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          CANINE NAIL TRIMMING          

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Taking the Fear Out of Nail Clipping
Nail Trimming and the Blood supply of the Nails of the Dog
Clipping Fido's Nails Doesn't Have to be a Chore
Dog Grooming-Clipping the Nails
Clipping Toenails
Nail Clipping
Nail Clipping Made Easier
How to Trim Your Dogs Toenails
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Taking the Fear Out of Nail Clipping

By Sharon Savage, M.S.

http://pages.prodigy.net/k9shrink

clawclipper In 1988, when my Australian Cattle Dog, Dagger, was 7 weeks old, I took him to the vet to learn how to clip his nails. He struggled so much, it took four staff members a half-hour to clip one toenail. When a friend and I attempted to finish the job at home, Dagger was so upset, he responded by expelling his anal glands. (Note: though not as well-developed as a skunk's, the anal glands of a dog can emit a powerful stench when the animal is extremely frightened). He ultimately wrenched himself away from me, dislocating his shoulder.

For the next six years, and throughout Dagger's show career, I got around the nail clipping problem by walking him four miles a day on pavement to wear the nails down. Plus, every week, I'd spend about fifteen minutes wrestling him into submission so that I could trim one nail. After I had his dewclaws surgically removed, it would take "only" four months to complete a cycle of trimming the remaining sixteen nails.

Three years ago, I learned about a behavior modification technique called "counter-conditioning" that could be used to cure fears and phobias. The procedure involves using positive reinforcement to condition the subject to accept calmly what it previously feared. When children's hospitals play Disney videos in the waiting room and offer candy to kids that accept medical procedures, they are using counter-conditioning. I successfully used this technique to cure Dagger's fear of nail trimming.

Of course, treats should not be doled out to pets that are resisting handling. Instead, the scary stimulus must be broken into smaller parts which are easier for the pet to tolerate. Nail clipping involves a series of events, any or all of which can cause your pet to panic.

Appearance of the clippers

Restraint of the animal's body

Restraint of and pressure on the foot

Spreading out of the toes

Contact of clipper to nail

Actual clipping of the nail

Each of these events must be considered and treated separately. Most importantly, during the initial phase of the counter-conditioning process, you should not violate your pet's trust by actually clipping his nails!

First, desensitize your pet to the sight of the clippers by letting your pet see them out of context. Leave the clippers in the bottom of his food dish or place them in the threshold of the door he passes through to go outdoors.

Next, teach your pet to tolerate restraint. Hold him briefly in nail-clipping position, but be sure clippers are not present. (Important: Please consult an applied animal behaviorist or trainer if your pet snaps or bites when you trim his nails, or if he is unwilling to accept restraint in any circumstances.)

When your pet accepts this restraint calmly for one second, give him a treat and then let him go. Give no further treats or praise when he is not in restraint position. Practice touching his foot with one finger while giving a treat from your other hand. Lift the foot, give a treat, and set the foot down again. After several weeks of practicing each component for a few seconds each day, start over again with the clippers on the floor nearby.

When your pet can tolerate all components with the clippers present, it is time to clip one nail. Be sure to clip off a microscopically small piece of nail--now is not the time to risk cutting into the quick! Continue to restrain your pet while you hand out a few goodies, then release him and end the session. You will soon work up to doing all the nails at once with a treat given at the end.

It still amazes me every week when I do Dagger's nails now. He'll just come right over and hold still. He's not a huge fan of it, but he'll work for hot dogs!
reprinted with kind permission from Sharon Savage http://pages.prodigy.net/k9shrink
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Clipping Fido's Nails Doesn't Have to be a Dreaded Chore

Do you dread clipping your dogs nails? Don't worry you are not alone.. Even though it's not much fun most dog owners will have to make nail clipping part of their regular grooming.

To clip your dogs nails you will need some basic equipment that you can pick up at any good pet supply store. Don't try to make do with human clipers. Special dog nail clippers have a different shape and are specially designed to make the clipping as fast and painless as possible. There are other items you can buy to make it easier to trim your dog's nails too - various products that encourage the blood clotting process are very useful in case of messy clipping accidents.

There are many variations on the best way to clip your dogs nails. In general you will want to start withnailclippers2 prolonged desensitization of your dogs feet. This will allow your dog to get used to having his paws handled regularly and will make it easier to have a calm clipping session.

When clipping your dogs nails for the first time its important to ask someone who knows how to do it to show you. You can get many instructions and even some excellent illustrated instructions on how to clip your dogs nails but watching someone else clip your dogs nails will gie you a chance to ask any questions you might have. If your dog has dark nails (as many do) you will want to watch to get an idea of where your dogs "quick" is located. Most veternarians will clip your dogs nails for you and this is obviously the best way to learn.

