Dogs' nails are often broken, mostly being a result of not keeping the nails short enough.
They need to be clipped on a regular basis if they are not naturally being worn down.
Broken nails can be very painful.
Your groomer or vet can clip the nails for you or you can learn how to clip your dog's nails yourself.
The easiest way is to get your puppy accustomed to having their feet handled often so they will sit still for this essential part of grooming.
The nails should be trimmed regularly.
Use nail clippers that are specially made for dogs.
Hold the dogs paw firmly, cutting off the top of the nail with a single stroke.
Being careful not to "quick" the dog.
(The quick is the blood vessel in the nail).
It may make you feel more comfortable to take off just a little bit at the tip and work your way back.
You don't want to cut off too much and make your dog bleed.
If you do make them bleed, do not panic.
You can stop the bleeding with any styptic powder which can be purchased at most larger pet stores.
Take just a little bit after cleaning off the blood and apply.
To tell where to cut your dogs nails if they are dark in color, turn the paw over and look to see where the nail is thicker near the end.
The thinner part of the nail is the new growth that you can cut.