For some dogs, the most terrifying part of going to the veterinarian is getting their nails trimmed. When a dog panics, a simple nail trim becomes a very difficult activity for both the pet and the veterinary technicians as the dog tries to fight their way out of the clinic as soon the nail clippers appear.
A nail trim does not have to be a traumatic experience, and in fact many dogs can learn to have their nails trimmed at home. The trick lies in teaching your dog that it is okay to have their feet handled. Like any training, trimming your dog’s nails and getting them used to having their feet touched is goal reached in small steps.
Touch your dog’s feet and massage their toes as part of their daily patting and grooming routine. Work your way up to trimming a few nails at a time, stopping before your dog tries to leave, so you can end on a positive note. Be sure to make it clear that the session has ended because you said so, not because your dog wore you down. Eventually your dog should allow you to trim all of their nails in one go. If you are unsure how short to trim your dog’s nails or how to use dog nail trimmers, book an appointment with a Veterinary Technician, who can trim the nails with you, and teach you the best method.
Cats need their nails trimmed just as much as dogs do, though many new pet owners are unaware of the importance. It is not uncommon for veterinary clinics to see cats with nails that have continued to grow and curl straight into their paw pads. Imagine how painful that must be. This is more common in elderly cats, who likely don’t socialize with their owners as much as they used to, and no longer receive regular grooming. Scratching pads and posts are helpful for cats, but they do not trim the cat’s nails. Polydactyl cats (those with many extra toes) are especially prone to nails growing into their feet, since their owners often don’t see the hidden toe between the ‘thumb’ and the rest of the pad. Some polydactyl cats can have 2 nails growing out of one toe!
Your veterinary technician can show you how to safely trim your pet’s nails if you would like to do them at home. At the very least, you can, at home, get your dog or cat used to having their feet handled. While you are at it, play with their ears and look inside their mouth. All of this will happen as part of their yearly wellness exam, and the exam will be less stressful for your pet if they are used to being gently handled in this manner. Move slowly and calmly while you teach your pet to be tolerant of touch, and work in short sessions. Always end with praise or maybe a low calorie treat, such as a kibble taken from their normal food allotment for the day. Activities such as these strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Written by Baleigh McWade