Starting young increases the chances of having a dog who doesn't mind having his nails trimmed. Puppies generally won't need to have their nails clipped but even if you only bring the clippers up to his paws and "play clip then" he will learn that it's just a normal part of life.

Don't clip your dogs nails until you are completely sure what you are doing. Not only will your dog pick up on your anxiousness but he will most probably make things difficult for you.

Many people find that one of the best ways to ensure a calm and easy nail clipping session is by walking the dog before you start with the clipping. Tire your dog out well and he might not be able to make as much of a fuss as he'd like.

Some people resort to using tranquilizers to make nail clipping easier for their dogs nd them. This really shouldn't be necessary with some foresight. Even the simple act of massaging your dogs paws for a few minutes every day to desensitize your dog to being touched there.

Of course the most important thing you can do to make nail clipping easier is to use treats liberally.
About the Author
Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide
Source: ArticleTrader.com
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Dog Grooming: Clipping the Nails

If the thought of clipping your dog's nails is frightening to you aren't alone. Most people prefer to ask their veterinarian to do this fiddly task. There's no reason why clipping your dogs nails should be a frightening task at all. There's no need to regard it as any different to giving your dog a bath.

Ideally you should start when your dog is young to get the dog used to having his feet handled regularly. Desensitizing your dog to having his paws handled will have a few other benefits too: it will make it easier for groomers or your vet to handle your dogs feet and will also mean if your dog is injured you will be able to examine his paws easier.

If it's your first time clipping a dogs nails it might be a good idea to watch someone else do it first. Ask your vet or the groomer if you can watch while they clip your dogs nails.

nail-clippers You will need a special pair of clippers for the purpose. Human clippers of scissors could tear the nail and cause painful torn edges. Make sure you get the right size and type of clippers for your dog. You might find a nail file useful too.

You will also want to have some special clotting powder on hand just in case you accidentally cut the nails too short and it starts bleeding. You can find all these products at your local pet supply store.

You will want to clip the nails in a quiet place with minimal distractions. If your dog has never had his nails clipped or is particularly resistant you might want to ask someone to help you. You are after all poking at your dog with a sharp object and it could be dangerous !

To avoid mishaps its best to slowly desensitize your dog to having his paws handled. this part should be easy. Take your dogs paws and massage them a bit.

It makes the process easier if the dogs nails are softer. You can do this by bathing the dog beforehand, massaging some baby oil into the paws or even just dipping the paw into warm water. This has the dual effect of both softening the paws and cleaning the dirt out from under the nails.

Examine the nails closely and try to locate the cluster of veins. This is called the 'quick' and cutting this can cause your dog to bleed. If your dog has dark nails this can be difficult. The best policy here is to trim the nails bit by bit over a longer period of time. The quick will retreat over time.

Try to cut with the right hand and hold the paw firmly. Use a calm soothing voice while you do this. You don't want your dog to become afraid and make the clipping more difficult. Try to cut at 90 degree angles.

If you do cut too far - don't worry! You can use some of the powder to stop the bleeding. Just sprinkle the powder over the affected area or dip the paw into the powder. There are some other household items you can use to slow the bleeding. You can use cornflower or normal powder in the same way you use the styptic powder. You can also press the dogs nail into some soap. If the bleeding is not too bad - just simply applying pressure should slow the bleeding.

If you have cut your dogs nails too far and they bleed - this may make the dog scared of the nail clipping all over again. You will need to desensitize your dog again.

If your dog is very afraid of having his nails clipped you should gradually get the dog used to the process and the tools. Start again by praising and treating the dog while you handle his paws. Then get the dog used to the clippers. Step by step desensitization coupled with positive reinforcement should ease your problem.

If you really can't get your dog to behave long enough for a nail clipping remember - most vets will do it for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
About the Author
Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide
Source: ArticleTrader.com

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Clipping Toenails

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com

You heard and read about the need to clip your dog's toenails regularly.You attempted to do the right thing but could not seem to hold the dog still to complete clipping even one nail. Or you did try to clip the dog's nails, quicked a nail, the nail bled the dog screamed, you abandoned the pedicure and neither one of you are anxious to experience this activity soon.

Meanwhile you hear clickity click on your floors and know you need to do something soon. So now you decide to call your Vet or groomer andpay someone else to commit the clip.

Sometimes this is the best avenue to take if you absolutely can't see yourself clipping a toenail. The problem is nails need to be clipped regularly and trips to the groomer or Vet can be tiresome. Some dogs get so traumatized by nail clipping they require pet professionals to hold them while someone clips the toenails. Or some dogs require anesthesia to clip nails. Please get your dog used to nail clipping so he or she doesn't have to endure being knocked out for simple grooming.

