Ava Monroe
Nail trimming is an essential part of maintaining your dog's health. Long nails can cause serious issues with their feet, deformities, and even pain and infection. However, many dogs find the process stressful and even terrifying, which can make it a challenging task for owners. With patience, persistence, and the right tools, you can help your dog stay calm while trimming their nails, even if they're curled. Here are some strategies to help your dog relax during the process.
How to make a dog calm while removing curled nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Get your dog accustomed to seeing nail clippers | Act happy and give treats when your dog sees the clippers |
| Train your dog to allow paw handling | Touch and rub its paws and toes when it is relaxed |
| Combine paw handling with the clippers | Touch the clippers to its toes and give treats if it stays relaxed |
| Use quiet clippers | Use clippers that make no sound |
| Use supplements | Melatonin or CBD |
| Use medication | Trazodone, gabapentin, or diazepam (Valium) |
| Use treats | Give treats throughout the process |
| Use distractions | Distract with toys or affection if it becomes too stressed |
| Use a Thundershirt | A Thundershirt may help |
| Use Benadryl | Give 1/2 tablet every 8-12 hours as needed |
| Use Zylkene | A non-drowsy anti-anxiety supplement |
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What You'll Learn
Get your dog accustomed to seeing nail clippers
Getting your dog accustomed to seeing nail clippers is an important step in the process of making nail trimming a stress-free experience for your dog. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Let Your Dog Investigate the Clippers
Put the nail clippers on the floor and let your dog inspect them. Scatter some treats around the clippers so your dog can build a positive association with the sight of them. This will help your dog feel more comfortable and curious rather than fearful.
Replicate the Clipper Sound
The sound of the clippers can be scary for dogs, especially if they have had a previous bad experience. To help your dog get used to the sound, practise using the clippers on dried pasta like macaroni. The snapping noise will help your dog become accustomed to the clipping sound. You can also let your dog hear the clippers opening and closing while they are lying on the floor.
Associate Clippers with Treats and Praise
When you pick up the clippers, act happy and excited. Speak in a soothing voice and give your dog a treat. Repeat this process several times a day for a couple of weeks. Your dog will start to associate the clippers with praise and treats, and this will help reduce any anxiety they may have.
Combine Paw Handling with Clippers
Sit on the floor with your dog in a relaxed state. Handle their paw with one hand and open and close the clippers with the other. Gradually move the clippers closer to your dog's paw, and if they stay relaxed, gently touch one toe with the clippers. If your dog stays calm, touch each toe with the clippers. If they become anxious or retract their paw, take a break and try again with a gentler touch.
Remember, it is important to be patient and persistent when getting your dog accustomed to seeing nail clippers. With time, most dogs can learn to accept and even look forward to nail trimming.
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Train your dog to allow paw handling
Training your dog to allow paw handling can be a challenging task, but it is crucial for nail care and overall paw health. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Get Your Dog Accustomed to Clippers:
First, you need to familiarize your dog with the nail clippers. This mechanical tool may be new to your dog, or it could be associated with past trauma. It is essential to resolve any fear or anxiety related to the clippers. Start by summoning your dog and picking up the clippers in their presence. Act happy and enthusiastic, and offer treats and praise to create positive associations. Repeat this step several times a day for a couple of weeks until your dog shows excitement or curiosity towards the clippers.
Train Paw Handling:
Once your dog is comfortable with the sight of the clippers, it's time to train them to allow paw handling. Start by lightly touching your dog's shoulder and gradually work your way down to their paw. Use a soothing voice and gentle touch to keep them calm. Rub their paws gently, and then focus on each toe, giving them a soft squeeze. If your dog is already comfortable with being petted on certain areas of their body, you can start from there and slowly move towards the paws. Eventually, you should apply gentle pressure to the nails themselves. If your dog becomes scared or pulls back, stop, and continue only when they are calm and relaxed.
Combine Clippers with Paw Handling:
Now that your dog is comfortable with paw handling, it's time to introduce the clippers again. Sit on the floor with your dog in a relaxed state. Handle their paw with one hand and open and close the clippers with the other. Gradually move the clippers closer to your dog's paw. If they remain relaxed, gently touch one toe with the clippers while continuing to speak soothingly and offering treats if needed. If your dog stays calm, touch each toe with the clippers. If they become anxious, take a break and try again with a gentler approach.
Nail Trimming:
Once your dog is comfortable with you holding their paw, using the clippers near their foot, and touching the clippers to their toes, you are ready for the actual nail trim. Remember to be patient and persistent, and always reward your dog with treats and praise throughout the process. If your dog becomes too stressed, take a break and try to distract them with a toy or affection. Avoid scolding or punishing your dog, as this may increase their fear.
