footprints
footprints

 

7 Tips for Fear-Free Dog Nail Trims

Dog nail trims are one of the most frequently requested procedures veterinarians are asked to do. Why? Many pet owners know that proper nail care is important, but it can also be fear-inducing for the dog and for the human who is holding the clippers. Can you relate? The last thing you want to do is cause your best furry friend pain. Or maybe your dog has had a nail trimming experience that went awry and it’s holding you back from tackling the nail trim. Or may you’re not quite sure how to start.

No matter which category you fall into, We believe that every pet owner can successfully master dog nail trims! We want to help you tackle dog nail trims with confidence by sharing my tried-and-true tips for successfully clipping your dog’s nails and making it part of your canine companion’s in-home grooming routine. You can do this! We can help!

Nail clip

Why dog nail trims are important to keep your dog healthy

Nails that are allowed to grow too long alter the way a dog stands and walks. Long nails hit the ground when a dog walks, making it uncomfortable and even painful for him or her. Dogs learn to compensate by favoring the tender parts of their paws or by changing how much pressure they put on the sensitive parts of their feet. This shifts their normal posture–leaving them prone to developing problems with their back.

Also, dogs with untrimmed nails run the risk of injuries around the house because their nails can easily get caught in the carpet and rip open. And in extreme cases, nails that have been neglected can grow long enough to get tangled in the fur on a dog’s paws, making it impossible to walk.

Seven tips for successful dog nail trims

Skipping a nail trim is easy to do because dogs don’t naturally welcome the idea of having their feet handled. That’s why it is important to set yourself up for nail trimming success with these seven tips.

Tip #1: Exercise your dog before you get started!

If your dog is not particularly cooperative about having his or her nails trimmed, remember the old adage, “A tired dog is a good dog.”

So before you grab the clippers, grab a leash and take your four-legged pal for a spin. Draining excess energy will take the edge off and help the procedure go smoothly.

Tip #2: Be prepared! Gather your supplies before you begin!

Tackling the dog nail trim means having the right tool for the job. I recommend using nail clippers. We don’t recommend the guillotine style trimmers. You’ll have more control and precision for the job with the nail clippers that resemble small pruning shears.

Also, have a bottle of styptic powder on hand. Even the most experienced nail trimmer can occasionally clip into the quick–the blood and nerve supply in the toenail.

Tip #3: Find the perfect position. 

Decide ahead of time how you will hold your dog. Choose a position that is visibly comfortable for your dog. As a rule of thumb:

  • Large dogs typically do best lying on their side.
  • Small dogs may feel more comfortable snuggled in your lap.
  • Long-legged dogs may prefer to stand.

Tip #4: Keep it positive!

Give an abundance of verbal praise and reward your dog with high-value treats for every small success.

Tip #5: Enlist the help of a friend.

Some dogs may be fearful of the dog nail trim no matter how well you’ve prepared. If that’s the case, enlist the help of a friend or family member who can support you and who can encourage your dog with lots of praise, head rubs, and treats.

Tip #6:  Make conservative, angled cuts.

The key to tackling the dog nail trim is to make conservative, angled cuts rather than one big cut. As you begin:

  • Start with the back paw.
  • Make an angled, conservative first cut.
  • Shave off only small bits of the toenail.
  • Learn how to identify the quick of the nail so that you don’t draw blood or cause pain to your dog.
  • Stop when you see the pre-quick of your dog’s toenail.

Tip #7: Celebrate! You and your dog make a great team!

It’s important to end the nail trim on a positive note. Even if you don’t finish trimming the nails on all four paws, it’s more important that you keep the experience positive for your dog. Celebrate your success together!

 

 

Newsletter Vol. 1

 

 

Newsletter Volume 1

(more…)

Monday Morning Nutrition

Introducing our Monday Morning Nutrition

No Borders Animal Rescue Society (NOBARS) is pleased to present our new series on pet nutrition. We are also pleased to announce Frances Parker, Centralized Adoption Facilitator And Karen Evans, Centralized Foster Facilitator.

(more…)

7 Tips for Fear-Free Dog Nail Trims

 

7 Tips for Fear-Free Dog Nail Trims

Dog nail trims are one of the most frequently requested procedures veterinarians are asked to do. Why? Many pet owners know that proper nail care is important, but it can also be fear-inducing for the dog and for the human who is holding the clippers. Can you relate? The last thing you want to do is cause your best furry friend pain. Or maybe your dog has had a nail trimming experience that went awry and it’s holding you back from tackling the nail trim. Or may you’re not quite sure how to start.

No matter which category you fall into, We believe that every pet owner can successfully master dog nail trims! We want to help you tackle dog nail trims with confidence by sharing my tried-and-true tips for successfully clipping your dog’s nails and making it part of your canine companion’s in-home grooming routine. You can do this! We can help!

Nail clip

Why dog nail trims are important to keep your dog healthy

Nails that are allowed to grow too long alter the way a dog stands and walks. Long nails hit the ground when a dog walks, making it uncomfortable and even painful for him or her. Dogs learn to compensate by favoring the tender parts of their paws or by changing how much pressure they put on the sensitive parts of their feet. This shifts their normal posture–leaving them prone to developing problems with their back.

Also, dogs with untrimmed nails run the risk of injuries around the house because their nails can easily get caught in the carpet and rip open. And in extreme cases, nails that have been neglected can grow long enough to get tangled in the fur on a dog’s paws, making it impossible to walk.

Seven tips for successful dog nail trims

Skipping a nail trim is easy to do because dogs don’t naturally welcome the idea of having their feet handled. That’s why it is important to set yourself up for nail trimming success with these seven tips.

Tip #1: Exercise your dog before you get started!

