Cutting nails

[lassie]

Oh how i hate the job, especially if they have black nails LOL

[dogcrzy009]

just attemped to do my dog's nails yesterday... fun.... Ha!

[lassie]

Sure is i have bought a dremmel , least i think thats what its called. havnet tried it yet mind.

[AnimalHouse]

Yea ih av to cut mine,and all BUT Phebes are blk.. Eewwwiiee *used to work for a groomer,and I tried to get her to do the blk ones.. HAHA She laughed at me. :D * I also have a dremmel I Had to use on my old Shep X She HATED Having her nails done.. It would take me 3 people to do them.. One holding, one petting,and me clipping.. But with the dremmel it only took 2 lol ;)

[polarpaws]

I use a dremmel on mine. Sooooo much easier.

[sheplovr]

If they are not that long I would get a toenail file, heavier than fingernail file and file them off. Much safter than cutting.

[Jake2006]

Hubby uses a dremmel too. Jake's feet are webbed so he can sometimes get muck between his toes so I check them every day.

[lassie]

Ok so i'll have to find where i put the dremmel now!

[Pauline46]

I just bought the pliers...........the young pup is quite a handful when it comes to doing his nails. He panics and start to squirm so much. Any tips to get him to settle down........rather than sheer force?

[lassie]

The earlier you start the better Pauline. I expect his breeder has cut them several times before you had him. If i have a difficult pup i usually cut a couple at a time and them reward him.Its far easier if you can get them to lie on their side, so wont , OMG collies can be stubborn .

[golden&hovawart]

Well,today i made a real mess about cutting my golden's nails.I cut both her dewclaws too short and it bled:eek: .God,I feel bad about it!!and it's not even her fault cos she didn't move.I'm usually so good at doing it.She is seven and it had never happened before.I feel like such a bad mom,today!!:mad:

[lassie]

i know how you feel. you can get some powder that stops the bleeding in an instant. Will let you know what its called when i find it!

[golden&hovawart]

Thanks,Lassie,would love to know the name.
By the way,i went on your site and loved it.
You've got beautiful collies and pups.I love the pictures that you send of them growing.Keep them coming.L

[lassie]

thanks

[Pauline46]

Oh I want to see your website too!! :D How do I find it? :confused:

[golden&hovawart]

Put the arrow on her name,go on profile and then on her site.It's worth the look

[Pauline46]

I did that but don't see her website..........:confused:

[lassie]

i havent got one sorry , only piccies are in the gallery on here;)

[OwnedBySal]

I don't like doing it either, sometimes Sally squirms and moves her paw as I'm cutting, which cuts the quick. :( That doesn't happen too often, though. I must agree with lassie when she says that she doesn't like the black nails, it's so hard to tell where the quick is.

[lassie]

Potassium Permanganate B.P. is the name of the crystals that stop's bleeding in an instant. cost is £1 ovee here.

[lassie]

oh i for got to add you can but it from the chemist

[KCat]

I'm not looking forward to tackling this with Yao Ming. He's a very mellow dog and though he doesn't *like* me to mess with his paws, he doesn't pull away either. And all of his toes are black. I can see from underneath though that the tip nail that is hollow. Is that normal? I never saw that on my Dal. The vet flustered me so much yesterday that all the questions I intended to ask just left my brain. For such huuuuuge paws, he has rather dainty fine nails. Much smaller, narrower than Bay's ever were. Don't know if that's a breed thing or if it is due to his bad start in life.

[onedog]

I too use the idea of cut one nail - give a cat biscuit (my puppy loves the cat's biscuits) then cut another etc etc. I usually do it in two sessions during a day so that the puppy is still co-operative

[Kaos]

Totally agree with onedog. Since I have adopted this system my dogs will actually push each other out of the way and offer their paws. A huge change since one of them used to run in the opposite direction every time he saw the clippers - amazing what a bit of food can do!

[BratBoxers]

I use a dremmel on all 3 of my dogs and I love it!!!

[lassie]

Where you been CICI ???

[BratBoxers]

Where you been CICI ???

Stupidly at another forum but I'm back for good:D

[lassie]

i'll let you off then:D

[BratBoxers]

i'll let you off then:D

Thank you!:cheers:

[Pitguy67]

I Think That I Am Going To Try The Dremmel.

