Dogs are frequently thought to be joyful animals who will go along with anything.
Dogs are, without a doubt, among of the happiest pets I've ever seen, but they also have strong ideas about what they enjoy and detest.
If you're thinking the same thing about your nervous dog,
Keep reading to find out how to sedate a dog for nail cutting and if it's right for your pet.
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Can I use Benadryl to clip my dog's 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.
Should You Put Your Dog to Sleep Before You Trim Their Nails?
Is it okay to sedate dogs before trimming their nails to reduce anxiety?
It's understandable if the prospect of sedating your dog makes you feel uneasy.
The word is commonly used when dogs are put to sleep for major surgery, but it is also used for nail treatments.
Here are some pros and drawbacks to help you decide.
Advantages of Sedation
The most important advantage of sedation is that it protects both you and your dog.
Dogs that go into self-defense mode when they see nail clippers shouldn't be able to fight you when sharp things are there.
When you sedate your dog, you'll also receive better outcomes.
So you don't clip the quick, you can hold their paws at any angle and get a good look at them.
If it happens anyway, bandage their toe before they wake up.
If your dog reacts aggressively to nail clippers or shows signs of nervousness when they see them in your hand, you should consider sedating them.
If your dog exhibits the following symptoms, they may be suffering from an anxiety attack:
- Drooling Excessively
- bladder or bowel movements that are uncontrollable
- Aggression is defined as acts of violence.
When you sedate your dog, as long as you know what you're doing, they'll have a safe and happy experience.
Sedation's Drawbacks
When it comes to medication, there are always certain hazards for the person or animal using it.
If you don't want to sedate your dog because:
- You don't know how to calculate the dosage.
- They've had negative anesthesia encounters in the past.
- You're concerned that the sedative will cause difficulties with your health.
Any inquiries you have concerning your dog's health, current medicines, or anesthesia history should be directed to your dog's veterinarian.
They'll assist you in determining whether or not sedation is appropriate for your dog.
When Your Dog Shouldn't Be Sedated
If you're not sure what you're doing or have any concerns about how it can affect your dog's health, you should never sedate them.
There are a few other risks to be aware of if you sedate your dog.
Dangers That Could Happen
Some people mistakenly believe that sedation and anesthesia are not the same thing.
It's both a type of general anesthetic that puts your dog to sleep.
Dogs can have negative reactions to various types of anesthesia, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Blood pressure that is too low
- Heart rate is low.
- Breathing is shallow.
You can always phone or see your dog's veterinarian to discuss your worries, especially if your dog already has heart or blood pressure problems.
A Dog is Sedated for Nail Cutting
Here are a few choices you might try at home now that you've studied the benefits and drawbacks of sedating your dog.
Benadryl should be given to them.
Sentry allergy relief antihistamine diphenhydramine is widely used to sedate dogs.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCL) is a typical anti-anxiety medication.
This may imply breaking a pill into tiny pieces.
Never give your dog a liquid version of Benadryl that contains alcohol or a time-release Benadryl tablet that contains alcohol.
The following are examples of possible negative effects:
- Mouth is parched
- Heart rate has increased.
- Breathing quickly
Benadryl should help your dog doze off before their next manicure if you give it to them in a controlled dose.
Allow them to experiment with Dramamine.
Dramamine NausX dimenhydrinate USP antiemetic Dramamine (dimenydrinate) is another medicine that can be used to treat motion sickness in dogs, which is commonly induced by stress and anxiety.
It's always a good idea to call your veterinarian and inquire for a dose recommendation, although dogs can typically take 1.9-3.6 mg per pound[6].
After using Dramamine, your dog may experience the following negative effects:
- Retention of urine
- Mouth is parched
- Diarrhea
Never give your dog the non-drowsy, all-natural type of Dramamine, as it contains a lot of ginger and isn't suitable for canines.
Get a prescription for Acepromazine.
Acepromazine is a prescription anti-anxiety medication that your vet may give your dog if over-the-counter treatments don't assist with their anxiety.
Depending on your veterinarian's ultimate decision, it can be given as a pill or as an injection.
If your dog is given acepromazine, they may have side effects.
- Blood pressure that is too low
- Hyperactivity
- Urine that is temporarily stained
Before approaching your veterinarian about this prescription drug, try over-the-counter choices first, as they will most likely urge you to try more common kinds of sedation first.
Alternatives to Consider
If you don't want to sedate your dog, there are a few alternatives you can try to make the nail clipping process go more smoothly for everyone.
Purchase a Nail Grinder.
The rotary barrels act as sandpaper against your dog's nails.
They vibrate and emit a small amount of noise, but there is no clipping.
Once they've grown accustomed to the sound of the nail grinder, many dogs find this to be a more convenient option.
Because not all nail grinders are created equal, do your homework and choose the best one for your dog.
Invest in a Collar Stand.
To keep dogs calm when grooming their nails, most groomers utilize a collar stand.
You can choose one that attaches to a wall or one that attaches to a floor stand.
Make a Sling
If your dog continues to wriggle in their collar stand, a sling can be used to hold them still.
It gives you more full-body control without putting your dog in an uncomfortable position.
Check read our tutorial on how to confine a dog to clip its nails for additional details on this procedure.
Treat Training is a good option.
Anxiety-relieving chews aid in treat training and make nail clipping easier.
Give your dog a reward after each snip of the nail cutter and tell them how wonderful they are so they learn that nail clipping isn't that awful.
Start this training when you're clipping your nails in the air.
They'll see that the clippers aren't dangerous, and that the noise isn't anything to be concerned about.
Conclusion
Many dogs benefit from sedation during nail trimming sessions, but it isn't the only option.
Once you've considered the benefits and drawbacks of sedation and decided if it's good for your dog, you can look into other options if necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns about how sedation can effect your dog's health, always see your dog's veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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.
What can I give my dog to calm him down to cut his nails?
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.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog to sedate?
The typical dosage is 1 mg per pound, given two to three times per day.
Beginning with a half dose to see how much it sedates the dog the first time is generally recommended by veterinarians.