Cutting nails

[inappropriatelyemployed]

What are your top tips for cutting nails? We have a 17 week old pup who wriggles all over the place!

Let the vet do them!!

It's a two person job one to hold the dog and one to clip the nails. Only in exceptionally well trained older dogs is it a one person job.

I use the vet or groomer to trim nails. I do have a nail grinder which my dog sometimes tolerates. Very slow to do but less chance of cutting the quick.

Let the professionals do it. I once cut too much. My dog's scream still haunts me.

Now they all walk enough on pavements to keep their claws down.

Little and often, loads of praise and treats.

I have some nail files for acrylic nails & I give a once over with them too. Dog tolerates it now but used to be awful- you would think I was chopping her paws off with the fuss!

I'd never attempt to cut my dog's nails that's a job for the vet nurse or groomer as far as I'm concerned.

We used to have guinea pigs and I accidentally cut the quick when I was cutting one of their dark nails, I've never seen so much blood.

Groomer and the vet do it.

She has long fast growing fur so she’s at the groomer regularly anyway

Thanks all. How much do vets charge? Do you just make an appointment for it specifically? Don't they get just as wriggly for vet/groomers?

Our vets have a nurses clinic for things such as nails which is cheaper. I would phone and ask for an appointment but mention it's just for nail clipping.

Yes they wriggle but you can hold them and if needed they can get another nurse in to do that as well. Also they do it lots of times so are much better and quicker at it. My vet had to cut a fractured nail down as short as possible and it's amazing how they can hold the paw and do it with relative ease whereas I would still have been chasing him round the room at home

There's a great Facebook group called something like Nail Maintenance for dogs. Teaches you about desensitisation and I bought some new clippers that were recommended. Also a different way of clipping/filling which keeps the quick receding. Made the world of difference to me and I've had dogs for nearly 30 years. Please stick with it and keep on top of them

My vet charges about £15 for nurses to cut nails, you might find it's cheaper to go to a groomer just for routine nail clipping, however I imagine charges very much depend on your local vet or groomer and where you live.

For my vet you have to make an appointment. Some groomers will make an appointment others will just do it on a walk in basis.

It's a quick job for them, as they know what they're doing.

I take ours to the groomer, or the vet will do it during routine appointments.

I wouldn't dare try it myself, he's far too wriggly!