If your dog is scared of getting his nails trimmed, it is important to begin the grooming process in a positive manner. And using rewarding tactics can make this simple chore much more enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Consider treats as rewards that will motivate your dog to cooperate with nail trimming. This can be any high-value treat such as hot dogs, freeze-dried liver bits, or chicken pieces. Try massaging your pet’s paws and toes while talking gently to him before applying the clippers. Petting and speaking calmly can help calm your dog.
In this post, we’ll show you how to properly sedate your dog for nail clipping, so that the process is less stressful for both of you. Keep reading to learn more!
5 Ways To Sedate A Dog For Nail Clipping
The process may seem too hard, but it’s actually easier than it sounds. To sedate a dog for nail clipping, here are five methods that you can follow:
Get Help To Hold Your Dog Down
Getting help is never a bad thing. If you can get someone to help you trim your dog’s nails, here’s how you can do it:
- First, place your pooch on its side and grab it around the neck. Do it gently to avoid startling your pet.
- Hold your dog firmly and grab all four of its bottom legs so that you can move its feet freely.
- Ask a friend or a family member to cut the dog’s nails. You can also go the other way around, with someone else holding the pet and you clipping its nails.
Avoid trying to do both yourself, as that can be dangerous for both you and your dog. If there’s no turning around it and there is no one to help you out, be extra careful when clipping the nails.
That’s it!
Tire Your Pooch Out
Although this may seem cruel, it’s actually an effective way to calm down your dog when it’s time to clip its nails. To do this, you can take your dog on a long walk, play with it, or do any activity that can get your dog tired.
According to experts, a well-exercised mutt will be inclined to rest and stay calm as it has burned off its excess energy.
Keep Your Dog’s Favorite Items Around
When it’s time to get your dog’s nails clipped, you ought to gather its favorite toys, blanket, or rug and keep them around, as they contribute to making the mutt calmer while it’s getting its nails cut.
While using a dog nail grinder, you can also reward your pooch with doggie treats. This way, your dog will associate the experience of nail cutting with something positive.
Use Supplements
There are many supplements that you can use to calm down your dog before its nail-trimming session, which can include:
Supplements Containing Casein
Casein is a protein found in milk, and it can be calming and relaxing for many dogs. Supplements containing this substance come in a variety of forms, including chews and capsules, so make sure to get one that your dog wouldn’t refuse to consume.
Supplements Containing Melatonin
Melatonin is known as the sleeping hormone, and it’s mainly used to give both humans and dogs a good night’s sleep when they cannot get it naturally. As melatonin has sedative and anticonvulsant properties, you can use it as a relaxing supplement to keep your dog calm while you’re clipping its nails.
Supplements Containing Appeasing Pheromones For Puppies
Pheromones are the hormones secreted by the female dog during the nursing stage. Products that contain pheromones can reassure puppies that their mother is around and therefore make them calmer and more relaxed.
Of course, we highly recommend consulting your local veterinarian before using any supplement.
Prepare A Homemade Herbal Tea For Your Dog
Here’s a recipe for a homemade herbal concoction that you can safely feed your dog to sedate it while you’re clipping or grinding its nails:
- Mix one teaspoon each of catnip, skullcap, and German chamomile in a cup.
- Heat 5 cups of water to boiling.
- Pour the herbal mix over the boiling water.
- Let the concoction steep for around six minutes, then add three tablespoons of honey.
- Let the tea cool down for 24 hours at room temperature, then serve it to your dog.
Final Thoughts
In case your pooch shows too much resistance, you might want to get it to the vet for medical sedation before trimming its nails. Avoid attempting to sedate the dog with drugs yourself without consulting a veterinarian.