Additional Tips:
- It is best to begin training early in a dog's life, but adult dogs can also learn to accept paw handling and nail trimming with extra patience and time.
- Always use sharp clippers to ensure a clean cut and avoid causing pain or bleeding, which can make the experience more traumatic for your dog.
- If your dog shows signs of extreme fear or anxiety, consult a healthcare professional. In some cases, mild sedation or anxiety medication may be recommended.
- Regularly check your dog's nails to determine when it's time for a trim. If their nails touch the ground or curl under their paws, it's definitely time for a cut.
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Use supplements to sedate your dog
Sedatives can be a good way to help dogs relax, but they are often misused. If your dog is anxious, fearful, or aggressive, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. In some cases, medication for anxiety or some mild sedation may be beneficial.
- Melatonin: This is a nutritional supplement that can be used to sedate your dog before nail clipping. It is a hormone that gives off a motherly scent to keep your dog calmer and reassured.
- CBD: This is a natural supplement that is best for dogs with specific, predictable anxiety triggers. It can be given to dogs with separation anxiety, for example.
- L-theanine: This supplement is excellent for dogs who tend to react to other supplements with drowsiness. It produces alpha brain waves, which are indicative of a relaxed yet alert state.
- Skullcap: This is an herb in the mint family. It does not directly treat anxiety, but it can reduce the jitters and excitability some dogs feel when they are anxious. This herb is best for dogs who tend to pace or bark when anxiety strikes.
- Acepromazine: This is the most commonly prescribed oral sedative for dogs. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, thereby depressing certain brain functions. However, its effects can be inconsistent and hard to predict.
It is important to note that you should always check with your vet before giving your dog any new medication or supplement. Each dog has unique needs, and a veterinarian will be able to determine the best course of treatment based on your dog's specific needs and health.
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Create a quiet, comfortable environment
Creating a quiet, comfortable environment is essential to making your dog feel calm during the nail-trimming process. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Firstly, find a quiet space away from distractions. This will help your dog stay relaxed and focused on the task at hand. Ensure the area has good lighting so you can clearly see what you're doing, reducing the risk of accidentally hurting your dog. A non-slip surface is also beneficial to prevent slips during grooming.
Next, consider your dog's position. For smaller dogs, gently place them on their side, using your body to provide comfort and support. Large dogs can be positioned on their side with their legs extended. Alternatively, you can try the lap technique, where you sit with your dog securely on your lap. This position allows you to hold your dog while trimming, but only if they are comfortable with it.
If your dog is anxious, consider having another person assist you. One person can focus on calming the dog, while the other handles the nail trimming. This can help reduce the dog's anxiety and keep them still.
To make your dog feel even more comfortable, provide their favourite toys or treats. Using a lick mat with peanut butter or a spreadable dog treat can be an excellent distraction for your dog during the nail-trimming process. You can also play music or white noise in the background to drown out the sound of the clippers.
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Reward your dog with treats
Dogs can get extremely anxious and fearful when it comes to nail trimming. It is important to be patient and persistent, and not to push the issue, as this could amplify your dog's fears. In some cases, medication for anxiety or mild sedation may be beneficial.
Rewarding your dog with treats is a great way to help your dog associate nail trimming with positive experiences. One of the oldest tricks is to use peanut butter on a lick mat to distract your dog and create a positive association. You can also use CBD treats, which can help to calm anxious dogs. Give your dog a treat every time they see the clippers, and reward them for remaining calm.
You can also reward your dog with treats at every stage of the trimming process. For example, you can give them a treat when they let you touch their paw, and another when you touch the clippers to their paw. You can then give them a treat after trimming each nail.
If your dog becomes too stressed, take a break and distract them with a toy or affection. This helps prevent negative experiences during nail trimming.
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Frequently asked questions
Get your dog accustomed to seeing, hearing, and feeling nail clippers. Act happy and give treats when they are near the clippers so that they associate the clippers with praise and treats.
When your dog is relaxed, touch their shoulder and work your way down to their paw. Use a soothing voice to keep them calm as you gently rub their paws and apply gentle pressure to the toes and nails.
Find a quiet, comfortable space free from distractions. For smaller dogs, gently place them on their side, ensuring they’re comforted by your body. Place large dogs on their side with their legs extended.
Signs of extreme fear or anxiety include trembling, excessive drooling, panting, growling, or snapping. If you notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional.
Use supplements like melatonin, CBD, or Zylkene to calm your dog. You can also try Benadryl to make them a little sleepy, or use a product containing hormones to give your dog a motherly, calming scent.
