Sedate your pup before using dog nail clippers

Trimming your dogs’ nails isn’t an activity you should do without planning. Unlike human beings, pets need to be psychologically prepared before you cut their nails. Chances are good that your pet will resist if you don’t do things right. You even run the risk your dog will bite to avoid having his nails trimmed. It might sound easy to do, but dogs get distracted easily, and they are reluctant to sit still when you pull out your nail clippers.

Instead, sedating your pup before you start nail trimming will calm down your dog and make the process enjoyable for them and easier for you.

Sedation process

Over the counter sedatives

There are many over the counter drugs out there. You can get one for your dog to keep him calm and ready for nail clipping. Your pet doesn’t need to be scared anymore. They block the central nervous system, therefore, making the dog relaxed and comfortable.

1. Benadryl: This mild antihistamine sedative helps keep your pet calm when it is nervous about clipping his nails.
2. Valium: Valium or Diazepam is given to pets to relax and calm them
3. Melatonin supplement: They help regulate body rhythm and help calm down your dog.
4. Natural Sedation Methods Herbs
5. Calming bites

These natural sedation methods have a calming effect on a dog. They help in calming dog nerves, and you don’t have to worry about it resenting to nail clippers when calm.

Prepare chamomile tea and give it to him. Alternatively, soak its favorite treats in the chamomile tea and let him eat it. For a more relaxing chamomile tea, mix it with skullcap and catnip and hot water. 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 relaxes and helps in falling asleep. Use some lavender oil for massaging it to calm it down. Make sure to massage the back of its head using your hands. Don’t forget to massage down the base of the spine. When your dog is calm enough, you can get your clippers ready. It reduces the production of cortisol, reducing the stress on your dog.

 Pheromones

Use products containing this hormone to provide your dog with the motherly scent it needs to keep him calmer and reassured.

 Supplements

Use supplements like melatonin to keep your dog sedated before the nail clipping exercise.

Clipping the nails

During the nail clipping process, be extra careful not to hurt your pet accidentally. It is advisable to use sharp nail clippers for a quicker process.

Put your dog in a comfortable position. You can let him sit on your lap or hold him. Get help from someone if you are unable to cut his nails by yourself while holding him.

Identify the ideal cutting range for the nails. Use metal clippers and cut the nail bit by bit. The best way to keep your dog to enjoy the process is by rewarding in every step. This way, it will stay calmer, waiting for you to finish each step.

When you reach the black place, it’s time to stop the clipping. Avoid clipping till you reach the Quick, the innervated and vascularized inner part of the nail which is very soft. If you end up cutting this part accidentally by clippers, you will be hurting your dog and dogs. Remember, the next time they see clippers, they won’t stay. Still, it’s better to do it carefully.

Precautions

Accidents are inevitable, and sometimes you might end up cutting the dog and cause some bleeding. If you realize the nail’s quick is bleeding, do not panic. Put some pressure on the tip of the nail. You can also dip the nail in Styptic powder.

Another alternative would be placing ice cubes on the wounded area.

When using over the counter drugs to sedate your dog seek advice from a vet. Consult with your vet to determine the correct dosage.

When clipping the nails, have patience, and do it slowly, taking care not to hurt the pup. When you reach the middle of the nail when trimming, watch out for two dark dots. These two dots are where the quick starts.

Alternative nail clipping methods

• Get rough mats for your dog to scratch on. This way, its nails will get trimmed and filed without it realizing. Get mats designed to wear down long nails of pets.
• Get sandpaper and place it on the ground and let your dog scratch on it, be careful and supervise.
• Try clipping its nails during sleeping time. Be cautious while doing this as dogs are very sensitive even when sleeping. For a more effective way to cut its nails while sleeping, use a clipper that makes no sound.
• Replace nail clippers with Dremel tools to trim down the nail.

Reward your dog with a treat

Your dog managed to stay still and let you cut his nails. Show your appreciation by rewarding your pup a treat. This will not only make him happy but also motivate him to cooperate the next time his nails need clipping again. 

Conclusion

It’s easy to notice when your dog’s nails are long and need to be clipped. There is no need to spend a lot of money paying a groomer or your vet to clip your dog’s nails. Sedate your pup and use a good pair of 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 trying to trim the nails.

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean