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Of all the canine grooming tasks, nail trims tend to be the most dreaded by pet parents. If your dog hates pedicures, the stress levels will only increase. For anyone who’s ever wondered how to cut an uncooperative dog’s nails, this article is for you.
Keep reading for a handy guide to cutting your dog’s nails, which should help even if they currently resist the process. We’ll also explain why keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is important, just in case you’re tempted to avoid it entirely!
Before You Begin
Before you attempt any stressful dog-related task, you and your pet must be in the right mindset to be successful. For energetic dogs, ensure they have been well exercised and are a bit tired before attempting a nail trim.
Don’t try to trim their nails while there are other people or pets around that could stress them out. A hungry dog may be even less cooperative than usual so make sure your pup is well-fed before you trim their nails.
You should also be relaxed and not in a hurry as you prepare to trim your dogs’ nails. Make sure you have all the supplies you need before getting started, including:
- Nail trimmers or grinder
- Styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch (to stop bleeding)
- Treats
- One or more trusted humans to assist you
- Towel or blanket
How to Cut an Uncooperative Dog’s Nails
1. Phone a Friend
If your dog doesn’t want to cooperate and hold still for nail trims, a straightforward solution is to ask one or more trusted humans to help you. To minimize stress, try to choose someone your dog is already familiar with. Your assistant can hold your dog during the nail trim.
Wrapping your dog in a towel or blanket may calm them and make it easier to hold an extra-wiggly pup. A third person can also be helpful in distracting your dog. They can feed your dog treats, talk to them, or rub their head to keep their attention away from the nail trim.
If your dog continues to struggle and stress out even with the help of an assistant, don’t push the issue. You don’t want your dog to have a negative experience.
2. Use Desensitization Techniques
Many dogs don’t cooperate with nail trims because they fear the process, the nail trimmers, the sound, or don’t like their feet to be touched full stop. Taking the time to desensitize your dog to these triggers can make nail trims easier in the long term.
Your goal is to get your dog used to the steps of the nail trimming process and to help them reframe it as a positive experience in their mind. Whenever you are petting your dog, try to handle their toes and feet while speaking to them calmly. Feed your dog treats when you touch their paws, too, so they associate tasty food with handling their feet.
Once your dog tolerates having their feet handled regularly, introduce the nail trimmers and allow your dog to get used to them. Don’t try to trim yet; just let your dog inspect the trimmers. Gradually progress to touching your dog with the nail trimmers and holding their foot with the trimmers in the other hand.
3. Take Your Time
Once you’re ready to start trimming your uncooperative dog’s nails, take your time with the process. At first, you may only be able to cut one nail at a time, but that’s okay. Once your dog willingly accepts having one nail trimmed, move on to attempting two or three at a time and on from there.
You can stop trimming before your dog gets to the point of becoming uncooperative. You want them to understand that cooperating is better than struggling because the trimming will be over quickly.
4. Experiment with Different Trimming Positions
Try to find the body position where your dog is most comfortable for nail trimming. Some dogs may be more comfortable standing or sitting. Others may be more relaxed lying on their side. Forcing your dog into a position that makes them nervous will likely make them more uncooperative. Always make sure that you are in a comfortable position too and that you have plenty of light and space. You want to give yourself the best chance of trimming the nails successfully without cutting any too short.
5. Be Generous with Treats
Treats and other rewards are your best tools when trimming an uncooperative dog’s nails. They can be used to distract your dog and teach them that nail trims equal delicious things to eat instead of stress. Try smearing a lick mat with peanut butter or canned food and letting your pup work on that while you trim.
6. Consider Alternatives
If your dog won’t tolerate nail trims or becomes aggressive during the procedure, you may need to consider alternative solutions. That might mean using a nail grinder instead of traditional clippers.
Some dogs prefer grinders over clippers. You can also teach your dog how to use a scratchboard to file their own nails down. Your vets and vet nurses will be happy to help you if you can’t manage to trim your dog’s nails at home, so don’t be embarrassed to request help.
If you have any questions, you can also chat with a vet online for advice on the best course of action.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
Why Is It Important to Cut My Dog’s Nails?
As tempting as skipping nail care for an uncooperative dog might be, keeping your dog’s claws short is essential. When your dog’s nails are too long, they can easily break or get snagged and torn off.
Long nails can also make walking harder for your dog, especially if they’re older or the surface is slick. In extreme cases, the nails can grow so long that they curl into your dog’s paw pad.
How Often Should I Cut My Dog’s Nails?
How often you cut your dog’s nails depends on how fast they grow and whether your dog wears them down on their own. Dogs who spend a lot of time walking or running on rough surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete, can keep their nails short enough that their owners don’t have to trim them at all, or at least, as often.
Typically, dogs should have their nails checked and trimmed if necessary about once a month. Take an eye-level look at your dog’s paws. If the nails touch the ground, it’s probably time for a trim.
Conclusion
The steps in this article can help you trim an uncooperative dog’s nails. Keep in mind that teaching your dog to accept the trimming can be a long process. Be patient and stay positive. If you’re a new puppy parent, do yourself a favor and start handling your pup’s feet and trimming their nails now. Puppies who learn to tolerate nail trims early are more likely to grow into cooperative adult dogs.
Featured Image Credit: ABO PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock
