How to calm a dog for nail cutting?

Answer 1

Most dogs do not like their nails cut. I have two dogs; a part Bichon Frise and a Cockapoo. I have a groomer come into my home so I can be there with my dogs. The groomer brings in her table and grooming tools and I stand on the other side of the table and stroke my dogs while they are being groomed and especially when getting their nails cut. The fact that I am there calms my dogs down. Good professional groomers are generally quick when cutting nails so it's over before the dog really knows it. I'm stern with my dogs and give commands to 'knock it off' because they are like small children and will often try to get away with defying the groomer. I found also much to my surprise that having my groomer come to my home was cheaper, but more importantly my dogs didn't have to wait so long while other dogs were being groomed which had been a concern for me because my dogs would come home totally exhausted after a stay of 4 hours in a grooming shop. If you can get a good groomer to come into your home please do so. It's easier on your pet and easier on you. Now when my groomer comes (my dogs know her well) they are very good, but still will wiggle a little when they get their nails cut and all my groomer does is tell them to calm down and my dogs will stand perfectly still. It's over in a minute.

Answer 2

You should work very slowly with your dog using lots of positive reinforcement (like a favorite treat - chicken, roast beef, etc.). It's always a good idea to work with a behavior veterinarian when dealing with anxiety.

Answer 3

Your dog will probably need sedating to have his nails cut, this can be done at the vets. Alternatively you could ask your vet to dispense a tranquilizer (such as Diazepam) for you to use at home, this would calm him down for a short period while you cut his nails (it might make him a little bit sleepy but this is normal).

You could also take the dog to the vets to have his nails clipped without any sedatives or tranquilizers, they often have a team of vet nurses who could hold him still while his nails are being clipped. Discuss the options with your vet.

Answer 4

Some dogs are good with groomers when others are quite nervous. I have my groomer come to my house and she brings her own table and equipment. I bath my dogs the night before and brush them out so there are no tangles. I am right there with my dogs. I don't believe in drugging my dogs to calm them down. Try to find someone that will come to your home. I actually find it cheaper than taking my dogs by car into a groomer.

Answer 5

Get your brush and brush him and make sure he notices that he is being brushed then him a treat! Keep repeating this process until he remains calm without giving him a treat!

Answer 6

You rub his neck to were he calms down and is just laying there chilling... then you cut its nails. If it don't work then you're out of luck. :)

Answer 7

You should not need to sedate a dog for a nail clip but you can ask the animal hospital to do it if you seriously need it.

Answer 8

Just be really nice to them