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How long to shorten long dog nails with a Dremel & will quick recede?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Greyhound | Female | unspayed

Hi! Jut a quick question. I’ve left my greyhounds nails for far too long a dthey are very long nails. I will be buying a Dremel to file them instead of clipping them. Over what period of time will I be able to have there nails nice and comfortable for them? When I do see their wick(?) I would obviously stop filing but will their wick recede back overtime for me to file more to get there nails back to short and comfortable for them?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 30th, 2018

You will need to use the Dremel every 2-3 weeks until you get the nails back to the length you want them. When the dog is standing still, the nails should not touch the ground if that gives you an idea of appropriate length.

The quick will recede over time. When you are using the Dremel look at the nail and when you start to see a black dot in the nail, that is the quick and you should stop until the next time you trim.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
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