Trimming your dog's nails isn't something you should do haphazardly.
Pets, unlike humans, must be psychologically prepared before cutting their nails.
If you don't do things correctly, your pet is likely to protest.
You even run the risk of your dog biting you if you don't cut his nails.
It may appear to be simple, but dogs are often distracted, and they are hesitant to remain still when you whip out your nail clippers.
Instead, sedate your dog before beginning the nail clipping process.
This will quiet your dog and make the operation simpler for both of you.
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Can I give Benadryl to my dog to help him clip his nails?
Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCL) is a regularly used anti-anxiety medication in dogs.
It's not intended for daily use, but it will help calm your dog down when it's time to clip their nails.
Dogs should take 2-4 mg of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
STOP SEDATING YOUR DOG Video! – How to trim your dog’s nails
Here is a video for you to learn how to do it.
The sedation procedure
Sedatives available over the counter
You can sedate your dog for nail trimming with a variety of over-the-counter medications.
During nail clipping, your dog does not need to be terrified or nervous.
Sedatives work by blocking the central nervous system, making the dog feel calm and relaxed.
Use the appropriate dosage for your dog's size.
Large dogs, for example, will require a higher dose than a toy or small dog.
- Benadryl – when your pet is apprehensive about having its nails clipped, this moderate antihistamine sedative can assist.
- Melatonin pills might help your dog relax by regulating his or her biological clock.
- Natural Sedation Methods – natural relaxants include California poppy, chamomile, rosemary, and valerian.
- Bite of serenity
Alternatively, try these dog-friendly natural sedative options.
They help to quiet your dog's anxiety, and you won't have to worry about it resenting nail clippers while it's relaxed.
Make chamomile tea for him and serve it to him.
Alternatively, soak your dog's favorite goodies in chamomile tea and give them to him to eat.
Combine chamomile, skullcap, catnip, and hot water for a more relaxing chamomile tea.
Pour a little honey and give it to the dog when it’s warm.
Dogs get so anxious, and you can use this herb to calm their nerves before trimming their nails.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy soothes and aids in the sleep of your dog.
Massage your dog with lavender oil to help it relax.
Make careful to use your hands to massage the back of its head.
Don't forget to massage the base of your spine as well.
This reduces cortisol production, lowering stress levels in your dog.
You can prepare your clippers, nail file, or nail grinder if your dog is quiet enough.
Pheromones
Use products that contain this hormone to give your dog the motherly aroma he requires to stay calm and soothed.
Supplements
To keep your dog asleep before the nail trimming exercise, use medications like melatonin.
Toe nail clipping
When using nail trimmers or dog nail grinders, be especially cautious not to injure your pet.
Use stainless steel nail clippers or scissors with sharp blades.
Place your dog in a relaxed position.
You can either let him sit on your lap or take him in your arms.
If you can't clip his nails while holding him by yourself, seek assistance.
Determine the optimal nail-cutting range.
Cut the nail with metal clippers, bit by bit, until you reach the safety stop point.
The easiest approach to ensure that your dog enjoys the process is to give him treats at each stage.
The dog will be more relaxed as a result of this, as he will be waiting for you to complete each step.
It's time to stop trimming when you reach the black spot on the nail.
Avoid trimming until you reach the very soft, fast, innervated, and vascularized inner section of the nail.
If you cut the quick by accident, you will injure your dog and cause bleeding in the dog's foot.
Remember that the next time your dog sees clippers, he will most likely run away.
Precautions
Accidents happen, and it's possible that you'll cut the dog and cause some bleeding.
Do not be alarmed if you notice the quick of your nail is bleeding.
Apply some pressure to the nail's tip.
You can also use Styptic powder to cover the nail.
Another option is to apply ice cubes to the injured region.
Consult a veterinarian before using over-the-counter sedatives on your dog.
Consult your veterinarian to establish the proper dosage.
Have patience when trimming the nails and go carefully so you don't damage the puppy.
When clipping the nail, keep an eye out for two black dots in the centre.
The quick begins between these two dots.
Alternatives to nail clipping
- Get your dog some rough rugs to scratch on. Its nails will be clipped and filed without it being aware of it.
- Get mats that are meant to wear down your pet's long nails.
- Get some sandpaper and lay it down on the ground for your dog to scratch at.
- Be careful and keep an eye on him.
- Try trimming its nails as it sleeps. Even when asleep, dogs' feet are delicate, so proceed with caution.
- Use a clipper that doesn't create any noise to cut your dog's nails when he's asleep.
- To trim the nail, use Dremel tools instead of nail clippers.
Give your dog a treat as a reward
Your dog stood still long enough for you to nail trim his nails.
Reward your dog with a goodie to show your gratitude.
This will please him and encourage him to cooperate the next time his nails need to be clipped.
To cut your dog's nails, sedate him
When your dogs nail are long and need to be cut, it's easy to detect.
There's no need to pay a groomer or your veterinarian a lot of money to have your dog's nails clipped.
To do the task yourself, sedate your dog or use dog tranquilizer pills and use a pair of high-quality nail clippers.
If your dog continues to be obstinate, don't force the issue.
Try cutting his nails again at a later time or on a different day.
Before you try to cut your dog's nails, train him to be comfortable around the nail clippers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you cut an unwilling dog's nails?
Begin by softly, but firmly, grasping your dog's paws.
Start cutting in extremely little parts with your clippers at a 45-degree angle away from the nail.
Stop cutting as soon as you notice a small gray-ish dot in your nail.
How can I safely sedate my dog?
Squirting the injectable, liquid form of acepromazine between the dog's gums and cheek could be a better option.
The medicine is absorbed through the mucosal membranes of the mouth, resulting in more consistent sedation.
How do groomers deal with difficult dogs?
Most groomers have muzzles on available for the toughest dogs, and aggressive dogs are restrained with a loop.
Groomers shear the dog swiftly and try to wait until she is still to avoid accidently cutting her.
The groomer may cut your dog's nails after the clippers are put away.