Sedate your pup and use a pair of high-quality nail clippers to do the job yourself. If your dog is still stubborn, do not force the situation. Wait for another time or another day to try cutting his nails again. Train your dog to get comfortable around the nail clippers before trimming the nails.
Treats –Having a few treats on hand might seem a bit obvious. However, treating your dog during nail trimming is a great way to distract him from what is going on. Natural peanut butter on a spoon will keep them preoccupied while you work. Treats also work as a reinforcement.
Unless there is a medical reason not to sedate your dog, your vet should be able to do a sedated trim. Being sedated should make the nail trim process less traumatic for your pup.
Many pet owners go through this, so most veterinarians and professional groomers suggest sedation medication for nail-clipping sessions. So, let's go through the process of sedation of dogs during nail trimming and all the related costs that come with it.
A dog's aversion to having their paws handled is instinctive – in the wild, a wounded paw could be the difference between life and death. Naturally, dogs feel the need to protect their paws and even the sweetest, most well-trained dogs can react negatively to a nail trim.
Gabapentin is a medication that can be used for several purposes, including seizure control, anxiety relief, sedation, and pain management. It's a common dog sedative for grooming, travel, vet visits, and other short-term events. Gabapentin is generally considered safe in healthy pets, with minimal side effects.
Many groomers use petting or a soft voice to try to calm the dogs. Some dogs can be aggressive in grooming situations because they're afraid. Dogs act aggressive in situations where they are confused or afraid, and a good groomer will make your aggressive dog feel comfortable before beginning to groom.
Relaxing music/ Familiar sounds
If you have nervous or unsettled dogs visiting your salon, ask their owners for something familiar to help calm them. Whether it's the music they hear at home or noises they're used to, relaxing, familiar sounds can help a dog relax and distract them from stressful situations.
Nail neglect can lead to pain and health risks for your four-legged friend, including a splayed foot, reduced traction, pain when walking, and worse, deformed feet and injuries. So, how can you practice safe dog nail cutting at home? This article will give you advice on how to keep your dog's nails in check.
The amount of time between nail trims depends on how quickly your dog's nails grow and how quickly they are worn down. The average dog should have his nails clipped every three to four weeks, but it should be done as often as needed to keep the nail from touching the ground when your dog is standing.
Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once monthly. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go a bit longer between nail trims, because walking on a hard, rough surface can help file the nail.
Keeping your dog's nails trimmed consistently is very important, because a lack of regular nail trimming can cause an overgrown quick. Without regular nail care, the quick will advance inside the nail and may even advance enough to match the end of the nail's outer shell!
The Techniques for Hyper Dogs Method
Exercise your hyper dog before grooming to burn off excess energy, a tired dog is more likely to stay still for a grooming session. Be gentle and firm, but do not yell at or punish a hyper dog as this only increases excitement and makes the behavior worse.
No groomer should administer sedatives to your dog unless a vet prescribed the drug for that particular animal. Doing so is in breach of the law!
Desensitizing their pet to grooming sounds – Desensitization is an effective technique for treating animal anxiety. For grooming, this can involve running nail clippers or a blow dryer next to the pet in short intervals and rewarding them with a treat afterwards.
Give your dog melatonin for a natural, over-the-counter option. This natural supplement that many humans take to help them sleep can be helpful for sedating dogs as well. If your dog weighs less than 5 kg (11 lb), give it 1 mg of melatonin. If your dog weighs 5–15 kg (11–33 lb), give it 1.5 mg.
Over-the-counter medications are a viable option for treating dog anxiety. Some of the best OTC anti-anxiety medications include Benadryl, Dramamine, and Melatonin. Many of the OTC medications for anxious dogs are for humans but most of them are safe for use in dogs.
Get your dog used to being handled.
Work with your dog at home to get him used to being handled before you take him to the groomer. Pair a predictor word, like “ears,” with a gentle touch on that specific area; reward your dog with a treat during or immediately after giving the cue and handling the area.
Begin to desensitize them to what they'll experience at the groomer by showing your pup clippers at home and gently touching your dog near their paws. Over time, they should become less fearful of those things.
Many things may cause stress, so try playing some music to lighten the mood. Lastly, let him play for a while before grooming. If he's happy, relaxed and enjoying the playful integration, there's a greater chance that he'll stay still during the session.
Although some dogs may feel down after grooming, this quickly goes away and they truly appreciate the benefits of grooming. Read on to find out more about the benefits of regular dog grooming and the increase in happiness this provides.