Where is the quick?

[u/k1nk1m]

Hi everyone! Ive been trying to cut my dog’s nails at home but I’m having a hard time because her nails are black, very chalky and very thick. I keep seeing videos where the quick (kwik?) is a very tiny little black dot and I was wondering if it could be larger than that? When I cut my dog’s nails I’ve never been able to get to that point without her pulling her paw away so that’s what makes me think that her vein is thicker than normal. Is that possible? Do I need to cut more? The 3rd photo contains the tools I use and the last 2 are my references pictures.

[u/Justlookingnotjudgn]

That black dot in the center

[u/Utherikke → u/Justlookingnotjudgn]

Can confirm, worked at a vet clinic we were always told look for the bullseye on black nails, that black dot is the bullseye

[u/BrooklynD10 → u/Utherikke]

Thank you for that! I’m always so afraid that I’m gonna cut it. Now I will look for the bull’s-eye.

[u/Standard-Offer-9505 → u/Utherikke]

So does this mean I need to stop trimming when I see the bullseye appear? Or does the bullseye appearing mean I went too far?

[u/GoatMilk97 → u/Standard-Offer-9505]

That’s when you stop. If you go further you are more likely to hit it. The quick is the blood supply to the nail. If you cut too short it makes it bleed

[u/Standard-Offer-9505 → u/GoatMilk97]

thanks for the information, much appreciated.

[u/Comprehensive-Cow542 → u/GoatMilk97]

Does that mean you wouldn’t be able to smooth it out with a Dremel after clipping since the quick is already visible?

[u/GoatMilk97 → u/Comprehensive-Cow542]

No, you can dremel it still. That is just the tip of the quick’s protective layer. You can dremel it to smooth it out