Introduction
Both dog owners and their dogs dread the “nail trimming” sessions, as this grooming process can make dogs feel extremely nervous. Once a dog has experienced any pain or trauma related to nail trimming (i.e., nails bleeding because they were cut too short), the dog will remember these painful events for life.
In this 9-minute video, Dr. Karen Becker goes into great details about the best way for you to trim your dog’s nails to minimize the trauma for your dog, and to make nail trimming a pleasant experience for both you and your dog. She shares the following tips with dog owners:
1. Avoid cutting your dog’s nails too far back, as this can cause extreme pain and unnecessary stress for your dog.
2. Get your dog treats ready, which will ensure that your dog connects the nail trimming experience with a positive reward (food).
3. Make sure that you get into the habit of touching and petting your dog on a regular basis because if you only touch your dog during nail trimming (by holding their paws), this will make your dog associate the paw holding with the dreaded nail trim.
4. When it comes down to cutting the nail, it is always best to cut very little at a time to avoid cutting too much of the nail.
5. There are 2 types of nail cutting devices: one device that vibrates, as it trims away your dog’s nails. The other nail trimming device looks like a human nail clipper (but is much larger). Try both devices.
6. Dogs have white nails and black nails. Be careful with your dog’s black nails because you won’t be able to see the nail’s quick as clearly. (The quick is a blood vessel located inside your dog’s nails that nourishes the nails. Stay away from this blood vessel, as it is a very sensitive area).
7. Trim the extra white part of your dog’s nails (that have grown since the last nail trim). Only cut tiny bits of your dog’s nails at a time.
8. Reward your dog with treats (and petting) during every nail trim session.
Dog care - Nails trimming video:
Dog nails trimming session (9 minutes)
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