Ouch! You’ve done it! You quicked your puppy’s nail. He’s screaming. You’re apologizing. And there’s blood everywhere. Now what? Stay calm and confident. Reach for your container of Quick Stop or another brand of powder that is sold to stop bleeding nails and dip the nail in the powder. If you don’t have this product on hand, you can also use a styptic pencil (used by humans to stop shaving nicks).  If all else fails, apply pressure with a cold washcloth until the nail clots (up to five minutes).

After treating the quicked toenail,  you’ll need to keep your Labrador quiet so he doesn’t disturb the newly clotted nail. Putting him in his crate with a good chew or bone usually does the trick. When you continue trimming his nails, arm yourself with treats and be prepared to go back to nail tapping and then gripping for a little while. He may be a bit jumpy, and understandably so.

Other Foot Care Tips

In addition to keeping your Labrador Retriever’s nails trimmed, it is important to keep an eye on his paw pads and the skin, hair, and webbing between his toes. A few Labs may have enough hair between the pads of their paws to warrant a little trimming. The trimming isn’t just for aesthetics: A “clean” paw stays drier between the toes, and is less likely to slip on slick floors.

Labradors of all ages like to spend time in the yard playing, regardless of how wet or muddy the conditions. “ The wetter the better” seems to be some pups’ motto! (Of course, there are always those Labs who defy reason and can’t stand getting their paws wet…) But for those Labs who do enjoy the wet, lay a towel down at the entrance to the back door and teach your pup or adult to stand on the towel while you wipe his feet. Be careful to wipe the spaces between his toes as dry as possible; this is an area that can become red, irritated, and sore if it remains wet for an extended time.

Winter snow and ice can also harm a puppy or adult dog’s paws. After walks or other outdoor activities, be sure to clean the area between your Lab’s toes and clear out any clumped snow, road salt or sand that might have accumulated there.