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Nail care
How to cut dog nails without hitting the quick.
The fear behind this search is always the same: hitting the quick. Here is how to find it on light and dark nails, the right tool, and what to do if you cut too short anyway.
Tools
Pick one, don't overbuy.
Guillotine clippers.
The easiest type for most dogs and most first-timers. The nail goes through a hole and a single blade closes on it, which is fast and predictable.
Scissor clippers.
Better grip and control for larger or thicker nails, though they take a little more hand strength and practice to use smoothly.
Grinder.
Files the nail down gradually instead of cutting it in one motion, which some dogs tolerate better since it cannot sever the quick in a single mistake. The noise and vibration bother other dogs more than clippers do. Pick one tool and stick with it rather than switching around.
The part everyone worries about
Finding the quick.
Light or white nails.
The quick shows through as a pink or gray oval well before you reach it. Cut just short of where the color starts.
Dark or black nails.
You cannot see the quick, so cut in small increments instead of one long trim. Watch the cut face of the nail: when a gray-to-pink dot appears in the center, stop there. That dot is the quick coming into view.
Step by step
Setting up for a calm trim.
- 1Pick a calm moment.
After a walk or when the dog is a little tired works better than a wound-up dog fresh in the door.
- 2Drape an arm over for control.
A light arm over the shoulders or body, not a restraint hold, keeps the paw steady without turning the session into a wrestling match.
- 3Treats during, not just after.
Feeding through the trim, not only as a reward once it is over, builds tolerance faster than any other single change.
- 4Small cuts on dark nails.
Take a thin slice, look at the cut face, take another thin slice. Rushing a dark nail is the most common way owners hit the quick.
If it happens anyway
If you cut the quick.
Press styptic powder, or plain cornstarch if that is what you have, into the tip of the nail for a few seconds. Stay calm while you do it, dogs read panic faster than they read pain. It looks worse than it is, and bleeding that seems dramatic in the moment is rarely serious.
Not sure clippers are the right tool for your dog? See clippers vs. grinder for the honest tradeoffs.
How often to trim: about once a week for most dogs. Clicking on hard floors is the sign most owners fall behind, which is honest context for why the add-on exists.
Or skip the fight
The nail trim is included in every wash.
Done by someone who trims nails every day, at your door, included with every wash at no extra charge. Clip or grind, your call.
Get the quick-finding guide by email.
The light-nail and dark-nail method, plus the styptic-powder fix, saved for the next trim instead of relying on memory.
One email with the guide, plus seasonal dog care reminders that are actually useful. Reply unsubscribe any time and we stop.
Frequently asked
Nail trim questions.
Cut in small increments rather than one long trim, and watch the cut surface after each pass. When a gray-to-pink oval appears in the center, stop. That is the quick coming into view.
Press styptic powder or plain cornstarch into the tip of the nail for a few seconds. It looks alarming but is rarely serious, and most dogs settle down faster than the owner does.
About once a week for most dogs. If you hear clicking on hard floors when they walk, the nails are already overdue.
Usually a past bad experience, like a quick cut, or general restraint stress, rather than the clipper itself. Treats during the trim, not just after, plus short sessions, help rebuild tolerance over time.
For some dogs, yes, since it removes small amounts gradually and cannot sever the quick in one motion the way a clipper can. The noise and vibration scare other dogs more than clippers do, so the right tool depends on the dog.
Yes, it is included in every wash at no extra charge, done by someone who trims nails every day, at your door.
Not looking forward to the fight?
The nail trim comes with every wash, done at your door by someone who does this every day.
or text us at (408) 599-8317
Owner-operated · Local service
Hi, I’m Ace.
I run Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash myself — I’m the one who shows up at your door. Every visit is one dog at a time in the van at your curb: warm water, a full brush-out and a proper dry, with no salon drive and no cage waiting. Big dogs, heavy shedders and nervous seniors are the reason this service exists.
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★★★★★
SUCH a great - and easy! - experience! Asa was immediately responsive (I love when businesses actually answer their phone!), worked Moose in within 24 hours, was communicative throughout, bought unscented products specifically for us, did a great job with my 12 year old doodle … all in all: amazing service!
★★★★★
Ace at Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash was absolutely wonderful with my senior dog. He was so gentle and patient with him, which meant everything to me given his age — I could tell he genuinely cared about his comfort throughout the whole process. Beyond the excellent care, Ace was warm, loving, and clearly an animal lover at heart, while also being completely professional from start to finish. It's rare to find someone who balances that kind of tenderness with real expertise, and my dog came out looking and smelling great without a hint of stress. Highly recommend Ace and Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash.
★★★★☆
Ace was great with my 3 small dogs. They got washed and towel dried, their ears checked, their nails trimmed. One star off because he trimmed one nail too far and it bled for a long time, plus distressed my already anxious dog. Important to know that this service isn't van-based (yet). Ace brings a portable wash station to set up outside. He brings his own water and supplies. He doesn't do any hair cuts, just basic wash and towel dry. I'll call him again in the future!
★★★★★
Ace did a great job with our little old chihuahua mix. Our appointment was for the evening and he came prepared with warm water, and made our sure our dog was comfortable the entire time. Don't let the lack of reviews on yelp scare you away, his prices are good, and he takes time to ensure that good work is done.
★★★★★
He did such an amazing job with my dog! He came out looking so nice, clean, and well-groomed, but what stood out to me most was how happy and comfortable he seemed afterward. You can really tell he was treated with care throughout the entire process. I'm extremely pleased with how everything turned out and would definitely recommend him!
★★★★★
Ace at Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash was absolutely wonderful with my senior dog. He was so gentle and patient with him, which meant everything to me given his age -- I could tell he genuinely cared about his comfort throughout the whole process. Beyond the excellent care, Ace was warm, loving, and clearly an animal lover at heart, while also being completely professional from start to finish. It's rare to find someone who balances that kind of tenderness with real expertise, and my dog came out looking and smelling great without a hint of stress. Highly recommend Ace and Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash. Price is great!
★★★★★
We booked Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash for our 90-lb German Shepherd, Koda, who hates the groomer. Ace parked the van right in our driveway in Willow Glen, walked her up the ramp himself — no lifting, no cage, no other dogs — and I watched the whole wash from my doorstep. Bath, nails, ears, and she came back inside dry and calm. Flat $95 exactly as the website said, no surprise charges. We've already booked next month. 😊❤️
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