Help Us Make Nail Trims for Your Pets Fear Free

Fear Free Nail Trims

                As many of you know, one of the most challenging procedures we perform on our pets is what should be, but rarely is a simple task—the nail trim.  Most dogs are sensitive to having their paws touched, and that can make cleaning paws or trimming nails difficult to say the least.  Dogs may view having their feet touched as a dominance display, may have increased sensitivity due to the many nerves in their pads or, they may simply be caught off guard when we attempt to touch or lift their paws.  In short, our canine friends tend to be protective of their paws, and do not always take kindly to having them handled. Cats usually handle it a bit better, but some kitties may become stressed during nail trims too. 

                What can we do to make nail trims and other paw-related handling easier both at home and at the veterinary hospital?  Well, practicing gentle handling of your dog’s paws at home at times when you are not trying to trim nails can help.  If your dog gets used to the sensation of her paws being lifted and handled in a non-threatening way, it may make it easier to examine a hurt paw or to trim nails when those actions become necessary. 

                High value food treats go a long way when trying to do unpleasant tasks.  Most dogs like food and, if they receive tasty treats while their feet are being handled or during nail trims, they may be much more accepting of these interactions.   Use of pheromones, anti-anxiety vests like the thunder shirt, or other actions that may calm your dog may also be employed to take the drama out of trimming nails.

                As a last resort for dogs who are just too fearful or sensitive to accept having their paws handled for nail trims, your veterinary team may suggest using some mild anti-anxiety drugs to make things easier for your pet.  No one likes to see dogs struggling or anxious about anything.  Medication may be a way to alleviate fear for your pet.  Please keep in mind this is not the best course for every dog and understand that we offer this not because your dog is “bad” or  because we don’t want to handle your dog to trim her nails, but rather because we want the experience to be as fear-free as possible. 

                Our goal at Patton Veterinary Hospital is to promote fear-free visits and procedures for all pets whenever possible.  We know visits to our office can be stressful for both you and your pet.  We strive to find solutions to make these visits as comfortable as possible. 

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.