Cut the quick

M

M.F.

For the first time ever, I cut Snowie’s quick. He has odd nails on this front paws—the inside toe on each front paw. His front feet turn out and the vet said that over the years from the resulting walking action the inside toes have got deformed slightly with the nail also getting slightly deformed. Those particular nails are difficult to trim nicely. So yesterday I got out the nail clipper to cut back that nail. Snowie very nicely lets me lift his paw—while standing. I positioned the clipper and pressed down. These are super duper sharp strong clippers. As I sliced through, Snowie gasps. No cry. Just a gasp. Never heard this sound. Quickly check the nail. Blood starting to come out. Oh no!!! I feel awful. Meanwhile Snowie is wagging his tail from all the fuss. Quickly get out talcum powder to press into the nail tip. I reckon it’s as good as corn starch and it’s all I have. My husband is anyway all ready to take Snowie for his walk. So Snowie is very happy. I just hope he’s not going to be afraid to have his nails clipped again. I know I’m afraid!!! I didn’t dare trim the matching nail on the other paw.

Meanwhile this nail is now beautifully trimmed and short!
 
Shaz82

Shaz82

Location
Essex, U.K.
I have only just plucked up the courage to trim Maisy's nails as I was afraid of doing exactly this. I have a first aid kit with something that stops bleeding if you cut too far in and always have it ready just in case. It must make you feel terrible but Snowy didn't seem overly bothered, he may be ok next time, but you will probably be really nervous. Didn't know about corn starch, that's handy to know.
 
M

M.F.

Oberon said:
He will be ok. Give him lots of tasty food next time.

I've done the same and got the same gasp. Only time I have heard it. I felt so terribly bad too. But all was ok the next time (with treats).
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Interesting the gasp. I’ve never heard it from a dog. Snowie will cry at the slightest discomfort, he’s very vocal. He even cried when he hurt me! I was post-op lying on the sofa and he tried to climb on me. Ooh sore. I gasped cried, and he cried, too! I think in shock from my sound. But his gasp yesterday—that is a first!
 
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M

M.F.

snowbunny said:
I don't understand how people intentionally cause their pets pain in the name of "training".
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I also don’t. But people do. And to their kids.

After having had some tests with big needles on myself and feeling that pain, I have renewed compassion for Snowie when he has to go to the vet. The needles must be sore; no wonder he doesn’t want to go with the vet to the clinic area. We assume that because dogs chew each other’s faces with their big teeth in play, that they’re immune to the pain we feel.
 
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