[lassie]

havent used it as such yet. too lazy to get it out the cupboard. So still using the clippers.

[KonaYiPark]

Thanks for this thread. I use a traditional dog clipper to cut my dog's nails, but the dremmel sounds interesting. Is there a particular type that y'all use? What head, etc? Thanks.

[BratBoxers]

Thanks for this thread. I use a traditional dog clipper to cut my dog's nails, but the dremmel sounds interesting. Is there a particular type that y'all use? What head, etc? Thanks.

You can get a dremmel at your local walmart store or hardware store. I purchased mine at walmart for like 40$ and I use the 120 grit.

[lassie]

Dont thinks so. My friend has a battery operated one that she got in Sweden, mine is a plug in job. Dogs seem to adapt to it easily.

[BratBoxers]

Here is a really great site that shows how to use the dremel.

http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merensjp/doberdawn/dremel/dremel.html

BTW I use a cordless much easier for on the road touch ups.

[Pitguy67]

Thanks For The Great Site.

[BratBoxers]

You are very welcome!! :D

~Tiffani~

[KCat]

Looks good but would probably scare my "little" boy. We trimmed the front claws for the first time today using the treat-per-nail thing. That worked very well. I don't think he even noticed what I was doing he was rolling over on his side trying to sneak into the treat bag. Tomorrow - the hind claws. :)

[Corona808]

ive got the same problem, Corona is afraid of anything that makes a noise. and the time the vets cut his nails they made him pee himself and i think they traumatized him. i tried rewarding him with food but he still resists. anyone have any tips to make this easier on the both of us?

[vagreys]

We got a cordless Dremel at Wally World that is much quieter than our Variable Speed Dremel with the cord. The cordless has two speeds: slow and slower, and is perfect for doing nails, and it only cost about $20.

Hounds that are afraid of the corded Dremel don't pay any attention to the quiet cordless.

There are a few hounds we've had that did not like the Dremel, at all, and for them, we still have a good pair of clippers. Important to spend the money for a really good pair of clippers.

[skunkstripe]

Pauline, when you play with him, touch his paws a LOT. Play "shake", fell around in between his toes so he gets used to it.

The first couple of times you try to clip, go for one or two and then leave it. Even if he obivously hates it and squirms, give him a treat. Keep it up and (hopefully) the time will come when you can clip all nails on all paws and he will sit there grimly but not mind TOO much.

[Cbaker]

Here is a really great site that shows how to use the dremel.

http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merensjp/doberdawn/dremel/dremel.html (http://homepages.udayton.edu/%7Emerensjp/doberdawn/dremel/dremel.html)

BTW I use a cordless much easier for on the road touch ups.


Thank you so much for the link to that site, VERY informative and I will be trying that now.

[BratBoxers]

Thank you so much for the link to that site, VERY informative and I will be trying that now.


Your welcome! I figured it would help a few:D

[Mom to Lil Buddy]

I second Skunkstripe, every evening when Max is on my lap I am always fiddling with his feet, sort of desensitizing him to having his feet touched. He still doesn't like to have his nails cut, but now will lie still when he sees the clippers rather than try to jump and run.

Another trick I learned is if holding him or having him lay on his side, push the foot up tight to the body- he has no room then to jerk it away as you cut the nail.

Max has a lot of hair between the pads on his feet and I clip it short as well as hair around the nails. It sure makes cutting nails easier if I am not getting hair in the clipper.

[Macgyver]

A DREMMEL?? OMG I can just imagine what sasha would do with me breaking out a power tool?? do you use a grinding disk, cut off wheel, sorry all but cannot get the picture of that one in my head?

I used to do a trade with Sasha, she lets me cut a nail, she gets a treat, Just a small liver bite, another nail, another treat, eventually she would let me cut 2 or 3 before the treat. now she just gets one at then end and she is happy as pie.

used the same trick for her when she came in from outside with wet paws. One dry paw = 1 treat. how I can do all 4 and the whole time she is looking under me for the cat :-)

[PurposelyVague]

I cut Hemi's nails myself for the first time this weekend and it actually went okay! I just waited until he was really tired.

