overgrown how to cut dog nails

If you’ve noticed your dog’s nails are so long they curl under or make a loud “click-click” on your kitchen floor, you’re not alone. New pet parents often put off nail trims because they’re nervous about doing it wrong, but letting nails get overgrown can hurt your pup—those extra-long claws can dig into their paw pads or even throw off their posture. Let’s walk through how to safely fix this, step by step, without turning it into a stressful battle.

First, why does this happen? Dogs in the wild wear down their nails by running on rough surfaces, but our couch-loving, pavement-walking pups don’t get that natural filing. When nails grow too long, the quick—the pink, nerve-filled part inside—stretches to match, making it harder to trim them back without causing pain. Think of it like letting your own nails grow for months; the cuticle moves forward, and trimming suddenly feels riskier. Breeds with dark nails, like Labs or Rottweilers, are trickier because you can’t see the quick as easily, but don’t worry—there’s a way to handle that too.

Start by getting your dog comfortable with paw handling. Sit on the floor with them, offer treats, and gently touch their paws for 10 seconds at a time. Do this for a few days before even bringing out the clippers. When you’re ready, use sharp, dog-specific clippers (human ones can split nails) and take tiny snips—no more than 1/16 of an inch per cut. For light-colored nails, look for the pale “quick” line; stop just before it. For dark nails, watch for a grayish spot in the center—that’s your cue to pause. If you nick the quick and it bleeds, stay calm (your dog will pick up on your stress) and use a styptic powder like Kwik-Stop to stop it. My friend Maria did this with her Shih Tzu, who has black nails—taking it slow and rewarding with chicken bits turned a scary task into a bonding moment.

Now, let’s talk about staying responsible, because in the U.S., taking care of your dog’s health isn’t just kind—it’s part of following the rules. Many states, like Florida and Washington, have animal welfare laws that require pets to be free from “unnecessary suffering,” which includes overgrown nails that cause pain. When you’re out walking (which helps wear down nails naturally), always carry poop bags—fines for not cleaning up can hit $300 in cities like Denver. Also, keep those rabies vaccines current; it’s the law everywhere, and most dog parks check for proof before letting your pup play.

Remember, never scold or hold your dog down during nail trims. Positive reinforcement works way better. If they pull away, stop, take a break, and try again later with more treats. My trainer buddy in Portland uses this with rescue dogs—patience and kindness build trust, which makes future trims easier. In apartments, trim nails more often if you have hardwood floors; those surfaces don’t wear down claws like grass or concrete. And be mindful of noise—clipping early in the day is better than 10 p.m. when neighbors might be sleeping.

With time, you’ll both get the hang of it. Those overgrown nails will be a thing of the past, and your dog will thank you with every comfortable step.