Today started out great then went downhill rapidly. Had a good walk this morning in all the green then this evening took Morse and little people out for evening stroll. We were joined by the girl over the road with her ex racing greyhound who has really gained confidence and enjoyment out of life since he arrived as a shy depressed looking dog in July. Of course Morse pulled like a train as he had an audience so it was stop start all the way. I dont let him off lead last thing at night and had said so - she lets hers off to roar around the paths in circles, passing the kids every so often and in the end little 6 year old got knocked over. She thought it was funny I didnt & neither did Minibeast but she was very brave. Home quickly and notice Morse has long nails so out come the trimmers and all went well till the last nail and now Ive nicked the quick. Call to emergency vet, who was so nice I couldve cried and checked Ive done the right first aid things - pad, bandage, sock. Poor Morse I feel thoroughly ashamed of myself hes always been a good lad about handling. How do I regain his trust for examination of his paws?

Must be a full moon or somehing in the air as were all having incidents from the posts.

Does he know how to give you his paw??

I would teach him that, then ask him a few times a day and when he gives it to you, giggle in a high voice or start rambling about nonsense (preferably alone as you might feel stupid!) and tell him how good he is, so he regains confidence in you touching his paws and not associating it with anything bad.

Whenever I can I will play with the dogs feet from a young age and even hold the nail clippers around their feet, tell him his a good boy and praise him.

Everyone has proberly cut a quick on one of their dogs nails and they proberbly will again, I am sure even professional groomers get it wrong sometimes!!!

Rox

Hi just a small tip a touch of cornflour on the nail concerned will help stop the  bleeding. Gillian

I prefer the dremel on the dogs nails - it's far easier and quicker and gets them shorter.  If you do clip then corn starch is very effective for stopping bleeding quickly on nicked quicks.
I seem to be a dab hand at nicking guinea pigs nails with clippers :(  I think it's because some of them are so soft and dark and difficult to see :(

Thanx for your replies he does know to give a paw when I say "Paw Please" to check them daily so I will get everyone to practice with treats. His paw seems tender today but he's still speaking to me which is good. Funny thevet told me to use flour last night as well. Im looking for a dremel or using a nail file on his dews until my confidence comes back - Lara fancy a trip to Edinburgh? :)

I use superglue on quicked nails.  I put it on the tip of a cotton bud and then on the nail (don't apply it right to the nail from the tube as you'll end up gluing toes together).  This is the easiest way to stop the bleeding and prevent it from re-opening.

Wendy

We did this last year to Beau, getting him ready for a champ show !!!   I used a styptic pencil, and it did stop the bleeding - I was worried that he would develop a limp, but bless, he was a good little soldier and was absolutely fine (one of his back paws).

He pulled back for a couple of weeks after that when we were checking his nails, but lots of fuss, praise and treats soon got him back to giving each paw ing turn :)

It's a lot more difficult when the claws are black - when they are white, you can see exactly where you have to stop.

Mind you, I would far rather cut a dog or cat's nails than trim a goat's hoof!!!

Margot