Noah Sinclair
Trimming your Shih Tzu's nails can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog. Many dogs are uncomfortable with the sensation of nail clippers, and if you cut the quick, it will hurt your dog and make them resistant to future nail-trimming attempts. A Dremel tool is a popular alternative to nail clippers that can make the process less stressful and safer. It's important to get your dog used to the sound and sensation of the Dremel tool before you start trimming their nails. You should also be sure to locate the quick and avoid cutting into it.
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What You'll Learn
Desensitise your Shih Tzu to the Dremel
Desensitising your Shih Tzu to the Dremel is an important step to take before you begin nail trimming. The sound of the tool can be scary for dogs, so it's a good idea to familiarise your dog with the Dremel before using it on their nails.
Start by placing the turned-off Dremel tool by your dog's paws and giving them treats. Once they are comfortable with the tool's presence, turn the Dremel on and place it near your dog's feet so they can get used to the sound. Repeat this step until your dog is totally relaxed with the sound of the Dremel.
Once they are calm with the noise, slowly start to bring the Dremel closer to their nails, continuing to give treats throughout the process. Eventually, you can begin to touch the Dremel to their nails.
Keep sessions short and positive, and always end on a good note. With patience and practice, your Shih Tzu will become comfortable with the Dremel and you'll be able to trim their nails stress-free.
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How to prepare a Dremel
Preparing a Dremel to trim your Shih Tzu's nails requires several steps to ensure the safety and comfort of your dog. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare a Dremel for this purpose:
Familiarise Your Dog with the Dremel
Before you begin trimming, it is crucial to introduce your Shih Tzu to the Dremel tool and the associated sounds and sensations. Over several days, let your dog sniff and touch the tool while it is turned off. This helps them get accustomed to its presence and reduces any initial wariness. Then, turn on the Dremel a few times without trimming their nails to familiarise them with the humming sound and vibrations it produces. This gradual introduction will help your dog feel more comfortable with the tool.
Positive Reinforcement and Treats
Using positive reinforcement and treats is an essential part of the process. Offer your dog treats and praise throughout the introduction phase to create a positive association with the Dremel. You can touch the Dremel to your fingernails and then offer yourself a treat, showing your dog that it is safe and rewarding. Work on touching their paws with the Dremel without eliciting a startled reaction, and always reward them for their cooperation.
Practice and Patience
Start by touching two or three different nails briefly and then giving a treat. Gradually increase the amount of time and pressure spent on each nail, removing just a little bit before treating and moving on to the next nail. End the session when your dog seems tired or needs a break. With patience and practice, you can work towards grinding each nail on each paw while decreasing the number of treats needed.
Safety Precautions
Before trimming, examine your dog's nails carefully to locate the 'quick,' the pink, live part of the nail containing nerves and blood vessels. Cutting into this area can be painful and cause bleeding. If your Shih Tzu has black nails, finding the quick can be challenging. Instead, look for the spot on the underside of the nail where it separates into a triangular shape. Always aim for a straight result, removing the pointed tip so that the nails no longer touch the floor when your dog stands.
Comfort and Positioning
Ensure you and your dog are comfortable and positioned appropriately. Place your dog in a way that allows you to reach all its paws easily without twisting their legs. You can try having them sit on a sofa with their front paws on a towel on your lap, allowing you to grip each paw firmly and clearly see the nails. Some owners find it easier to sit beside their dog, facing the same direction, rather than sitting opposite them. Experiment to find the most suitable position for you and your Shih Tzu.
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How to handle your dog's paws
Handling your dog's paws can be a stressful experience, but there are ways to make the process easier for both you and your pup. Here are some tips to help you handle your Shih Tzu's paws with confidence:
Get your dog comfortable
Before you begin trimming, find a comfortable spot for both you and your dog. Try sitting on the sofa and placing a towel on your lap. Then, have your dog place its front paws on the towel. This way, you can firmly grip one paw at a time and have it in full view. Some people find it easier to face the same direction as their dog, rather than sitting opposite them. Experiment to find the position that works best for you and your pup.
