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I've got a female pug, you would think her nails would be easy to trim, think again. She just goes crazy, it's virtually impossible. It's gotten to the point where last time I turned her upside on her back on the floor, held her in place with my knees while I cut them. All the time she was making noises like I was killing her.
She's a good dog otherwise, but this is something I don't look forward to. I've tried all the suggested methods of doing it, nothing makes it easier. If anyone has some trick they use, please don't hesitate to post it. At this point, I'll try anything.
I am sure your vet or a tech would be happy to show you how to trim your babies nails. Cat's nails are easier because they are clear and you can see the quick and you can just use a human nail clippers, but dogs nails aren't that much different when it comes down to it. You don't want to cut the quick, and you want to have styptic powder on hand in case (read as when) it happens If you keep up with it after your vet shows you, you can just tip the nails every couple of weeks, so you won't have to worry about letting them grow out and having to cut off a big chunk which is more likely to make you cut the quick.
I dremel my dogs nails because when you cut them with a nail cutter, they are very sharp until they get worn down naturally, and I don't want to have a nail catch me and scratch me because that really hurts, and I allow my dogs on my leather sofa as well as the leather interior of my car and I don't want it to be ripped by a sharp nail. Just something to think about.
You can ask your vet too if your dog is usually good for them when they cut his nails. Alot of dogs really hate it and are terrible for it, and of course we don't want to tell the owners that and make them feel responsible or embarrassed so they will never know, but dogs like that it's just better to leave it to the professionals to get it done quick to avoid frustration and stress for you and your dog.
I am sure your vet or a tech would be happy to show you how to trim your babies nails. Cat's nails are easier because they are clear and you can see the quick and you can just use a human nail clippers, but dogs nails aren't that much different when it comes down to it. You don't want to cut the quick, and you want to have styptic powder on hand in case (read as when) it happens If you keep up with it after your vet shows you, you can just tip the nails every couple of weeks, so you won't have to worry about letting them grow out and having to cut off a big chunk which is more likely to make you cut the quick.
I dremel my dogs nails because when you cut them with a nail cutter, they are very sharp until they get worn down naturally, and I don't want to have a nail catch me and scratch me because that really hurts, and I allow my dogs on my leather sofa as well as the leather interior of my car and I don't want it to be ripped by a sharp nail. Just something to think about.
You can ask your vet too if your dog is usually good for them when they cut his nails. Alot of dogs really hate it and are terrible for it, and of course we don't want to tell the owners that and make them feel responsible or embarrassed so they will never know, but dogs like that it's just better to leave it to the professionals to get it done quick to avoid frustration and stress for you and your dog.
Good luck.
Thanks for the advice Turtle. In fact, I think I'll take your suggestion and have the vet do it. Might be a slight inconvenience, but she's worth it.
Though I think I'm more stressed out than her, it's doing neither one of us any good.
I had who ran away each time we opened the drawer that had the clippers, my female dog will cover over to get hers done....each dog is different. If they struggle and fight it can be very nerve racking to both....I would have vet assist or do a lot of walks on cement.
Once your dog learns to trust you, you are good to go. When I initially clipped his nails, I would cut and praise him and give him treats. He associated it with my pleasure and getting his belly full of goodies.
The people I see doing it make it look easy. I tried to cut my dog's claws once. Got too close and drew blood. He yelped like I cut his foot off. I'll pay the vet $4.00 to do it when necessary, but a regular walk on concrete sidewalk keeps them in check.
Thank you for all your replies everyone! I just figured I would learn how b/c I give her baths and brush her teeth so I thought "well the only other thing left to tackle is nails" I realize it will be difficult...I have learned so much by all of you so thanks again!
I only use the dremel to force the quick back, I always use some the trimmers. However I prefer to let someone else do them, if I hurt my dogs I feel like crap all day!!!
Right now I have one of each...My Jack I just flip him over in my lap and trim away...good good boy...
Now the Corgi...you'd think he was having his legs amputated...I've spent 3 years working with him and it's really not gotten much better.
I'd take him to a vet but I live in a rural area so it's not like it's a trip around the block.
There's many methods to doing it and I'd sure work with the vet/vet tech for a while until you feel comfortable. As you know your dog will pick up on your panic or nerves so try working with someone at first.
RW you described my 6 y/o female Pem to a T when it comes to clipping, Corgis definately have a personality!!
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