[tinkgirl0310]

I'm kinda nervous to trim my little guys nails. I had no problem with our cat before he got declawed. But I'm more nervous with the dog. I don't want to go too short. And how far is too short? So I just file them for now. haha.

[lassie]

A DREMMEL?? OMG I can just imagine what sasha would do with me breaking out a power tool?? do you use a grinding disk, cut off wheel, sorry all but cannot get the picture of that one in my head?


:-)


LoL not quite the chainsaw massacre
:D

The earlier you start cutting nails the easier it gets. Remember breeders start cutting nails on the pups at 3 weeks of age.

[PurposelyVague]

tink, i just trimmed a little bit at a time so i wouldn't go too far. hemi has black nails, so it's really hard to see the quick. but once you start trimming, if you see a dot in the middle of the nail that's when you should stop.


i have to say, i don't think hemi would go for a dremmel at all. he still barks at the blow dryer...

[katsnk9s]

I have tried EVERYTHING to cut my JRT's and MinPin's nails but to no avail. They go absolutely BALLISTIC when they even see the nail trimmer. I have no problems whatsoever w/the cats. Thing is the MinPin and my Lab both have black nails and my JRT and GSP have white nails. The JRTs nails are SOOOO long and sharp but she acts like you're killing/torturing her to try to get her to let her clip just one nail. So... I'll be buying a dremel. Not sure that' going to work either. She just doesn't like you touching her feet.. PERIOD !

[onedog]

You need to start as you mean to go on!

Handle the puppy parts - the feet - the ears - the mouth - the tail and the ears.

I made the mistake of not cutting my puppy's nails until she had been with me for a couple of weeks.

The vet "did" her nails while she was having her vaccinations/microchip etc., but I didn't do it for few weeks after that.

I had to bribe her with the cat biscuits, back then.

Now I can handle my litle girls feet, and cut her nails when they need to be cut.

It does mean that you have to sometimes just have the "things" in your hand and not use them, just so that the puppy is not in any way frightened of them - or indeed they are not a subject of curiousity.

I'm not sure if I make a lot of sense with this - but I have found that familiarity breeds (if not comptempt), at least acceptance.

PS - My puppy has black nails all round!

[tinkgirl0310]

tink, i just trimmed a little bit at a time so i wouldn't go too far. hemi has black nails, so it's really hard to see the quick. but once you start trimming, if you see a dot in the middle of the nail that's when you should stop.


i have to say, i don't think hemi would go for a dremmel at all. he still barks at the blow dryer...

Thanks for the tip. :D

I cut our cats nails before he got declawed and that didn't bother me. When it comes to my little baby :confused: I don't want to hurt him I guess. I tried filing them and he didn't like it too much. I"ll try trimmimg them a little bit and see how that goes. Thanks again.

[Chuy's dad]

I think my dog would be terrified of a dremel tool. He seems to be very sensitive to loud noises.
Whats the big deal with black nails ??

[lassie]

Whats the big deal with black nails ??

You can't see the quicks;)

[lassie]

You can always use a muzzle when cutting nails its not as bad as it sound LOL

[MayaCrazyGirl]

My husband has to hold ours while I trim. They are very squirmy. Both of mine have black nails. Oh what fun!

[KCat]

Since I first replied to this thread, we've had another nail trimming session. I was very cautious the first time so i really didn't cut them enough. Yao Ming was fine. Now and then he gets annoyed and pulls his paw away but otherwise he does well. He gets on his couch, I'm on the floor. This allows me to see the underside of his nails (black except for one) so I can see for sure that I'm not going to hit the quick. Then I file and smooth them. He gets a treat here and there throughout the process. I do this on nights that we can't go out and play in the back yard and it serves as a little bit of bonding time for us. Especially the filing which he cares nothing about at all.

If the dog has a favorite chew toy that might be a good distraction. We do handle his feet, ears, etc. a lot and he just doesn't care. Hubby will reach down and pick up his paw while YM is lying between us in the den. He can hold the paw up a few inches off the floor indefinitely. YM just seems to think of it as affection and attention.

