At face value, dog nail trimming is a simple procedure; however, many canines dislike it. Understandably, no one likes to see their furry friend scared or uncomfortable, but nail trimming is for more than aesthetics. Left untrimmed, your dog’s nails can lead to serious issues ranging from undue pressure on the joints to deformity. Take the stress out of this important pet care procedure with these simple tips.

3 Ways to Make Dog Nail Trimming Easier

1. Get Your Dog Comfortable 

Before the nail trimming starts, make sure your dog is as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Bring a blanket or your dog’s favorite toy, and give them treats. Pet your dog and use a soothing voice to get them in the right mindset for the appointment.

2. Stay Calm

Dogs pick up a lot of cues from you. If you’re stressed, they’ll get stressed. Don’t let past unpleasant dog nail trimming experiences set the tone for this appointment. Go in with your dog confident that this will be a good experience so they’ll adopt your attitude. 

3. Practice

In between dog nail trimming sessions, work with your furry friend to desensitize them to clippers. For some dogs, just seeing the clippers induces anxiety.

Keep a set of nail clippers handy to show your dog now and then to help normalize them. When your dog stays relaxed, reward them with a treat.

Next, work on the nail clipper sound. Click the clippers in the air, and reward your dog for staying calm.

Over time, as your dog becomes less fearful of the clippers and the sound they make, practice touching them to the paws. When your dog is used to the clippers’ proximity, they’ll have an easier time at their next nail trimming appointment. 

Looking for a gentle and reliable place to help with your dog’s grooming? Turn to Furever Friends in Honolulu, HI. From nail trimming to gentle baths, the pet clinic-trained staff will treat your dog like they would their own. Visit their website to see their full list of services, or call them today to make an appointment at (808) 845-7297.