It's preferable to have two sets of hands ready if you need to restrain your dog because they're too wiggly.
If your dog is afraid of having his nails clipped during nail trimming session, you should concentrate on desensitizing him to having their nails cut.
Your dog is violent and has been muzzle trained, muzzle him first.
If your dog hasn't been muzzle trained yet, it's a good place to start.
Meanwhile, have your vet clip your dog's nails until you can do it safely at home.
There are various safe ways to restrain your dog so you may cut his nails gently; I've included the best three alternatives below.
However, because your dog's size and strength are important factors, not all strategies will work for all canines and their owners.
Some dogs may have a negative reaction to restraining tactics, so you may need to experiment to determine what works best for you and your dog.
It's also understandable that some dogs will need to be desensitized to being restrained.
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What to do if dog ‘s refuses to let trim his nails?
There are several ways to make nail trimming on your dog less difficult.
Use a different model or type of nail clipper or a Dremel instead of a clipper to desensitize your dog to it.
If your dog is highly aggressive and you are scared he will bite you, the best place to start is with your primary veterinarian.
How To Restrain A Dog – Good For Clipping Nails
Here's a sample video on how to restrain your dog. Check it out!
3 Methods To Restrain Your Dog While Nail Clipping
The Burritos Method
For little to small to medium-sized dogs, the burrito approach works nicely.
It's also a great approach for nail trimming your dog's nails on your own.
What you'll require:
- Nail Clipping Instruments (Nail Clippers)
- Lightweight Blanket or Large Towel
The blanket or towel should be large enough to wrap tightly around your dog.
Using a blanket or towel that is overly thick, on the other hand, will prevent you from getting a decent fit.
Step 1:
Depending on the size of your dog, lay the towel or blanket on the ground or on your lap.
Step 2:
Lay your dog down on the blanket on his or her back or side.
Step 3:
Tightly wrap your dog, as if swaddling a baby, leaving only their front paws and head exposed.
To keep the wrap in place, tuck the end of the blanket under your dog.
Step 4:
Start with the front paws and clip your dog's nails.
Step 5:
Nail trim your dog's hind paws by unrolling the bottom of the burrito.
Remember to praise your dog throughout the procedure, but do it calmly and confidently; you don't want your dog to become excited and wiggly.
Restraint on the Side Method
This constraint may cause your dog some discomfort, but it is not painful when nail trimming using dog nail clippers.
For larger dogs who are unable to use the tortilla method, this method works nicely.
The side restraint method is most effective when two individuals are involved, although it can also be done with only one person.
What you'll require:
- Nail Clipping Instruments (Nail Trimmer)
Step 1:
Call your dog over to you and request that they lay down.
Step 2:
Pull your dog to one side, away from you, with their legs pointed away from you.
Step 3:
Gently but firmly rest your forearm around their neck at the base of their head, just before the elbow.
You'll need just enough pressure to prevent them from raising their head, but not enough to injure or choke them.
Step 4:
Grab both of their front dogs paw with the arm that is lying on their neck.
Step 5:
Rest your forearm right before the elbow across their hips with your other arm to keep them from sliding over.
Step 6:
Grab their hind legs with the same arm that is supporting their hips.
If you're working alone, you'll want to lay on the floor with all of your nail clipping supplies between their front and rear legs.
When you're alone, you'll only be able to handle one or two paws at a time.
If your dog is aggressive, make sure he or she is muzzled first.
Grooming station with a sturdy arm to keep the dog restrained while the nails are being trimmed
Hammock for Grooming Method
Small to medium-sized dogs will benefit from a grooming hammock.
For large dog, larger grooming hammocks are available, but you'll need two persons to get them hooked in.
What you'll require:
- Nail Clipping Instruments
- Kit for making a hammock
- Grooming Table with a Protective Arm
Step 1:
Place the grooming arm on your grooming table.
Step 2:
Arrange the hammock on the table such that you can insert your dog's feet in the holes when you lift them onto the table.
Step 3:
Stand your dog on the hammock and insert each of his or her feet into the openings, then lift the fabric around them like a vest.
Step 4:
Elevate your dog to link to the hammock on the grooming arm.
Step 5:
Trim your dog's claws.
Your dog does not need to be lifted high over the table when in their hammock. In fact, only a few inches is ideal.
You just do not want their feet to contact the table.
The Best Dog Nail Grinders on the Market
When it comes to clipping your dog's nails, there are a few things to keep in mind.
When trimming your dog's nails, there are a few things to bear in mind:
Maintain an optimistic attitude. To make the work more fun, bring treats, chews, or canned food.
Work your way up to trimming their nails without confining them — neither you nor your dog enjoys being restrained. Plus, if you can do it with treats instead, it's a lot easier.
Stop the process if your dog becomes stressed; you don't want to make their nail clipping experience worse.
If you're not sure how to cut your dog's nails or are uncomfortable doing so, start here. Otherwise, nail trimmings can turn into a nightmare for both of you.
Always have a blood stopper on hand. Even the most expert groomers sometimes make blunders
Try to trim your dog's nails after they've been weary, such as after a day at daycare or a walk — I usually do Mira's after a run.
Conclusion
For many years, restraining a dog to cut its long nails was a normal procedure.
It wasn't until lately that people discovered that some dogs do just fine without it, if not better.
You are not alone if you need to restrict your dog. However, make sure you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your dog.
With the right tone and treats, restraining your dog may also be turned into a positive training experience.
Use styptic powder in case you cut the quick of your dogs nails with the styptic pencil.
If you're not sure how to confidently and safely restrain your dog as the dog owner, seek advice from a groomer or a veterinarian.
They'll be more than pleased to show you how.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I give my dog Benadryl to 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.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog to sedate?
2-4 mg of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times a day, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
This dosage, however, may vary based on your dog's medical condition.
How can I sedate my dog?
Supplements for dogs that contain L-theanine, melatonin, Zylkene (hydrolyzed milk protein), or other relaxing ingredients.
DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) is a pheromone that emits relaxing dog scent signals.
A Thundershirt or other body wrap that mimics swaddling might bring comfort.