starting a new one

I've heard or read that if nails are left to grow too long, or are not trimmed/filed/etc regularly, the quick can actually "grow", or move further to the tip of the nail. Does anybody have any idea if this is actually true?

I'm going to trim my sister's dog's nails tonight - they're far too long and I was watching her before, I think they're actually making her walk in a flat footed kind of way. I tried once before but ended up getting the quick and dealing with the ensuing blood bath etc, and she (dog) was completely freaking out so we just left it so as not to traumatise her further. The thing is, I didn't actually trim off that much at ALL. Even having trimmed that nail too far, it was still really long. If I'd trimmed that much off my own dog's nails I wouldn't have hit the quick. I know each dog is different, but that experience made me think that maybe Gretel's quick actually has gone further down the nail. I don't about nail physiology and whether that is even possible - can someone enlighten me?

I just want to know exactly how careful I should be, for want of a better term. If I just trim tiny bits off it's going to take ages and she's a squirmer, and gets extremely distressed very quickly when I try and do it. I just want to minimise the angst for everyone. She's a little black dog, so all the her bloody nails are black.

[Jumabaar]

My choice would be to file them down.

Some dogs quicks do sit very close to the surface so its easier to file it regularly than clip it. Its less risky with a paw waving around and most dogs tolerate it much better.

[GeckoTree]

[Alkhe]

Thanks so much for that pic GeckoTree, that's brilliant!

I think filing is probably the way to go with this little one now, thanks Jumabaar.

[Vehs]

Yup, the quick will grow down the nail if you leave the nails long

The best time, I find, to get the biggest chunks off my boy's nails is after he's been swimming and running on sand - not only is he tired (although he gets his nails done weekly so he's well behaved) but the quick has receded so I can get more off

If you can get a pen light/tiny torch you can shine it under her nail and see where the quick is and cut just before it (that is if she lets you handle her foot easily)

[oakway]

Ever thought of using an electric griner.

They are most efective and I feel do a far better job than cutting.

[ellz]

Ever thought of using an electric griner.

They are most efective and I feel do a far better job than cutting.

This!

And grinding (whilst still the same thing) is faster than filing as well.

[mumof4girls]

My breeder did rogues today with a dremel and a sanding attachment, worked beautifully :-)

[Jumabaar]

I dremel my dogs nails (when I can find it and its charged lol) but have used a regular nail file for particularly flighty dogs to get them used to the feel of it.

[Zug Zug]

I also use a dremel - has saved my dogs and I much stress

The only thing is make very sure you keep any of the dog's hair well clear of the dremel shaft. I have had it catch and wind the hair around the shaft, which is obviously really awful and painful for the dog if it happens.

I still use the dremel but tie the hair on their ears out of the way and use vet wrap to keep the fur on their legs out of the way if it's a bit on the long side. Also the tail when you're doing the back feet.

But even with the dremel being something you need to take care with, I still think this is the easiest and most effective method.

It was never my favourite job to do - but I feel much more confident with it now.

[Vehs]

zug zug - you can always force their nails thru an old stocking to keep the hair back