Bayta was another matter. She hated having her paws touched much less her nails trimmed. I always trimmed them after a bath (softer then) and it was never fun. She was built such that for most of her nails I didn't have to lift her paws and could just clip them where she stood. She didn't appreciate that but it was easier than trying to actually grip her feet. She was a Dal and most of her nails were white so the quick was easy to see. And she was never aggressive about it. Just would jerk her feet away and somehow she could put all 50lbs onto the one paw I was trying to trim. :)

[lassie]

Mine runaway when i get the clippers out Cant understand why LOL.

[MayaCrazyGirl]

I forgot to mention and someone else may have already. But, keep a bar of soap handy and if it bleeds scrape the nail on it and it will stop. My vet told me about it and it works for all animals.;)

[lassie]

i use potasium pomamangate if the nail bleeds

[Mom to Lil Buddy]

My Dad's doxie always loved to play with his hands. When he was dying with cancer, the only way he could get her to leave him alone was to put the clippers on the couch with him, she would run and hid too!

[BratBoxers]

OK this isn't directed at anyone! But C'mon if your dog is scared of loud noises (which I find the dremel not very loud at all) Then wouldn't it make complete sense to introduce him/her to more sounds/ places and using a dremel IMO is a great place to start. No not all dogs will lay or sit while you dremel their nails but its less pain, can be lot easier for you, and they also scratch you less with them.

[Chuy's dad]

I agree, I am just concerned that if he is scared, he will likely be moving around a lot, and I would be worried about hurting him with it. I may try just having him next to me with it for a bit to see what his reaction is.

What kind of dremel tip do you use for this ? Is it just the sanding wheels ?

[BratBoxers]

120 grit so I think that would be a good grit for your dog (Looks to be small) but if that is too much try a lower grit. I use 120 and sometimes I use a chunkier grit but I dont remember what it was because I have used 120 for so long.

[Pauline46]

Okay, this is causing me some worry and concern.

My 6 month old collie does not want me to cut his nails. I knew it had to be done. I figured I better do it rather than have him terrified by having some stranger do it. So one day I held him down, with encouragment of course. Praise, soft talking and treats and I cut them by literally doing it one at a time by holding him tightly in my arms. It was not easy believe me and he struggled, but at the end I think he finally gave in to me.

I don't know if I did the right thing but I figured this is something that must be done to him weekly for the rest of his life. Long nails on a dog can cause problems.

Do you think I did the wrong thing here or have any of you had to do this as well?

[Rivsky]

I'm a complete and utter chicken and pay someone to cut River's nails for me - only had to do it twice so far and it's not that expensive - it's mainly for the dew claws!!! He HATES it - but last time the vet found out if she actually leaves his paws on the ground instead of trying to pick them up as well he goes along with the whole thing a little more cooperatively!

[kath]

Where did you buy tour dremels. I have been recommende the minimite which is cordless but no luck so far.

[lassie]

the sooner nails are cut on a pup the easier it is later on. Mine are first cut at 3 weeks when i have a litter.

[Kaos]

Okay, this is causing me some worry and concern.

My 6 month old collie does not want me to cut his nails. I knew it had to be done. I figured I better do it rather than have him terrified by having some stranger do it. So one day I held him down, with encouragment of course. Praise, soft talking and treats and I cut them by literally doing it one at a time by holding him tightly in my arms. It was not easy believe me and he struggled, but at the end I think he finally gave in to me.

I don't know if I did the right thing but I figured this is something that must be done to him weekly for the rest of his life. Long nails on a dog can cause problems.

Do you think I did the wrong thing here or have any of you had to do this as well?

I would work hard to have your pup accept giving you a paw and you handling it next to the clippers before you actually need to do the next trim. Pretend to clip a nail a couple of times a day until he thinks it is very ho hum and always earns a reward. By the next time you really need to clip them you shouldn't need to hold him down, he should be volunteering his paw and looking for his treat. Also, if a dog is nervous I would avoid doing all the nails in one go. Trim one paw - then take a break, come back to the next paw later the same day or even the next day, and make sure you lavish praise and yummy treats on him for helping you out.

[Pauline46]

Kaos, I think it's too late for that now......

