Problems Clipping My Dogs Claws

[winkyridg]

Hi, we have a 4 year old Lab whose claws are getting very long, she hates having them clipped and even the vet gave up as she puts up such a struggle, would sedating her to get them clipped be a viable option or would the vet not even comtemplate doing it that way? Thanks

[paddywak]

I never had Max's nails clipped, just took him lots of good long walks and let nature do the rest.

[wolf63]

Same here - both my dogs were mainly exercised on pavements and it wore their claws down quite a bit.

My vet had trouble cutting my little girl cat's claws (she gave up after trying to muzzle her) ~ I don't envy vets that chore.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

paddywak - you are showing "the cone of shame" in your avatar. Is it Max who is wearing it?

[paddywak]

I was looking through some old photos the other day and came across that one from when he had a cyst removed so I thought I use it for a while.

[woofgang]

The vet would sedate if it was needed because the claws were in danger of injuring the dog, but not as a regular thing. Its too hot at the moment but plenty of hard surface exercise will wear the claws naturally. My own dogs' claws are never clipped.

[jomifl]

Dogs don't like having their claws clipped because they are very protective of their paws since they need them to survive.The trick I have used on both dogs and cats is to get them to enjoy a good paw massage so that they extend their claws out of pure sensual bliss, then quickly snip and massage until they are all done. They don't even notice, I kid you not.

[ladybirder]

Never had to have any of my dogs' claws clipped. As others have said, more exercise on hard ground.

[woofgang]

jomifli, dogs don't extend their claws. unlike cats, a dog's claws are fixed and do not retract.

[FredPuli43]

None of the wolfhounds get their nails clipped. For hard surfaces,they only run on the hard driveway here and are in a pen with a hard floor, but that proves to be quite enough.

[lankeela]

My dogs all get the same exercise, but some need clipping while others don't. Take your dog to a groomer, they know how to handle them. Don't sedate unless really necessary, it always carries risks.

[jomifl]

woofgang, dogs can extend their claws just a you and I can extend our fingers. I didn't say that dogs have retractable claws.

[naomi24]

Yes, sedation would be a viable option. One of my dogs loves people – but won’t let a vet touch him under any circumstances - and sedation is not enough - so he has an annual anaesthetic for what I call his makeover. Coat, claws, ears, teeth, booster injection, medical examination, and anything else that needs attention. It’s the most expensive manicure in town!

[islasmum]

You may also find that if your dog has not had her claws clipped regularly, you may not be able to take much claw off, as the quick will have grown down the claw. I'd ask your vet for advice.

[Khandro]

There is an easier way using a tiny Dremel grinding device ; http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/grinding-an-easier-way-to-trim-dog-nails

[naomi24]

My dog would freak at that! The only time he doesn't mind people touching his paws is when HE decides to hold hands with them - but put that near him, and he'd be off!

[Khandro]

Dogs need to be trained naomi, it sounds like your dog has you trained! and it's done by rewarding good behaviour. I suggest you first simply hold the paw and then give a small treat, increasing each time the length of holding, and then on each paw, then hold an individual nail, always giving a reward, and so on.
Jan Fennel gives good advice on this.

[woofgang]

Jan Fennell with her amichien nonsense is a useless idiot. Some dogs, like some people are so worried by some things that, while training is not impossible, its certainly going to be very difficult and lengthy and maybe not the kindest way to treat the dog. I would suggest that if Naomi is happy and the dog is happy, then no one else should be interfering.
A well respected dog behaviourist (can't remember who and can't find the quote) once said "Every dog's behavioural problems can be solved but sometimes not within the lifetime of the dog"

[Khandro]

(bow) - WOW!

[naomi24]

Khandro, I've always had dogs and currently have three. No such problems with the other two or any before. This dog doesn't like his paws being touched - and he and I have a lot in common. I don’t like my feet being touched.

[Khandro]

I promise never to touch your feet. :-)

[naomi24]

You should be so lucky! ;o)