How to Trim a Difficult Dog's Nails

Does your dog head for the hills when he sees you reach for the nail clippers? If so, he is in good company, lots of canines do not like any part of dog nail care. With many dogs, it may just be that having the nails clipped creates an unpleasant sensation, while with some, it may be that they have had a nail clipped too short once or twice resulting in sharp pain. This is actually pretty common, accidents do happen. Sometimes dogs may be picking up on your stress, or fear of cutting the nails too short, and resist because they feel something is wrong--dogs are pretty sensitive about such things. 

If your dog does not want his nails clipped, he may try to flee or even become aggressive and bite or scratch when restrained for nail clippings. A dog that struggles and moves while you are trying to clip his nails puts himself and you in danger of injury. In a way, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy: a dog that is difficult to trim is more likely to have a nail trimmed too short when they struggle, resulting in pain and a vicious cycle, as now the dog will have reinforced his negative experiences associated with nail trims.

There are a few things that may contribute to a difficult situation when it comes to cutting your dog's nails. Trimming requires restraining your dog--most dogs don't love this, and who would? Also, the sensation of having the nails trimmed can be unpleasant. Even when not cut too short, there is pressure applied to the sensitive nail and if your tools are not sharp, a crushing sensation may be felt. If your dog had caught his nail on something like a bush or a carpet, it would be a similar sensation and would cause your dog alarm, as his nail could be ripped. No wonder your dog does not like the sensation of having his nails trimmed! 

Additionally, make sure that you are aware of the proper dog nail length before you begin and learn the in's and out's of the equipment. For example, many pet parents consider the best nail clipper for dogs with black nails is the guillotine clipper which has a stationary ring that the nail fits in and a blade that makes a quick slice. Others prefer a scissor-type tool. Make sure that you use the equipment that you are most comfortable with.  Working with your dog to reassure him that you are not hurting him, knowing what it means to avoid the dog's nail quick, and using the right tools, is well worth it as it will make nail trimming sessions easier in the future.

• Use caution when trimming a difficult dog’s nails so that the dog does not move and injure himself when trimming. Take time and patience, use appropriate training methods, tools, and restraint to mitigate movement.

• Have a styptic pencil available to stop bleeding, in case you do nick your dog.
  

• Be calm, firm, and gentle at all times, so as not to contribute to your dog's stress.  Do not punish or get upset.
  

• Use a muzzle, or have someone restrain the dog, with the dog's face away from them and you, so you do not get bitten, if that is a concern.
  

• Make sure all tools are good quality, and sharp, or that motorized tools are in good running order

• Know how to use nail clippers for dogs and ensure you understand the specific tool's operation before trimming nails (Dremel, scissor clipper, guillotine clipper, file, styptic pencil).