Our vet cut his nails last time and he peed on the table.......:wtf:

[Kaos]

No, definitely not too late. One of my dogs had been growing progressively worse for three years with cutting his toe nails. He is a big dog and it got to the point that it took two people to hold him down while another one cut the nails - ridiculous and dangerous. Poor dog was so scared he was actually at the point of being ready to bite to defend himself (and this is an extremely amiable dog). With a different approach and some counter conditioning I am now able to cut the nails by myself with no force at all - he will willingly offer up his paws and I can tell you this is much less stressful for both of us.

[Dobi-Wan Kenobi]

No, definitely not too late. One of my dogs had been growing progressively worse for three years with cutting his toe nails. He is a big dog and it got to the point that it took two people to hold him down while another one cut the nails - ridiculous and dangerous. Poor dog was so scared he was actually at the point of being ready to bite to defend himself (and this is an extremely amiable dog). With a different approach and some counter conditioning I am now able to cut the nails by myself with no force at all - he will willingly offer up his paws and I can tell you this is much less stressful for both of us.

So how did you do this again? I am currently in the same boat. Roxxie hates having her nails cut and at 65lbs or so it takes sheer force to get even a few nails trimmed, she quirms so much. i have tried giving treats but she doesnt want anything to do with it. I dont know what her deal is she will let me touch her feet and nails just when she sees the clippers coming at her she freaks. Thanks in advance

[Kaos]

Ok - it is going to take some patience, but is really worth it as you will save yourself time and stress in the long run.

Its a great start if you can already touch her feet and nails. Now all you need to do is don't feed Roxxie one of her meals from her bowl for a week or so. Instead, get the clippers out and hand feed her her entire dinner with the other hand. As soon as the food runs out put the clippers away. Don't try to use them yet or even have them too close to her feet. She will soon change her emotional response to the clippers as they become simply a predictor of something good (food). When she wags her tail and looks happy when you get the clippers out you can start to progress. Pick up one paw and hold the clippers closer but don't cut. Feed her meal as you do this. When she is happy with you handling all four feet with the clippers next to them progress to touching her nail with the clippers but again don't cut. If at any stage you move too fast and she backs away from you or looks unhappy when the clippers come out you need to go back and repeat the previous stage a few times. Eventually when she is really happy with what you are doing cut one nail only. Make sure you cut only the very tiniest tip so as to ensure you can't make a mistake and cause any pain, feed her entire dinner by hand and then end the session. The next session you can do one nail on another foot. Eventually your dog should see the clippers and offer you a paw. I am now at the stage with my dog where he calmly sits for me and I clip one whole paw then give him one little treat, move onto the next one etc. Very easy compared to trying to force him to cooperate - I now don't even hold his collar.

[Dobi-Wan Kenobi]

ok i will give this a whirl. i have tried something similar to this, i would let give her a bone to chew on and lay the clippers next to her and she didnt have a problem it was when i actually tried to clip one or grab her paw when i had the clippers that she would freak out, but i will give it a try i am desperate at this point.

[Kaos]

Sounds like you were on the right track but moved too quickly. It may help initially if you can find a helper to sit by her head and shovel food while you handle the clippers and eventually her paw (as it can be hard to coordinate holding so much stuff and the food), or alternatively you could try smearing something on the fridge door or somewhere wipeable (peanut butter perhaps) for her to lick off while the clippers are near her.

It really does work, but you need to take very small steps in short sessions as often as possible. Forget actually trying to get the claws trimmed while you are working on the issue or it may make you rush things.

[MixedBreed]

Cassie has black nails also and is really strong. Initially I just tried to get her to submit to a nail clipping, but I quickly figured out that honey catches more flies than vinegar! I tried to get her 'used' to the clippers on my own, but I found that it was more effective if hubby kept her attention with food while I clipped. She knows the routine now, though she expects one piece of kibble per nail! She still isn't a big fan of it but it's a lot less painful than it was before.

[KatzNK9]

Ozzy has black nails & he hates it too ... I might have to give the ol' dremel method a try. Normally, we run his little butt of prior to clipping & get him while he's tired. Definitely a two person job ... one to keep him calm & the other with the nippers.