Introduce your dog to the Dremel tool
It's important to desensitize your dog to the Dremel tool before using it on their nails. Let them sniff and touch the tool while you pet them and offer reassurance. Turn the tool on a few times so they can get used to the sound and vibrations without actually trimming their nails yet. You can also give them treats during this process to create a positive association with the tool.
Locate the quick
Before trimming, carefully examine your dog's nails to locate the "quick". This is the pink, live part of the nail where the nerves and blood vessels run. Cutting into the quick will cause pain and bleeding, so it's important to stay well clear of it. If your dog has black nails, the quick may be harder to see. In this case, look for the spot on the underside of the nail where it separates into a triangular shape.
Trim the nails
When using the Dremel tool, aim for a fairly straight result by removing the pointed tip of the nail. Stop grinding when you see a tiny lighter circle on the nail, as this indicates that you've reached the quick. It's important to take your time and go slowly to avoid over-trimming. Remember to trim the dewclaws as well, which are the extra "thumbs" on your dog's front legs. They may be located slightly higher up on the leg.
File the nails
After grinding, remember to file all the nails to smooth them out. This will help prevent the nails from getting caught on surfaces.
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What angle to work at
When trimming your Shih Tzu's nails with a Dremel, the angle at which you hold the tool is crucial to achieving a smooth and efficient trim without causing any discomfort to your dog. The ideal angle to work at is around 45 degrees. This angled approach will help ensure you are grinding the nail precisely and effectively, without applying excessive pressure or causing any pain to your dog.
To achieve this optimal angle, position the Dremel so that it is at a slight angle to the nail, rather than facing it directly. This means you should not be grinding the nail head-on. Instead, the grinding bit should be angled slightly towards the tip of the nail as you work, almost as if you are filing the nail away from the quick. This technique helps prevent accidental injury to the quick, which is the sensitive, blood-filled area within the nail.
The 45-degree angle also provides better visibility of the nail as you work, allowing you to monitor your progress and ensure a precise trim. It gives you a clear view of the nail bed, so you can stop grinding as soon as you notice a change in colour or texture, indicating that you are approaching the quick.
Maintaining this angle throughout the process can be tricky, especially if your dog is fidgety or has particularly wiggly paws. It might be helpful to have an assistant to help keep the dog still with treats and distractions. If you are working alone, get your dog comfortable and relaxed with toys or treats, and be prepared to take breaks.
Remember that practice makes perfect, and with time and patience, you and your Shih Tzu will become more accustomed to this nail trimming technique.
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How to avoid cutting the quick
Trimming your Shih Tzu's nails with a Dremel grinder can help you avoid cutting the quick. The quick is the pink, live part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. Cutting the quick will cause pain and bleeding.
To avoid cutting the quick, first, make sure your dog is comfortable with the grinder. Start by letting your dog see, touch, and hear the grinder. You can do this by letting your dog sniff and touch the tool while it's turned off, then turning it on a few times without trimming any nails. You can also give treats during this process to help your dog associate the grinder with positive experiences.
Once your dog is comfortable with the grinder, carefully examine the nails before trimming. If your dog has light-coloured nails, you can usually see the pink quick and avoid it. If your dog has dark nails, look for the spot on the underside of the nail where it separates into a triangular shape with two outer walls. Cut the nail up to this point to avoid the quick.
While trimming, take breaks to study the nail closely and make sure you're staying clear of the quick. Stop grinding once you see a tiny lighter circle on the nail, as this indicates you've reached the quick.
If you accidentally cut the quick, don't worry—it happens to many dog owners. Apply styptic powder or cornflour to the nail to stop the bleeding, and your dog will be fine.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by letting your dog sniff and touch the tool while you pet it and offer reassurance. Turn the tool on a few times without trimming any nails so that your dog can get used to the sound. You can also try placing the turned-off tool by their nails and giving treats. Once they are used to that, turn it on and put it close to their feet.
Locate the pink, live part of the nail called the quick, where the nerves and blood vessels run. Cutting into this part will hurt your dog and make the nail bleed. If your dog has black nails, the quick can be hard to see. Instead, find the spot on the underside of the nail where it separates out into a triangular shape with two outer walls. Cut the nail up to this point.
Make sure to file all the nails after grinding. If you cut the quick by mistake, use styptic powder or corn starch to recover the wound.
