Trimming nails

[fullhouse9873]

I'm going to attempt to trim my dogs nails for the first time. He doesn't like other people touching his feet (I'm OK) - so I figured it would be less traumatic if I just did it myself. Any pointers or suggestions would be appreciated!

[cscalise]

Even though your dog prefers that you handle his feet. I wouldn't attempt to try this one without first being shown by your Vet. Dogs that have black nails are the hardest to do because you can't easily distinguish where the quick begins. If you should even nick the quick slightly, you will cause pain and bleeding that is sometimes very hard to stop. You want this to be an experience that your dog associates as being positive not negative. Have someone show you how to do it for the first time.

[Dawn]

Definately have someone show you the first time. Try to do it on a white nailed dog as well.

[Donna H]

Trimming black nails really isn't as scary as you might think. Using sharp guillotine clippers shave just the tip off the nail a bit at a time. Look closely at the tip. when you have removed enough of the nail you will see the core (a dark spot in the center of the fresh cut) that's when you stop other wise you will cut blood vessels and nerves that are growing there. If the nails are over grown you can do this once a week or so to get them back to the proper length. Before you start be sure to get some Quick Stop (styptic powder) just in case you go to far back. I have been grooming for a long time and I still get one to short every now and then. Also a trick I learned long age is never hold the clippers as shown on the package,You will have better control if you insert the nail through the back side of the clipper.

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me, Donna

[Lucky Puppy]

I just noticed that there is a 'tip' section on this website and there is one for 'trimming/clipping' nails. Check it out when you have time...it help.

Good Luck!

[cscalise]

Is there a local Petsmart in your area? My dog loves to go there and they have a grooming dept. They could show you how to do it since your dog freaks at the vet's office. By the way, my male starts shaking at the exit 1/2 mile away from the vet's office. I know how you feel! If you really have no other recourse than to do this undertaking yourself, buy some styptic powder just in case... it stops the bleeding. Also, You can buy clippers that have a safety on them which will only allow you to clip the nail so far back. Still, be very, very careful!

[fullhouse9873]

I wish I could have the vet show me - but Chance FREAKS OUT at the vets. Last time I took him in - they told me that he needs to be sedated next time I bring him. We couldn't even put him up on the table. He's never had a bad experience there - just doesn't like it for some reason.

Unfortunately - he has black nails - so it makes it tougher. I'm going to try this weekend just taking off a little - I'll let you all know how it goes.

[fullhouse9873]

I think I'm going to try my husky, Neko, first. He has white nails - so I'll be able to get a feel for it. Chance has grown up to be a grumpy old man - he likes to go on his walks - but other than that - he'd rather stay at home. I just don't want to take him somewhere and have a bad experience. I want him to think it's fun to go to the pet store.

[fullhouse9873]

AArrgghh!!! I tried trimming Chance's nails today. I couldn't even get him to come by me. I let him smell the clipper - and immediately he knew something was up. I got him over by me finally - but he was so nervous he couldn't sit still. I didn't even get the clipper by his feet. I think he could sense something was up.

So I'm thinking - I can either have my husband help me hold him down while I do it, or I'm thinking about calling the vet and getting a sedative so that I can trim them. I'm worried that if I have to hold him down that he won't want to get his nails cut again. Any suggestions?

* I wouldn't go through all this trouble - excep that his nails are really long - and I don't want them to get too long and hurt his feet. Even though he has black nails - I'm only going to trim off a little bit - just to get them back to somewhat of a normal length. I did get to do Neko's nails today (he has white nails) - and everything went good. He sat pretty good - except for trying to eat the hair tie on my arm). But we didn't cut too shortt - and he didn't get hyper or aggitated.

[cscalise]

Ok, you may have to take this in baby steps. [img]smile.gif[/img]
Will he let you handle his feet or toes at all? This sounds like a trust issue. You may have to start with what I call the approach and retreat method. When your dog is laying down and relaxed, start rubbing his toes between your fingers, praise him and give him treats if he allows you to handle them. As soon as he becomes uncomfortable stop and walk away, letting him know what a good boy he is. You may need to do this every 10 minutes or so until he starts to think of this as no big deal. You will eventually work your way up to the nails and do this same method. I'm not saying he will allow you to do this all in one day, hovever he should get more trusting and think of you handeling his feet as no big deal. I would much rather see you try this first before you have someone hold him down. That may only make your situation worse. I used this method on my female and she has no problem now with trimming her nails. Hope it works for you too!