Nail trimming problems

[Sue and Cash]

I am upset after taking Cash to the groomer to get his nails done.  I was suppose to get the feet trimmed as well but after what was the most upsetting experience we gave up on it all.  I have never had a dog react so badly to nail trimming.  When he was a little pup he would sleep through it.  We do it every ten days or so, so it isn't a matter of not often enough to get used to it.  Dublin was so bad about it, that we tried this dog to work on it from day one.  We had to start taking him to the groomer because he would carry on when we did it so badly it was ruining his relationship with my husband.  He would run and hide from him all the time.  Anyway it has gotten worse each time Barb does him.  He has knocked her down and they have like five people holding him.  For a while if I waited and brought him after his running, he would be a bit better about it.  But today after his playtime we headed over.  Barb was off today so the other gal did him, well tried to.  I think she has a black eye now.  He was throwing himself off the groomers table and hanging himself!  I was freaked out watching from outside the area and had to tell them to just stop.  He was screaming.  Actually screaming, and I was concerned it was traumatizing him badly.  So what do I do now?  They told me some dogs have to be medicated to do it.  That seems so extreme but then again I don't want him going through this experience and getting any worse about it.

What ideas might you have?  They told me it is more common than I realize it is.  Because I was so embarrassed about it.

[Geraldine Gaul]

I have never had my dogs nails clipped and both the vet and groomer have said it doesnt need doing. But we do walk on pavements most days.

[Sue and Cash]

I best reply to all this!  So sorry to cause such a fuss about it.  I am with Tracy on this one.  We have always been told to do it more often and little bits to keep the quick retracted in there further.  My dog won't be on concrete anytime soon guys.  We have 2 feet of snow covering the sidewalks till spring at this point.  Even then my dog is exercised daily in a park with grass/mulch.  So he will have those nails done.  I had to pick up dog food today and Barb the groomer we love was in the store, we walked in to see her.  I watched his body language and he was panting with excitement but didn't seem to shake at all.  She knew what had happened and said it probably set him way back and she finally had him at a great place lately.  I should of left yesterday when she wasn't there.  The girls apologized to us about what happened and all was fine.  Barb hugged him and his tail wagged to see her.  She treated him only and off we went.  We plan to do that a few more times before she does it again.  And she stated to all....Cash has to have his feet left on the table to do him.  End of story!  So I think we will get through this okay.  Some things in life can't be avoided and this is one of them.  Some dogs freak going to the vet but must go anyway.  I will help him though this and I am sure we can work with it.  Howard my husband loves Cash!  ROFL  Honestly he does and still wants his nails kept trimmed.  I was always told that nails too long cause the dog discomfort and if you have ever seen dogs who have nails too long where they curl, they can't walk right. 

[Peter Hennig]

Hi Sue

there is a difference between nails clicking on the floor and being to long I think you need to find a happy medium and after that horrendous episode your dog needs to associate good things with his nails being trimmed this may take some time now as he is clearly terrified.One of our boys was a shocker we fought and held him down for years until I realized there must be a better way ,I had my wife feed him yummy treats constantly as I trimmed the nails.In the end he was quite calm this did not happen immediately ,dogs will do whatever works for them if it's profitable they're in. I would not go back to that groomer find another one

[Sherry Miller]

Tracy ,

  May I ask what sort of nail grinder you use?  Groomer has been doing our Molly's nails but usually I do the grooming here....and even after all these years I cannot make myself do her nails....hit a quick on my first IS and I almost think it hurt me more than him....put the powder on to stop the bleeding quickly and comforted and gave treats but I felt so bad I never tried again.  Have used a file here but not a grinder and wondered what one I should  look for? 

   Hear you on the snow...4 inches added today on top of the 4 inches of frozen sleet ...and more on Sunday and Tuesday predicted!  I am putting up a Spring wreath in protest!

Thanks,

Sherry

[Finding_Beau]

I thought I would share my experiences which is in line with the comments of others in case this might help. I took in a 7yo English Setter, Rose in 2006. Her nails were so long they had curved in a 1/2 circle and her back was also curved in a 1/2 circle. Understandably she was having difficulty walking. Rose was traumatised about lots of things e.g. if you showed her a brush she would throw herself on the ground. Initially I asked Rose to give me a paw and I gently held her paw and assured her I would not harm her. Once she had accepted this, I trimmed 1 TOENAIL at a time and I did not do this every day. I use the "approach and retreat" method and do tiny bits at a time. Even though this takes longer, the dog (or horse) will never feel traumatised again. Setters are sensitive beings and pick up our energy so it is important that we stay calm and also recognise when they are stressed. It works both ways. Cash will settle down but you will have to be patient with him. 

[Howard Glansfield]

I agree ,when a dog has claws like Rose's you have to clip them .Fred and Ellie are both seven and have never had their claws clipped.Arthur is 6 months and his don't need doing either.When dogs get older or infirm and don't walk so much and claws start to curve then you have to cut them.Some may argue that if you clip regularly the dog will be used to it but, I can honestly say,  the old and ill ones that I have had to clip have never minded.

[Ilona & Gina]

It sounds as if someone cut his quicks, poor thing.

 

A vet told me a trick: Maybe you could try to file his nails. Buy some ice cream sticks (these popsickle sticks) and stick some fine sandpaper on them. File them from the top, not as if you would cut them.

 

[Sherry Miller]

I have a file I got after nipping my first boys quick way back in 1973....I got it at a pet store here that I was referred to by the gentleman who we were taking puppy classes from....this was before Pet Smart and the chains started here in USA.  I looked and no name on it but I know they make them!  Other thought would be one of the plastic nail files that are super fine...I do sterilize mine after each use and also lightly damp wipe Molly's nails when finished .

    Tracy , thankyou for the information on the drimel...will check it out .