Start early. Get your dog or puppy used to you touching feet and nails early on in your relationship. Some dogs are not fond of this type of interaction. Touch a paw and say good dog, move on to the next paw with praise and so on. You could have someone distract the dog with a food treat or toy while you touch and praise. Gradually touch a little more, touch the nail, the pad, look between the pads and praise. You could try to clip one paw a day to begin. Act confidant, if you are OK, your dog will feel OK.

Black nails are more difficult to clip than white nails. White nails are easiest to clip as you can see the difference in color of the tip of the nail and the pinkish quick. You can just take that tip off and be relatively safe. Black nails are more challenging and even the most experienced groomers and breeders quick nails. Just clip the end at first until you are more comfortable with getting a little more nail. Have some styptic powder on hand to put on the end of a bleeding nail if you quick the nail. You can get styptic power at most pet stores or can order it from dog supply catalogues.

There are various types of nail clippers you can purchase offering various sizes to handle small to large dogs. You can also try using a dremel which can sand the nail. It is easiest on the dog and one can get a shorter nail using a dremel. You can purchase a dremel at most hardware stores or from dog supply catalogues. You can ask your groomer or breeder to show you how to use either tool. You can purchase nail files for dogs to round off the tips of nails. There are many options from which to choose.

A dog whose nails are left unchecked can end up with deformed toes. Or worse, nails can grow under the paw and into the pad. Can you imagine having to walk on your toenails. Ouch!! Dew claws can wrap around the dog's leg and into the skin.

How often should you clip nails? As often as needed. I would recommend every 3 weeks. Check them weekly to see the rate of growth. It is easier to maintain short nails than deal with longer ones.

Happy grooming.
reprinted with kind permission from Diane Rich

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Nail Clipping

Most dogs wear down their toenails by activity such as walking and running. It they are indoor pets, like most Pugs are, they wear them down enough naturally. If this is the case, they can grow to become extremely long and damage carpets and furniture. They can also splay the toes and interfere with traction by preventing the foot pads from making contact with the ground if they become excessively long. Long toenails should be trimmed.

naildiagram In this diagram, you can see the internal view of a dog's toenails. Within the nail is a segment called "The Quick". The quick is made up of tiny blood vessels and nerve endings.

For many pet owners, trimming the nails can be a fearful experience, not only for their beloved pets, but for themselves as well. The reason this is so is because many times, they accidentally, cut into the quick which causes the the dog to experience a bit of pain and the nail tends to bleed for a long time.

If nails are trimmed twice a month, the quick actually recedes toward the base of the nail and the nail will remain permanently shorter.


dewclawssmall2 Dogs with Dewclaws must have these nails looked at frequently. Dewclaws are remnants of the 5th toe and are found high on the inside of each foot.

Since these nails don't come in contact with the ground, they can grow around
in a circle as is seen in the photo on the left.

If left unclipped, it can eventually pierce the skin and set up the dog for a bad infection. It is important to get your puppy use to having his nails trimmed, even though trimming may not yet be necessary.



nailclip1 Dog nail clippers come in two types: Scissors like and Guillotine. Either is satisfactory. The picture to the left shows a dog getting his nails clipped with the scissors type clippers.

Begin by lifting the dog's paw and extending the nail. Identify the quick (this is the pink part). If the toenails are white it is easy to see it. Be sure to trim the nail in front of (but close to) the quick. When using the guillotine cutters, the blade should slice the nail upward from the underside of the nail. Make sure that the blade is sharp. Dull blades crush the nail instead of cutting it.

*If the toenails are dark and the quick is not visible, a good rule is to cut the nail parallel to the toe pads, so that the nails just clear the floor.

What To Do If You Accidentally Cut Into The Quick:
Hold pressure over the end of the nail with a cotton ball. (The blood will clot in a few minutes.) If bleeding persists, pack the tip of the nail with styptic powder or use a styptic pencil.

This was an excerpt from the book, "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" 3rd Edition by James M. Giffin MD & Liisa D. Carlson, DVM.

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Nail Clipping Made Easier

Sheila Foran

One of the most troublesome aspects of canine grooming is the process of trimming nails. First the dog gets upset. Then the owner gets upset. The end result is often long nails that only get trimmed at the veterinarian's office, thus giving the dog yet another reason to hate his annual physical.

While most breeds resist trimming, it seems that terriers are particularly sensitive and Norfolks can be among the most expressive in voicing their displeasure. While we can't promise a complete transformation of this well-ingrained character trait, here are some tips that may make the nail trimming process easier.

Handle your dogs feet when you aren't about to cut his nails. When he's lying beside you in the couch, massage his paws. Get him used to having his feet touched without "penalty".

Using blunt-tipped scissors, trim the hair around the feet and on the pads. Just do one foot, instead of all four, if he begins to resist.

When you are sitting quietly with your dog, place the nail clippers in plain sight, so the dog learns that he doesn't have to flee in terror at the sight of them.

Teach your dog to shake hands! If he learns that giving his paw results in a reward, he won't be so resistant to letting you touch his feet.

