7 ways to sedate your dog to keep him calm while using nail clippers

Trimming your dogs’ nails isn’t an activity you should do without planning. Unlike human beings, you need to prepare dogs before you cut their nails psychologically. Chances are good that your pet will resist if you don’t do things right. You even run the risk your dog will bite you 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, if you sedate your dog before you start the nail trimming process, your dog will be calmer, and trimming his nails will be easier for both of you.

Sedation process

Over the counter sedatives

There are many over-the-counter drugs out there that you can use to sedate your dog for nail trimming. Your dog doesn’t need to be scared or nervous during nail trimming. Sedatives block the central nervous system, therefore, making the dog relaxed and comfortable.

Be sure to use the correct dose for your dog’s size. For example, large dogs will need a bigger amount than a toy or small dog.

1. Benadryl: This mild antihistamine sedative helps keep your pet calm when it is nervous about clipping its nails.
2. Melatonin supplements: Help regulate body rhythm and help calm down your dog.
3. Natural Sedation Methods: Herbs like California poppy, chamomile, rosemary, or valerian are natural relaxants.
4. Calming bites

Or try these natural sedation methods that have a calming effect on a dog. They help calm dog nerves, and you don’t have to worry about your dog reacting nail clippers when it’s calm.

Prepare chamomile tea and give it to him. Alternatively, soak your dog’s favorite treats in the chamomile tea and let him eat it. For a more relaxing chamomile tea, mix it with a skullcap, 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 your dog fall asleep. Use some lavender oil for massaging your dog to calm it down. Make sure to rub the back of its head using your hands. Don’t forget to stroke down the base of the spine. Massaging helps stop the production of cortisol, reducing the stress on your dog. When your dog is calm enough, you can get your clippers, nail file, or nail grinder ready. 

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

Be extra careful not to hurt your pet accidentally when using nail trimmers or dog nail grinders. Use clippers or scissors with sharp, stainless steel blades. 

Put your dog in a comfortable position. You can let the dog 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 until you reach the safety stop point. The best way to help your dog enjoy the process is by rewarding him at every step. This way, the dog will stay calmer, waiting for you to finish each step.

When you reach the black place on the nail, it’s time to stop clipping. Avoid clipping till you reach the quick, innervated, and vascularized inner part of the nail, which is very soft. If you end up cutting the quick accidentally, you will hurt your dog and cause the dog’s foot to bleed. Remember, the next time your dog sees clippers, he likely won’t stay still. 

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 dogs to trim nails, seek advice from a vet. Consult with your vet to determine the correct dosage.

When clipping the nails, have patience, and do it slowly so that you won’t 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, then let your dog scratch on it. Be careful and supervise your dog.
• Try clipping its nails during sleeping time. Be cautious while doing this, as dogs’ feet are sensitive even when sleeping. Use a clipper that makes no sound for a more effective way to cut your dog’s nails while sleeping.
• 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 make him happy and motivate him to cooperate the next time his nails need clipping again. 

Sedate dog to trim nails

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 vet to clip your dog’s nails. Sedate your pup and use a pair of high-quality 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

Is it better to have two dogs?