When trimming nails on a dog with dark nails, which practice helps prevent the quick from being cut?

• A. Trim in small increments and use a bright light to visualize the quick.
• B. Trim in one long cut to the quick.
• C. Only use a grinding tool and never trim with clippers.
• D. Cut from the base toward the tip.

Answer: (B)

With dark nails, you can’t rely on color cues to see the quick, so the safest approach is to trim in small increments and use bright light to visualize the edge of the quick as you go. Taking tiny bites of nail at a time gives you control and lets you stop before you reach the quick, reducing the chance of causing pain or bleeding. Work slowly, keep the nail straight, and pause after each small trim to check how close you are to the quick. If you accidentally nick the quick, have styptic powder ready to stop any bleeding. Rushing with one long cut toward the quick increases the risk of overshooting, and using only a grinding tool or cutting from the base toward the tip without careful visualization isn’t as reliable for avoiding the quick. The incremental approach with good illumination is the most effective way to protect the quick on dark nails.