If your dog is not particularly cooperative about having his or her nails trimmed, remember the old adage, “A tired dog is a good dog.”

So before you grab the clippers, grab a leash and take your four-legged pal for a spin. Draining excess energy will take the edge off and help the procedure go smoothly.

Tip #2: Be prepared! Gather your supplies before you begin!

Tackling the dog nail trim means having the right tool for the job. I recommend using nail clippers. We don’t recommend the guillotine style trimmers. You’ll have more control and precision for the job with the nail clippers that resemble small pruning shears.

Also, have a bottle of styptic powder on hand. Even the most experienced nail trimmer can occasionally clip into the quick–the blood and nerve supply in the toenail.

Tip #3: Find the perfect position. 

Decide ahead of time how you will hold your dog. Choose a position that is visibly comfortable for your dog. As a rule of thumb:

  • Large dogs typically do best lying on their side.
  • Small dogs may feel more comfortable snuggled in your lap.
  • Long-legged dogs may prefer to stand.

Tip #4: Keep it positive!

Give an abundance of verbal praise and reward your dog with high-value treats for every small success.

Tip #5: Enlist the help of a friend.

Some dogs may be fearful of the dog nail trim no matter how well you’ve prepared. If that’s the case, enlist the help of a friend or family member who can support you and who can encourage your dog with lots of praise, head rubs, and treats.

Tip #6:  Make conservative, angled cuts.

The key to tackling the dog nail trim is to make conservative, angled cuts rather than one big cut. As you begin:

  • Start with the back paw.
  • Make an angled, conservative first cut.
  • Shave off only small bits of the toenail.
  • Learn how to identify the quick of the nail so that you don’t draw blood or cause pain to your dog.
  • Stop when you see the pre-quick of your dog’s toenail.

Tip #7: Celebrate! You and your dog make a great team!

It’s important to end the nail trim on a positive note. Even if you don’t finish trimming the nails on all four paws, it’s more important that you keep the experience positive for your dog. Celebrate your success together!

 

 

The First 30 Days

 

 

The First 30 Days

The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your dog will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible.

(more…)

 

7 Tips for Fear-Free Dog Nail Trims

Dog nail trims are one of the most frequently requested procedures veterinarians are asked to do. Why? Many pet owners know that proper nail care is important, but it can also be fear-inducing for the dog and for the human who is holding the clippers. Can you relate? The last thing you want to do is cause your best furry friend pain. Or maybe your dog has had a nail trimming experience that went awry and it’s holding you back from tackling the nail trim. Or may you’re not quite sure how to start.

No matter which category you fall into, We believe that every pet owner can successfully master dog nail trims! We want to help you tackle dog nail trims with confidence by sharing my tried-and-true tips for successfully clipping your dog’s nails and making it part of your canine companion’s in-home grooming routine. You can do this! We can help!

Nail clip

Why dog nail trims are important to keep your dog healthy

Nails that are allowed to grow too long alter the way a dog stands and walks. Long nails hit the ground when a dog walks, making it uncomfortable and even painful for him or her. Dogs learn to compensate by favoring the tender parts of their paws or by changing how much pressure they put on the sensitive parts of their feet. This shifts their normal posture–leaving them prone to developing problems with their back.

Also, dogs with untrimmed nails run the risk of injuries around the house because their nails can easily get caught in the carpet and rip open. And in extreme cases, nails that have been neglected can grow long enough to get tangled in the fur on a dog’s paws, making it impossible to walk.

Seven tips for successful dog nail trims

Skipping a nail trim is easy to do because dogs don’t naturally welcome the idea of having their feet handled. That’s why it is important to set yourself up for nail trimming success with these seven tips.

Tip #1: Exercise your dog before you get started!

If your dog is not particularly cooperative about having his or her nails trimmed, remember the old adage, “A tired dog is a good dog.”

So before you grab the clippers, grab a leash and take your four-legged pal for a spin. Draining excess energy will take the edge off and help the procedure go smoothly.

Tip #2: Be prepared! Gather your supplies before you begin!

Tackling the dog nail trim means having the right tool for the job. I recommend using nail clippers. We don’t recommend the guillotine style trimmers. You’ll have more control and precision for the job with the nail clippers that resemble small pruning shears.

Also, have a bottle of styptic powder on hand. Even the most experienced nail trimmer can occasionally clip into the quick–the blood and nerve supply in the toenail.

Tip #3: Find the perfect position. 

Decide ahead of time how you will hold your dog. Choose a position that is visibly comfortable for your dog. As a rule of thumb:

  • Large dogs typically do best lying on their side.
  • Small dogs may feel more comfortable snuggled in your lap.
  • Long-legged dogs may prefer to stand.

Tip #4: Keep it positive!

Give an abundance of verbal praise and reward your dog with high-value treats for every small success.

Tip #5: Enlist the help of a friend.

Some dogs may be fearful of the dog nail trim no matter how well you’ve prepared. If that’s the case, enlist the help of a friend or family member who can support you and who can encourage your dog with lots of praise, head rubs, and treats.

Tip #6:  Make conservative, angled cuts.

The key to tackling the dog nail trim is to make conservative, angled cuts rather than one big cut. As you begin:

  • Start with the back paw.
  • Make an angled, conservative first cut.
  • Shave off only small bits of the toenail.
  • Learn how to identify the quick of the nail so that you don’t draw blood or cause pain to your dog.
  • Stop when you see the pre-quick of your dog’s toenail.

Tip #7: Celebrate! You and your dog make a great team!

It’s important to end the nail trim on a positive note. Even if you don’t finish trimming the nails on all four paws, it’s more important that you keep the experience positive for your dog. Celebrate your success together!