If you find trimming your dog's nails difficult, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to help your dog cope with their nail-trimming stress.
Key Takeaways
- Many pet owners experience difficulties with grooming, including nail trimming.
- Calming supplements, like CBD Chews, can help dogs maintain a normal disposition.
- Over time, positive reinforcement and desensitization can help dogs develop a more positive, accepting attitude toward nail trimming.
See More: Why Is My Dog Drinking a Lot of Water Lately?
The Secret to Successful Nail Trimming
Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy, says:
"A calming supplement can help promote relaxation. Desensitization and positive reinforcement may help your dog feel more comfortable with nail trimming."
For many pet parents, nail trimming is something to be dreaded or avoided at all costs. One study found that over 90% of pet owners experience barriers to maintaining their pet's grooming, including nail trimming.¹
That's not ideal. After all, keeping your dog's nails trimmed is important for their overall health and wellness.
Nail trimming doesn't have to be so difficult. With the right tips and techniques, which we'll cover in this article, most dogs should be able to feel comfortable during a trim, or at least tolerate it.
Why You Should Trim Your Dog's Nails
Before we cover those techniques, we should break down some specific reasons for keeping your dog's nails nicely trimmed.
Long nails can lead to a host of issues. They can cause discomfort, especially during walking. Dogs with overgrown nails might walk with their paws at different angles, which can affect posture and lead to joint issues down the line.²
Those long, overgrown nails are also more likely to snag on things. That means a higher chance of broken nails.
Regular nail trimming can help prevent all of these nail-related issues. Consider nail trimming a part of your dog's regular and necessary grooming routine, like bathing or brushing.
In a sense, your dog is just like you. You keep your nails trimmed, and so should they.
Bonus: Why Is My Dog Limping? What Should I Do?
Techniques for Trimming Nails
Now, you can understand why nail trimming is important. Your dog might not. For them, it might be an uncomfortable or even stressful event that they don't understand.
Unfortunately, you can't explain to your dog why they need to trim their nails. Fortunately, there are plenty of other science-backed techniques that can Help Them Manage Any Stress they might feel from this normal event.
Calming Supplement
One great tip is to use a calming supplement, like CBD.
Research shows that CBD can help promote relaxation in dogs and help dogs cope with external stresses, like nail trimming.
For example, one 2024 study gave dogs CBD before a stressful event, like a car ride or separation from their owner. The dogs that received CBD demonstrated fewer signs of stress.³
CBD works by interacting with your dog's endocannabinoid system. That system plays a role in your dog's stress response. Your dog's body produces natural compounds called endocannabinoids, which act as signal molecules for the endocannabinoid system. The same is true for you, too.
"The molecules that I'm making right now, that your dog's making, that are essential for them balancing their lives — they can be used up," explains veterinarian Dr. Casara Andre in conversation with Earth Buddy founder Sean Zyer. "The CBD molecule is really powerful at slowing down the destruction of these endocannabinoids. That's a really lovely way to support what the body's already trying to do."
One of the best ways to Give Dogs CBD is with CBD oil. Earth Buddy's Balance Hemp Extract combines CBD oil with CBDa oil to help your pet cope with external stresses and maintain a normal disposition.
Calming chews are another great choice. Earth Buddy's Duck & Apple Chews each contain 5mg of CBD. For something a little stronger, try our Beef & Pumpkin Chews, which each have 10mg of CBD.
Desensitization
If you have more time, you could try to desensitize your dog to nail trimming. Desensitization is a gradual process that starts long before nail clipping itself.
The idea is to start with an action or item that doesn't stress your dog out too much. Over time, gradually introduce your dog to the next stage in the process, making sure they aren't getting too stressed. Make sure to go slowly and be patient.
In this case, you might start by touching your dog's paws. Regularly handling their paws even outside of trimming can help them become used to the action.
Once they're used to paw handling, introduce them to your nail clippers. Let your dog sniff the clippers, so it becomes familiar to them rather than alien and scary. Make sure to fill this introduction with treats and praise, so they develop a positive association with the clippers.
Then, once they're ready, try trimming just one or two nails at a time. Keep using small treats and praise to reward calm behavior.
Try taking small amounts off the nail at a time, rather than large amounts. That can reduce the chance you cut into the quick, the living tissue underneath the nail.⁴
Some dogs simply don't like clippers. For them, nail grinders might be a better option.⁵
Positive Reinforcement
Treats and praise are both examples of positive reinforcement, which is another fantastic way to help your dog accept nail trimming.
The basic idea is as follows. If your dog associates nail trimming with something positive, they should view it positively instead of as something stressful or scary.6
Positive reinforcement, like desensitization, can take time. The key is to reward good behavior, which in this case is calmness, and not punish unwanted behavior, which can cement negative associations.
If your dog shows signs of being stressed, try to end the session on a positive note and try again later.
Calming Techniques
There are plenty of additional ways you can help your dog maintain a normal disposition during nail trimming.
One tip is to exercise them before a trim. If your dog is tired, they should have less energy to get stressed out.
Your dog's environment also plays a role. Try trimming in a calm environment, perhaps with calming music to help promote relaxation. Good lighting and a non-slip surface are also important for safety and can prevent any slipping that might worsen stress.
A tasty treat, like peanut butter, can also help distract your dog from the trimming itself.
Your energy also matters. Dogs are closely attuned to their pat parent's energy and mood. If you seem stressed or worked up, your dog may sense that. Definitely don't rush or pin down your pup, as that could very well stress them out more.
Professional Help
If you try all of the above and it simply doesn't work, consider a professional groomer. Many dog groomers offer nail clipping services.
Your vet may also be able to help you get to the bottom of your dog's stress.
Conclusion
If your dog finds nail trimming stressful, don't worry. Calming supplements, desensitization, and positive reinforcement can all help dogs cope with external stresses. A professional groomer and your vet can also help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Cut My Dog's Nails Without Them Freaking Out?
You could try distracting them with a tasty treat, or giving them a calming supplement like CBD oil to promote relaxation. In the long term, gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement might help your dog develop a positive association with nail trimming.
What to Do When Your Dog Won't Let You Cut Their Nails?
Definitely don't force it, as that can worsen their stress. Instead, try a calming supplement, desensitization with positive reinforcement, or a distracting treat. A professional groomer can also help.
Is It Bad to Not Cut Your Dog's Nails?
Yes. Letting your dog's nails become overgrown can lead to a range of issues, including broken nails and joint problems.
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Sources
- Barriers to and facilitators of pet grooming among clients served by a subsidized grooming service program - PMC
- Can long toenails hurt my dog with arthritis?
- A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel
- Dog Nail Quick: What It Looks Like and How to Avoid Cutting It | Veterinary Healthcare Associates
- Using Dog Nail Grinder | Champion of My Heart
- Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: The Science Behind Operant Conditioning
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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.
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