How often should I trim my pet's nails?

Most pets benefit from a nail trim every 4 to 6 weeks. A good rule of thumb for dogs is that if you can hear their nails "click" on hard floors, they are likely due for a trim. For indoor cats, a quick check every few weeks is ideal to ensure their claws aren't becoming overly sharp or long.

What is the 'quick' and why should I avoid it?

The quick is the central part of the nail that contains live blood vessels and nerves. If cut, it will bleed and cause your pet a sharp sting of pain. On white nails, the quick looks like a pink shadow inside the nail; on dark nails, it is harder to see, so it is best to trim off very small slivers at a time until you see a small greyish-white circle appear in the centre of the cut surface.

Can I use human nail clippers on my pet?

It is best to use purpose-built pet clippers. Human nails are flat, while pet nails are curved and cylindrical. Human clippers can crush the nail or cause it to shatter, which is painful for the pet. Pet-specific clippers are designed to apply even pressure around the nail for a clean, swift snip.

My cat uses a scratching post; do I still need to clip their nails?

Scratching posts are excellent for helping cats shed the outer husks of their claws, but they don't always keep the length in check, especially as cats age. Senior cats or those with arthritis often stop scratching effectively, leading to overgrown nails that can curl back into the paw pad. Regular inspections are still necessary even for the most active scratchers.

What should I do if my pet is too stressed to have their nails done?

If your pet becomes highly distressed, aggressive, or starts panting heavily, stop immediately. Forcing the issue can create a lifelong phobia. Try the "one nail a day" approach combined with high-value treats like peanut butter. If they remain fearful, consult your vet about calming supplements or professional grooming options.

Last Updated: 22/01/2026

How to Trim your Pet's Nails

Trimming your pet's nails doesn't have to be a struggle. Discover expert tips on choosing the right clippers, keeping your pet calm with rewards, and safe techniques for dogs, cats, and small animals to keep those paws healthy and snag-free.

Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read

Keeping your pet’s paws in top shape is a vital part of their grooming routine, but the mere sight of clippers can send some furry friends (and their humans!) running for cover. Long nails can become uncomfortable, snag on carpets, or even grow into sensitive paw pads. Mastering the art of the at-home pedicure is all about patience, the right tools, and a few clever distractions. This guide will walk through how to safely navigate the "quick," choose the best equipment for your pet's size, and turn nail trimming into a positive bonding experience rather than a chore.

Choosing the right nail clippers for your pet

The first step to streamlining the nail trimming process is to choose the right pair of clippers that suits you and your pet.

For small dogs and cats I would recommend using a small pair of clippers that are suitable for little paws. For medium and large dogs, use a more hefty pair of clippers that are strong enough to cleanly cut through thicker nails.

Some owners may prefer to use a guillotine style nail clipper. Guillotine style clippers require the dog's nail to be placed in the opening so they are easier to use on calm dogs and are better suited for small to medium-sized dogs.

A nail grinder or dremel tool is another alternative. They use a spinning abrasive pad to wear down the nail and smooth out rough edges. They are a great option for dark nails or thick nails that are difficult to cut.

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How to keep your pet calm during nail trims

Often dogs and cats dislike being restrained to have their nails trimmed, especially if they have had a bad experience with nail trimming in the past. It is a good idea to get them used to being held and having their feet handled from a young age. The best time to try is when your pet is relaxed, perhaps when they are on your lap or having a cuddle. Make sure that they get plenty of rewards and encouragement when they let you do this!

Treats make a great reward for improving the nail trimming experience. You can also use them to keep your pet distracted while you are clipping. Why not try a lickable treat like peanut butter for dogs or a paste treat for cats on a lick mat to keep your pet distracted?

Step-by-step guide to trimming pet nails

Being well prepared in advance will save both you and your pet a great deal of stress!

When it comes time to clip the nails it is really useful to have a second person to help you.

Ask your helper to gently hold the pet around the shoulders and under the belly in the sitting or standing position.
Gently pick up the foot and carefully cut the nail.
Be sure to trim only the very tip of the nail to avoid hitting the nail bed or 'quick'. Cutting the nail bed can be very painful and result in bleeding so I recommend that you take a little off at a time to avoid this. If your pet has white nails you are in luck! You should be able to see the pink of the nail bed making it easier to avoid.
With pets that really dislike having their nails clipped, try doing it gradually, for example a foot or even a nail at a time.
Reward your pet for their good behaviour and with time and patience you should be able to build up to doing more nails per session.

For dog and cat specific tips, read through our species-specific articles:

What to do if a nail starts bleeding

Don't worry if you accidentally cut the nail too short, even veterinarians, nurses and groomers do this from time to time.

Often the nail can seem to bleed a lot! Try not to panic!

Just like with any other small cut, your pet's blood will clot at the wound site and bleeding will stop with time.

It can help to apply a tissue and some pressure. And some potassium permanganate or even cornstarch are great tools to have on hand to quickly stop bleeding.

If your pet will tolerate it, applying a small bandage for an hour or so can help to save your carpet!

Special considerations for cats and outdoor pets

Although sometimes it is necessary to trim the nails of our feline friends, we recommend that you do not trim the nails of cats that venture outdoors.

The reason for this is that outdoor cats rely on their nails to climb up trees and fences when escaping from hazards (like unfriendly dogs!).

Cats will generally use scratching posts or trees to keep their nails in check, so if you notice that your cat's nails are excessively long it could be a sign of arthritis or other problems that are preventing them from being able to do this themselves.

Caring for small animal nails

Small pets including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and even some reptiles like bearded dragons often also need regular nail clips. Some of these pets won't require them if their nails are naturally worn down in their living environment - for example those with outdoor and hard floor access as well as those with logs and rocks for climbing. However, many, especially those housed indoors on softer flooring will benefit from nail trims every 4-8 weeks.

Proper but gentle handling is required for these pets to ensure neither the animal nor handler is injured. Small puppy/kitten nail clippers are usually appropriate but nail files and gentle nail dremel tools can work well too. It is wise to get a tutorial from your local exotics vet or vet nurse first so they can demonstrate a safe technique.

FAQs

Trimming your pet's nails can seem like an ordeal for everyone involved, but if you take the time to help your pet get used to having it done it can become a great opportunity to build a stronger relationship with your pet.

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History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Thu 22 Jan 2026

Written by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

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About the Author

Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)

Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)

Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.