Just like people, dogs may show signs of anxiety. In fact, it’s not unusual for dogs to get scared of nail trims. Some even fight back. The question is: how do you cut dog nails when they are scared?
As a professional groomer, I work with a lot of anxious dogs. Every dog is different. Therefore, it’s a chance to find what works for your unique fur baby.
Here are 4 ways to cut dog nails when your dog is scared:
1. Use a sling (for small dogs)
When it comes to trimming dog nails, restraint is key. This avoids injury to the dog and to the owner. However, it’s not always easy to restrain a tiny dog. In fact, many pet owners share with me their fear of accidently suffocating or bruising their little pooch.
The use of a sling is a very secure and gentle way of holding a small to medium dog while you cut the nails from their dangling feet. If you don’t have a bar to secure the sling to, have someone hold the sling up from the top with both hands.
2. Use a dremel
Dogs can sense fear. As a result, they can mirror their owners. Sometimes, the pet owners are more fearful of the nail trimming process. Accidents can happen. For example, the dog’s nails may bleed from deep cuts. Therefore, the use of dremel is an alternative way to trim down nails.
This dremel is a rechargable nail file for dogs. It grinds down the nails little by little. This is especially helpful if your dog has black nails and it becomes difficult to see the quick or blood supply inside the nail.
However, the dremel does make a buzzing sound that can confuse your dog.
PRO TIP: Before using the dremel on your dog’s nails. Make sure your dog is first used to the sound and feel of the dremel.
To do this, turn the dremel on and allow the base of the dremel to gently press against your dog’s chest. This allows the dog to see the tool, feel the vibrations and learn that it is not a threat.
As you massage the base of the vibrating dremel against the coat of your dog, give your dog a treat. This builds a positive association with the use and sound of the dremel.
As you grind down the nails, always keep looking at the base of the nails. This helps to determine how close you are to the blood supply or quick of the nail.
For example, both clear and black nails with chalky white ends, indicate that more of the nail can be cut or filed. For clear nails, a pink dot is an indicator that the blood supply to the nail is near. Similarly, in black nails, a small black dot at the end of the nail indicates that the quick is near.
In both cases, use the low speed with the dremel to file less of the nail. However, as more of the nail is shaved away, the dot at the center of the nail becomes larger. This is an indication to stop filing or cutting the nails.
If you cut or dremel beyond the the big dot at the center, the nail will bleed.
3. Use scissor type nail clippers:
Generally, there are three kinds of nail clippers for dogs. These include : the scissors type, the guillotine type and the pliers type. As a professional groomer, I find that the scissors type and the pliers type are easiest to use.
However, for puppies and smaller dogs suck as Yorkies, Pomeranians and Chiuahuas – cat nail clippers are easier to use.
Learning how to cut a dog nails when a dog is scared often takes patience, practice and knowledge.
Personally, I tend to use the scissors type the most. However, should you choose to use the scissors type nail clippers, make sure to find the right size for your dog.
PRO TIP: look into purchasing a nail clipper set. This includes a scissor type nail clipper, a plier type nail clipper and a nail file. This is very practical and will help you find what works easiest for you and your dog.
4. Your groomer may know something you don’t
As a professional groomer, I get to meet a lot of dog personalities. As a result, I know which dogs are better with or without restraint. For example, some dogs do better with less restraint. On the other hand, some dogs like security and prefer sitting in someone’s lap for a nail trim.
In fact, I know of one dog that will only comply with a nail trim while he gets belly scratches. Therefore, do not be afraid to ask your regular groomer what your dog’s peronality type is. Many will tell you the best way to restrain or coax your unique fur baby into a nail trim.
Above all, remember to give your dog loving praise before and after the nail trim to reward their bravery!
-By Nikita King, Certified Professional Groomer
After learning some ways to cut dog nails if a dog is scared, here is a step-by-step guide on the process:
HOW TO CUT A DOG NAILS (A STEP BY STEP GUIDE)
HOW TO TRIM DOG PAWS (WITH PHOTOS)
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CUT MY DOG’S NAILS?