Cut one nail . . . and only one nail . . . a day and follow it with a treat. Do this until multiple nails can be cut in one session without fuss.

Until your dog gets used to the process, start by cutting the toenails on the back feet, first. Most dogs are less resistant to having their back feet touched.

Keep a neutral tone of voice! Don't get angry or excited yourself. Yelling never makes the situation any better, and cooing sympathy only convinces the dog that there really is a problem.

Make sure the clippers are sharp. Either replace, or sharpen, as necessary.

Try putting the dog in different positions. A dog that won't sit quietly may do much better standing on a grooming table. cutting nails while the dog is having a bath is also an alternative.

Have some Kwik-Stop handy. It's available at most feed stores, pet supply houses, and at dog shows. It is used to stop bleeding if you cut the nail to the "quick". If you should cut the "quick", don't act as if its the end of the world. It no doubt hurts, but a simple apology, on your part, should suffice.

And finally, if it's not too late, start the above process when your dog is a puppy. It is possible
to teach an old dog new tricks, but it's easier not to let him get into bad habits in the first place.
Sheila Foran Copyright © 1997 by ANTA. All rights reserved
reprinted with kind permission from Deb Stover
HipDog School of Grooming Arts http://www.hipdoggroomingschool.com/
G.I.A.N.T. Schnauzer Rescue Network www.giantschnauzerrescue.net
webmaster/publisher/owner www.showdog-magazine.com
web design www.hipdogwebdesign.com

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How to Trim Your Dog's Toenails

Dr. Dawn Ruben
http://www.petplace.com

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Whatever part of the nail hangs over the pad should be clipped.
 Cut the tip of the nail, just below the quick
 One type of trimmer to use is the Miller’s forge nail trimmer.
 You can also use a guillotine style nail trimmer.
 Standard large nail clippers are also popular

When you hear the telltale "click-click-click" as your dog walks across the tile floor, you know it's that time again – time to trim the toenails. Trimming your dog's nails is not just a part of grooming; it's important for your pet's health as well. You should remember that untrimmed nails can cause a variety of problems including broken nails, which are painful and can bleed profusely.

While some dogs don't seem to mind when you're trimming their nails, others just plain don't like it. Make trimming time fun and not a struggle. If your pet is not used to having his nails trimmed, start slowly and work up to it gradually. Following these suggestions for a proper nail trim might help you give your dog a more pleasant pedicure.

Start young. The earlier you start clipping your dog's claws, the better used to it he will be. Frequent trims when your dog is young will help diminish any fear.Have your veterinarian show you how to do it the first time.

Learn the anatomy. Within the center of each toenail is the blood and nerve supply for the nail called the quick. In clear white nails you can see the quick, a pinkish area in the middle of the nail. Unfortunately, the common black nails do not allow an easy view. Cutting into the quick will result in pain and bleeding. You cannot see the quick on dark colored nails, making them more difficult to trim without cutting into the quick. Cut dark colored nails in several small cuts to reduce the chance of cutting into the quick.

Use the proper instruments – be sure to use only nail trimmers that are designed for dogs. There are a variety of nail trimmers available at pet stores or your veterinarian's office.

A Clip or An Overhaul
Before you start clipping, determine how much needs to be trimmed. The basic rule of thumb is that the nail, which curls downward, should be even with the paw pad. Whatever hangs over must be clipped.

Procedure
Some dogs will happily sit in your lap or on a table while you trim their nails but many require some form of restraint. You may want to sit on the floor with your pet, hold your pet in your lap, or have someone hold your pet on a table. If your dog has light colored nails, eyeball the quick and aim a few millimeters away from it. If you cut into the quick, referred to as "quicking," it will hurt your dog and the nail will bleed.

Using a nail trimmer for pets, cut the nail below the quick on a 45-degree angle, with the cutting end of the nail clipper toward the end of the nail. In dogs with dark nails, make several small nips with the clippers instead of one larger one. Trim very thin slices off the end of the nail until you see a black dot appear towards the center when you look at it head on. This is the start of the quick that you want to avoid. The good news is that the more diligent you are about trimming, the more the quick will regress into the nail, allowing you to cut shorter each time. Trim nails so that when the animal steps down, nails do not touch the floor.

Although you will take great care not to hurt your pet, sometimes accidents happen and you will cut into the quick. Have silver nitrate products on hand – you can get them at your veterinarian's office or pet store. You can also use flour or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. If that doesn't work, apply a light bandage for about 15 minutes. If the bleeding continues, call your veterinarian.
This article has been provided courtesy of PetPlace.com
(www.petplace.com), the definitive online source for pet news, health,
and wellness information."

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Watch These Nail Clipping Videos










Alternative to Clipping Nails
 Common Paw and Paw Pad conditions
 Nail Clipping

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The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.