[Bucky]

No, definitely not too late. One of my dogs had been growing progressively worse for three years with cutting his toe nails. He is a big dog and it got to the point that it took two people to hold him down while another one cut the nails - ridiculous and dangerous. Poor dog was so scared he was actually at the point of being ready to bite to defend himself (and this is an extremely amiable dog). With a different approach and some counter conditioning I am now able to cut the nails by myself with no force at all - he will willingly offer up his paws and I can tell you this is much less stressful for both of us.

I posted for help with Oscar a few days ago as he is so bad. He had to be sedated at the vets last time I took him which I don't want to do again. What is a dremmel, and where can I get one from.

[KatzNK9]

You can find dremel rotary tools in just about any place that sells tools. There are zillions of uses for a dremel so it is a common tool easy to find. Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, etc. all will have them. Here's more info from dremel:

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/tools/tool-category.htm?H=188091

There are also other brands of rotary tools available.

[Nettie]

Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had all but given up on trimming the nails of our two beagles and mini schnauzer because it was so traumatic for us and the dogs. As a last resort we ordered the doggy dremel tool and it came today. We had also looked at a pet sling (hammock) online but it was quite pricey and not much to it so we decided to DIY it and make one ourselves. We used a 20" x 34" heavy duty throw rug and had each one of our dogs stand on the back side of it and marked where their paws were. We then cut four slots for their legs to go through, put heavy duty grommets in the corners and suspended dog and rug from "S" hooks and short lengths of chain from the porch swing frame. It was truly amazing. All three, from the 18lb schnauzer to the 40lb beagle were totally calm. No barking, biting, squirming, nothing. We had all the nails trimmed in no time. It is absolutely the perfect set up for the dogs and us. I had to join the forum just to let everyone know.

[eb4i]

Yep. Clip a couple, give a treat.

I find the best thing is confidence. Don't voice or hesitate, just go in and do your thing as if you had been doing it every day of your life since birth.

The dog will sense your confidence and calm down (The treats don't hurt either... positive re-enforcement doncahknow.) it's part of the pack drive thang.

[golden-lover]

I have no problem cutting nails as long as dog doesn't get his tongue in the way. I have to trim my 5 birds nails, so i'm more expirienced than the average personw ith clipping nails and just missing the quick.

[xcolbi]

Ahh, cutting nails. Colbi has black nails too, except on her back paws it goes black, white, black white, and one of them is black and white, split perfectly down the middle of her nail, lol. :p

[Harry]

Ok......daft statement time :D

Does every dog have to have their nails cut or does it depend on breed/activity?

I ask this, as Harry is my first dog, and he's 1 years old. When we first got him I read somewhere that a dog only needs his nails cut if you can't slide a piece of paper under them when he's standing.

Following this advice, I haven't needed to cut them - they're still quite a way off the ground! Is this correct advice I now wonder after reading all your posts :eek:

If they should have been cut, it is going to be a nightmare, I'm sure, as his nails are real thick and black :rolleyes:

He digs in the garden alot, and runs alot, so I figured he was just wearing them down naturally :D

[Kaos]

Some dogs will do enough exercise on hard surfaces like pavements that their nails stay in good shape without the need for us to intervene. If Harry's nails are off the ground and not starting to curl around and look long then he is probably fine. If in doubt just get you could always pop into your vets and ask if the vet nurse can have a quick look to confirm they don't need a trim.

[Nettie]

Harry, your dog sounds fine. If he is running and digging like you say, he is wearing down the front nails naturally. Back nails don't grow as fast as front nails and usually aren't a problem. Another way to tell, is if you hear his nails clicking when he walks on the floors of your house.

[LoveThatPom]

The stuff that makes the nail stop bleeding is called styptic pencil (in the US at least). You can get it in the men's shaving aisle, as it is also used for razor cuts.

I haven't cut Giana's nails... I don't have a dog nail cutter and honestly, most of her nails are black and I am terrified of cutting the quick! Gino went to a great groomer, and Giana will be going there as well ;) Best to leave these nails in the hands of a pro.

[Harry]

Many thanks for your advice Nettie & Kaos - from what you say, I think they are actually ok, although it wouldn't hurt to get a file to trim them a bit, so I'll do that.

I decided to tackle our 4 mth old puppy, Nala just now tho, as although her nails are still short, they're very sharp and pointed and can hurt us even tho she doesn't mean to, so I trimmed them with clippers. She initially squirmed a bit, so going by all of your advice, a one nail, one small piece of sausage approach worked a treat (excuse the pun!).

