Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed is an important part of their routine care.
It can prevent outcomes like broken nails (which can be painful for your furry friend) and unwanted scratches to both people and furniture. To trim nails successfully, understanding the anatomy of your pet’s nails is very important.
In summary, the hard outer layer of the nail covers the portion of the nail with both blood vessels and nerves (the quick). When trimming nails, only the outer layer should be cut, as your pet may experience pain and bleeding if the quick is cut. Because of the risk of cutting the quick or sensitivities to paw touching, many owners request nail trims at the veterinary office or the groomers. In these cases, even though the nail trim is not taking place at home, there are steps that can be taken in the home to acclimate the pet to this process and reduce their stress during nail trims done outside the home.
Pair paw-handling with something pleasant, like a treat!
Start small and increase the amount of time or the way you hold the paw very gradually. If your pet backs away or looks uncomfortable with this process, stop and work on an area that is less sensitive, such as higher up on the leg. After many repetitions of touching an area and offering a treat each time, you can slowly work your way closer to the paw. This is an excellent way to teach your pet that paw-handling, and eventually nail trimming, is exciting because it means something really tasty is coming their way. (Note: If at any point your pet is anxious, stop and repeat the process by handling a spot that is less worrisome. The goal is to build a positive association with paw-handling, thus making future nail trims less stressful, so there is no rush!)
Ask about medications.
Some animals may need additional support to help reduce their anxiety during this process through the use of medications. If deemed appropriate, medications coupled with additional counter-conditioning and training can prove invaluable for teaching your pet that nail trims are okay. Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from something like this!
Remember: We do not recommend doing anything that would place you or your pet in harm’s way.
If your pet has a history of biting or scratching when their paws are touched or exhibits signs of fear and anxiety, please speak with your veterinarian about how to safely help your pet have more positive nail trimming experience.