Clipping a black dog's nails

[SnakeyMcBadass]

I have clippers. I cut the spaniel's nails when necessary. Yet I am hesitating with the pup. His nails need trimming, but they are jet black so I can't see the quick. Is there some magical way of knowing how much to trim? I don't want to hurt the poor bugger. He's already put up with me randomly plucking his ears while he's distracted and somewhat suspicious of my intentions.

[bergedorf]

We have the same problem. The only solution I've found is to do tiny bits so you don't risk going to the quick. Little and often is the key :)

[LEMisdisappointed]

Definitely little and often. You might want to invest in a silver nitrate pencil just in case you accidentally nip the quick as this stops bleeding really quickly. Do be aware that it stains your skin though so avoid that.

[LabradorMama]

I have two black labs and I roll them onto their backs to do theirs - that way you can clearly see what is 'just nail'

[moosemama]

Just take tiny slivers off at a time and as LabradorMama said, look from underneath to help you judge where the quick is. The more frequently you trim, the more the quick shrinks back, so it's a good idea to do it fairly regularly as, contrary to what you'd expect, it actually reduces the likelihood of nipping the quick.