How To Cut An Uncooperative Dogs Nails? Follow Simple Steps
How to cut an uncooperative dogs nails? Do you want to cut an uncooperative dog’s nails? Many dogs dislike having their nails clipped not because they don’t want their nails trimmed but because they dislike having their paws touched and handled. A dog’s paws are very tough and capable of handling any terrain, but they are also quite sensitive. Dogs that aren’t accustomed to having their paws dealt with may hate it since they are unfamiliar with the feeling and may even feel vulnerable.
It’s ideal to start trimming your child’s nails at a young age to get them used to have them touched. Teaching a dog to “shake a paw” is an excellent method of getting them accustomed to having their paws touched and making nail cutting more pleasant for both the owner and the dog.
What to do if my dog won’t let me cut his nails?
How to cut an uncooperative dogs nails? There are ways to make nail trimming less difficult. Use a different type of nail clipper or a Dremel instead of a clipper to desensitize your dog to it. If a dog is very aggressive and you’re worried they’ll bite you, the best place to start is with your main veterinarian.
Nail trimming instruments are divided into three categories:
- Scissor style
- Guillotine
- Nail Grinder
Why Should Every Dog’s Nails Be Trimmed?
Many dog owners find it difficult to have their pets groomed, whether it’s for a haircut, a wash, or the dreaded nail clip. It is essential to have a dog’s nails clipped not just for aesthetic reasons, but also to keep him healthy. Most dogs’ nails will continue to grow since they are not worn down sufficiently on their own. They may even develop to the point where they are lodged in the pads of their paws in extreme instances.
If they catch on anything or shatter, splinter, or crack, they may cause a lot of pain, as well as arthritis and infection. Long-nail dogs produce a clicking sound when they walk on hard surfaces, and they may make standing on their paws unpleasant.
Here are three methods How to cut uncooperative dogs nails:
1 – Calm your dog first
First important thing is just calm your anxious dog. You must physically acquaint the dog with the whole procedure before taking the leap and trimming straight away. Start by raising and holding your dog’s paws. Begin with small amounts of time, such as 5 or 20 seconds, then gradually increase to 15, 30 seconds. Praise and encourage the dog if he remains quiet as you grip his toes. Make sure you do this regularly since repetition will only acclimate him. Take a strong posture if your dog becomes angry while you grasp his toes. Place your arms around the dog’s neck to gently confine him. Say, “No,” in a firm, authoritative tone. It may take anything from a few days to weeks for your dog to accept paw handling. The essential thing is to keep going.
2 – Take swimming breaks.
Taking your pet’s swimming before getting their nails trimmed can help them relax and de-stress. Less fear, less fidgeting, and greater cooperation will become evident.
3 – Soften the Nails of Your Dog
Get your nail clippers once you’ve gotten your dog out of the tub. Open and shut them repeatedly to acclimate your dog’s ears to the sound. Make sure to give your dog goodies while you’re doing this.
Try bringing the clipper to the nail without really cutting anything when your dog gets excited to hear the sound of the clipper. This step should be done with caution since you don’t want to cut anything just yet.
Finally, re-immerse your dog in the water. Allow it to paddle for a few moments before pulling out the clipper and placing it near the nails. Continue to give out goodies.
Trimming Dogs Nails
It would help if you started trimming your dog’s nails after it has become cooperative and tolerant.
It’s essential to note, however, that you shouldn’t go all in just yet. Begin by clipping just one toenail at a time. Then observe your dog’s reaction: are they calm or agitated? If they become irritated, stop for the day and finish the remainder of the nails the next day. When cutting, don’t go any farther than the tip. Trim the nail straight across and away from the bend. If your dog begins to bleed, use styptic powder as soon as possible.
You risk striking something called the quick if you cut beyond the curvature of the nail. It’s the centre of the nail bed, and cutting it may cause your dog discomfort.
How to calm a dog for nail clipping
If medication sedation isn’t an option, there are alternative soothing techniques you may use to keep your dog quiet while you trim his nails. The following are the most secure alternatives:
Classic strolls.
Before you trim your dog’s nails, use up all of its excess energy. While you’re working on your pet’s paws, this will minimize its squirmy behavior. Games that stimulate the mind will also help.
Treats that are soothing.
You may buy dog treats that have soothing properties in them. This will help your dog relax, allowing you to confine them and trim their nails. The treats will also be used as a form of reinforcement for good behavior during grooming sessions.
Get your dog used to using the clipper.
Dogs are afraid of something they have never seen before. Allow your dog to smell and lick the clipper before you begin grooming. If you’re using an electronic kind, switch it on and give your dog a chance to become accustomed to it. You should reward your dog with goodies while doing this so that nail cutting becomes a pleasant experience for him.
Begin as soon as possible.
If your dog is still a puppy, get him or her accustomed to being confined. It will save you the trouble of subsequently restraining an obstinate dog.
Turn on some music.
When dogs hear soothing music, they become more relaxed. For the greatest effects, combine this with the other relaxing techniques.
Some important tips
It is preferable to cut a tiny portion of uncooperative dogs nails once a week rather than waiting and attempting to trim a large amount once a month. The quick run along the center of the toenail, and the longer the toenail, the closer the fast is to the toenail’s edge, making trimming more difficult. It’s more challenging to notice the quick if the dog’s toenails are black. Dark toenails should be shortened by cutting tiny slices off the toenail and stopping when you see the prompt, which appears as a black dot in the center of the toenail when seen from the front. After weeks of positive conditioning, if the dog still refuses to accept toenail clipping, you may need to take the dog to a veterinarian for trimming. While trimming the dog, they may sedate it.
