Ever tried trimming your dog’s claws?
You almost got nipped for it right?
Or maybe you already have a scar to show which is why you are here.
Clipping your dog’s overgrown claws is daunting.
But it is not entirely impossible.
One simple way to do it is by sedating your dog to cut his nails.
By the end of this post, you will have learned how to properly sedate your dog and cut their nails.
You will no longer have to take your dog to the vet to have their claws clipped.
We will also teach you how to professional trim your dog’s claw without worrying about cutting the nails too close.
Before we get to the points, let’s first answer one nudging question;
Why do dogs hate their nails getting clipped?
If nail trimming is a new concept to your dog, he will be wary of it.
Out of anxiety, he will whine and wrestle his way out of the situation.
When all fails, the only option left is aggression which involves using his teeth.
Dogs do not like the sound of nail clippers on their claws either.
The intense pull on their nail followed by a sharp clipping sound scares them to bits.
So you will understand why your dog refuses to remain steady during a nail trimming session.
When is the best time to cut your dog’s nails?
Nail trimming in dogs should start early when the dog is still young.
This way, your dog understands that having his nails is part of the grooming process.
The dog will offer less resistance if trained early.
What if your dog is all grown?
If it is your first time to clip your dog’s nails, there is still hope.
Sedation helps keep your dog calm as you proceed with the grooming session. And here is how to do it.
How to sedate your dog before cutting nails
There are two ways to sedate your dog before cutting his nails.
The first option is having a vet sedate your dog before cutting its nails.
The other option is sedating your dog at home by restraining their movement.
You want to cut your dog’s nails and save a buck right?
All you have to do is learn how to restrain your dog before cutting his nails.
This is not a one-man job.
You will need assistance in holding the rest of his body while trimming the nails.
A Step-by-step process
Only trim your dog’s nails when they are in a relaxed mood.
The best time is when the dog just woke up or about to take a nap.
A dog that wants to go out to play will never sit still for a nail trimming session.
- Now guide your dog to lie on its side. Have someone hold his head steady and also one of his forefeet. Have a second person hold both the body and hind feet steady. Start trimming the nails on the forefeet one paw after the other.
- At any given time, ensure the dogs head and feet are restrained while working on one paw. Any sudden movements can cause accidents to happen during the trimming session. Also, do not get scared if you trim too close and cut the dog’s skin. He will yowl from the pain but will heal in no time. You may have to use a pet cone to prevent your dog from chewing on his wounded paw.Or maybe you do not have to go through all this.
- Some dogs have the sweetest temperaments. They take everything positively including grooming their nails. So make the nail trimming session a fun one. Sit with the dog and clip one nail at a time as you enjoy your favorite show. If you are unsure whether they will bite at some point, use a pet muzzle to prevent accidents.
Reward your dog if he is not a cry baby during the grooming session.
Toss a treat to him each time you successfully trim a nail.
He will always look forward to the grooming session.
Final Thoughts
The best way to sedate a dog to cut his nails is to ensure they are properly restrained.
If you want to avoid the hustle of having to restrain your dog, train them on nail grooming when they are young.
If it is only you and the dog at home, consider using a muzzle to protect yourself from bites.
Never get scared of cutting your dog’s nails too close, many other dog lovers have done it