Tips for Easier Nail Trims

Tips to Avoid the Drama When Trimming Nails

               Most dogs hate having their nails trimmed—mine included.  Frankie and Marty turn into writhing, kicking balls of muscle using all of their strength to escape being held by my husband while I trim their nails (That's Marty looking unhappy in the photo.  I wasn't even trimming the nails--just pretending in order to get a photo!).  And, since there are two of them, once one sees what is going on, the other runs and hides knowing he is next.  The third strike is that they have black nails, and, while I try hard not to clip too short, someone invariably ends up bleeding.  Sometimes it’s me when they kick me with their sharp, freshly cut nails.  There has to be an easier way.

               Here are some tips for easier nail trims that may help you avoid the scenario I just described:

One:  Start while they are young.  If you handle your puppy’s or kitten’s paws while he is young and introduce the nail trimmer gradually by rubbing it over the paws without clipping, then clipping just one or two nails,  you may be able to get your pet used to nail trims avoiding a lot of the drama. 

Two:  Try putting your pet on a table.  Putting them a little out of their element may make them pay less attention to what you are doing to their feet as they contemplate why they are on the table and how to get down.

Three:  Use tasty treats.  Food goes a long way in distracting pets from doing all sorts of things.  Have someone hold some peanut butter for your dog to lick or offer your cat some tuna or clam juice while you trim his or her nails.  Use whatever irresistible treats your dog or cat loves. 

Nail trims are often two-person jobs with one person distracting and/or restraining the pet and the other trimming the nails, unless you have one of those fabled golden pets who will just hold out their paws while you trim the nails.  If after all of these tips, it is still a no-go, seek help from the professionals!   There are rare pets who exhibit extreme panic or aggression with nail trims and may benefit from a sedative before attempting to clip the nails.  Some pets also tolerate having the nails filed or ground down by a dremel tool rather than being clipped.

               How often should you trim your pet’s nails?  Most pets need to have their nails trimmed every four to eight weeks.  Excessively long nails may make it difficult or uncomfortable for your pet to walk, may curl into the pads or may get caught on something and break or tear.  Which brings up another common question—what do I do if I cut my pet’s nail too short or if she breaks her nail?  First of all, if you happen to trim a nail a little too short—don’t panic!  Yes, it will most likely bleed, but no pet has ever bled to death from a nail trim.  Keep your pet calm and apply some pressure.  If you have clotting powder or a styptic pencil, apply this to the end of the nail to help it clot.  These items can be purchased at the pet store or sometimes with men’s shaving equipment.  If you don’t have a clotting agent, packing corn starch or flour into the end of the nail may help it to stop bleeding a little faster. 

               I hope these tips help you avoid or at least reduce the panic and bloodshed that nail trims seems to invoke!  We are always happy to help give your pet a pedicure if you do not want the hassle at home.  I think I will try breaking out the peanut butter the next time I trim Frankie and Marty’s nails.  Wish me luck!

               Patton’s Postings is brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding areas.  Questions and comments welcome on the PVH website or our Facebook page.