By the 4th foot, the focus was entirely on the sausage pot and not on the clippers :D Harry, my 1 yr old, he thought it was great, as every time she got a piece of sausage so did he (couldn't leave the poor lad out!) :)

I did notice one thing tho ..... one of her back feet has a fifth toe/nail, the other doesn't. Harry only has four toes on each back foot. Being a completely new mum last year, I assume Harry's paws are normal and Nala's not?!! :rolleyes:

[Whiskey's Mum]

I dont need to cut Whiske's nails, I just walk her on the tarmac when I take hr out and this keeps them trim!

[Rusty's Driver]

Using a Dremmel to trim toenails, wow, never heard of that? Are you talking about the tool, Dremmel, the electric file? Doesn't the noise bother them? You just use it to file them down?

[Nettie]

Using a Dremel to trim toenails, wow, never heard of that? Are you talking about the tool, Dremel, the electric file? Doesn't the noise bother them? You just use it to file them down?

Yep, it's a the doggy dremel tool. I ordered it online from Amazon. It runs on 4 AA batteries at a low (6000rpm's) and high speed (12000rpm's). Just a little buzzing noise which is nothing compared to the regular dremel tool. I've read reviews both pro and con. Some people don't like it, we LOVE it and wish we had gotten it a long time ago. Instructions say not to hold it on the nail longer than 3 seconds at a time to keep heat from building up and if your dog has long hair on it's paws to put a sock on the paw and poke the nails through one at a time. We found it easier to wet the paw hair down and just push it away from the nails.

[kujo]

I cut Kujo's nails when he is asleep. Believe me when I say he is then dead to the world. A brass band wont wake him up, otherwise he is too 'busy' for me to cut them. Also if the nail bleeds, the vet told me to just scrape his nail along a bar of soap, it blocks the blood from coming out.

[Maggie]

I filed Ambers yesterday as she slept. Only her Dewclaw's though.

[lenagroomer]

the best thing to remember is that confidence is key. if your dog feels that you are nervous or anything, then they are going to react to that. also, sometimes its easier to use a sneak approach. flip the paw under like a horse hoof and go from behind where the dog can not see the clippers. there are many techniques, it just depends on how the dog reacts and how you feel most comfortable. also, some dogs prefer the dremel over clippers, so you may choose to just dremel them to the desired length. also positive reinforcement always helps. treat them while you are cutting the nails.


hope that helps

[vetbabe88]

Lol it sure is a pain in the butt! But what i do if they have black nails is take a wet paper towel and wet it.. wipe the dog's nail and the vein that you're NOT supposed to touch or even get really close to.. will show up easier for you. But if you do them regularly..then you should only have to just snip the little sharp edge.. or even just file them (if your dog will hold still for ya).

[Sup2a]

try to get the dogs to love the nailclippers, my friends dog never forgave him when he clipped the quick, it was a mission just to get the dog to clip its nails again
i don't mind it with my docile whippets its just that i cant find the things!

[merk]

hey, i was just going to post a new thread when i noticed this. I saw an advertisement on tv the other day for nail clipping called peticure www.peticure.com (http://www.peticure.com). It basically seems like a dremmel but with a plastic guard around it so the toe (or your fingers) cant accidentally bump up against it.

has anyone used/heard of this? Is it worth getting? It's about the same price as the cheaper dremmel. I looked online and it did get some bad reviews about the battery dying very quickly. But as long as the battery lasts long enough to do my dog once i dont mind. It seems like most of the complaints were from professional groomers and it was dying after repeated use. I'm only going to be using it on one dog so i dont care if the battery needs to be recharged after 1 or 2 sessions.

plus from the feedback i saw, it looks like the company resolved the issue with the battery after the complaints started coming in.

I have been using clippers, but this sounds like a safer way to do it. Plus i wasn't aware that clipping could hurt. I thought it would only hurt them if you hit the quick. And if this is less painful i get that. My dog really does not like getting her nails clipped, which makes me really nervous about doing them because if she jerks her paw as i clip, it could clip too close to the quick, which makes me slower in clipping, which makes it worse for her so she struggles more etc etc.