Many of us don’t know the importance of trimming our dog’s nails and the right tool to use for this job. That is why I am here to educate and make you aware of the importance of trimming dog’s nails. If you don’t trim the long nails, such scenarios may happen.
[su_list icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#329d40″]- There will be permanent damage to the joint
- Nails breaking off which is painful and bloody
- The dog may slip off or fall injuring itself and also while pouncing on you,
- The nails might bruise you
You can avoid all these by trimming the nails using a Dremel tool. The Dremel tool is preferable since you will not hit the quick (soft part that carries blood to the nails and is quite sensitive).
This tool ensures that the grinding is comfortable to the dog. This brings us to the fundamental step which is the right process of using this tool to trim the nails.
In order to trim the long nails, these are the steps which must be followed keenly and to the latter.
I will provide you with a step by step guideline to perform this task. Here are the procedures:
Introduction to the Dremel tool
Before you head out to the grinding process, you must familiarize your dog with the Dremel tool. This involves a simultaneous process.
The introduction should be simple and slow. Don’t hasten, since you will create a bad association of the tool and your dog. The first part of the introduction involves using treats that means getting the most delicious food for your dog.
Some of the treats to use include salmon, steak, and grilled chicken. Once you have the food turn on the Dremel tool while feeding your dog with the delicious foods.
Then turn off the Dremel tool and stop the feeding. The rule becomes no dremel no food and when the Dremel is turned on food is available.
While introducing the Dremel tool have your dog to get used to having his or her feet touched. By doing this you will not have any problem holding the feet while grinding.
Also, let your dog sniff and touch the Dremel tool while it is off. This investigation of the tool makes your dog be totally free and comfortable around the Dremel.
With time your dog becomes accustomed to the noise and the treats offered. With multiple practice sessions, your dog is now ready to be trimmed off its nails.
Make sure your dog lies on its side on the floor. This provides a relaxation mood to the dog and a perfect position for the trimming activity. Taking the process slow is both beneficial to you and your dog.
Trimming the nails
Your dog is fully accustomed to the Dremel tool at this stage. The crucial part comes in the trimming of the nails.
At this stage, you have got to be extra careful not to hurt your dog by cutting the nick. This is the procedure to follow while trimming the long nails. Take note of the friction, the pressure exerted the position of drilling and what to do after trimming.
Step 1: Preparation
Your dog should be in a comfortable position. This can be either sitting or lying on its side. The treats to offer should be ready and nearby.
From there prepare your Dremel tool. This involves fitting the cylindrical or inverted bit onto the Dremel. Your dog’s nails fit well into an inverted bit with a hollow tip. The flat circular tip on the cylindrical bit provides control and safety.
Step 2: Separating Nails
At this stage ask your dog to give you his or her paw, and then hold the paw firmly without squeezing it. Separate the nail from the rest of the part, by pushing gently at the top of your dog’s paw.
The nail will extend slightly from the pressure applied. If your dog has a longer coat the fur might be caught by the spinning Dremel. To avoid this, smooth back the fur with trouser socks, surgical hose or pantyhose. This keeps the fur out of the spinning Dremel reach.
Step 3: Trimming Nails
Turn on the Dremel tool and touch the tip of your dog’s nails with the spinning Dremel. The tip of the nail will be ground away by the momentum of the Dremel. Take care not to apply pressure as this will injure your dog or cause the tip to slip.
Start grinding across the underside of the nail. This removes the uneven edges and the rough stuff. Then from there, grind on the straight vertical edge which is the tip of the nail. Take off the sides, corners and the rough edges that are surrounding the tip.
While doing this your hand should be moving at all times. This avoids the risk of slipping. Get closer to the nick without nicking it. When the nick recedes further back, the nail will get much shorter.
That is where you have to take into account the angle of the tip. Grinding should be done on the nail tip in a perpendicular position instead of a diagonal position.
In order to smooth the nails to achieve rounded and attractive nails. Take away the small loose layer that runs alongside each nails bottom gently. Do this by rotating the Dremel in one or two swipes around the nail. The smoothening achieves perfect rounded corners and prevents the cracking of nails.
Step 4: Comfort Your Dog
After finishing the trimming process, comfort your dog by offering treats and praises. Rub the nails with olive oil after each dremelling session to seal them.
Shorter sessions are less traumatic and comforting; hence take a little break after trimming each nail.
The schedule of trimming your dog’s nails should be once a week. With practice, you will be able to trim perfectly the long nails.
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[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/5IZEs4YOcRM” controls=”no” rel=”no” modestbranding=”yes” https=”yes”]Final Words
The use of the Dremel tool to trim your dog’s nails is simple and important to both you and your dog. Being careful while performing this task is the only thing that you have to consider.
Thus, it is important to monitor the behaviour of your dog while grinding. If your dog shows any fear or nervousness then you should take things lightly or halt the process at once.
You can always continue trimming on the next when your dog will be relaxed. The whole process requires patience and being at the same pace as your dog. I highly advise you to follow the procedure I have outlined.