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Trimming the nails is one of the most important parts of pet grooming for dogs. Doing the trimming yourself can be a bit stressful, but a few tips can go a long way toward making it easy for both you and your furry friend.

Here, the expert groomers at Tender Care Animal Hospital in Prairie Du Chien, WI, give their tips for keeping your dog relaxed. Use these pointers to save on costly trips to the animal clinic and trim their nails all by yourself:

  • Use Treats & Praise: First, show the clipper to the dog and give them a treat. This gives them positive associations with the equipment. Then get them used to having their paws held. The paws are extremely sensitive, so familiarity with the sensation of being handled will help them relax. Finally, clip one nail at a time and give a treat for each.
  • Work Slowly: Trim in multiple sessions if your dog can’t sit still and needs a break, even if it means only clipping one nail per day. Working slowly during your pet grooming will help keep the dog calm and, along with treats and praise, will make them more tolerant of any discomfort.
  • pet-groomingSeize the Moment: Pick a time to trim the nails when the dog is already calm. Otherwise, you work backwards trying to calm the dog down because they’re already feeling anxious.
  • Be Consistent: Use treats and praises consistently, so your dog connects with the right action. Also, keep to the same routine each time, as dogs are calmed by familiarity and repetition.

If it becomes too stressful to do on your own, call the Tender Care Animal Hospital in Prairie Du Chien. They’re an animal clinic with state-of-the-art facilities for surgeries, boarding, pet grooming, and other services. Call them at (608) 326-7101 to set up an appointment, or visit their website to meet their team of veterinarians and groomers.

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