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Nail Trimming Stress

SauerDog

SauerDog

New Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2025
Messages
15
Pets
One shorthaired standard
My adult male Standard dachshund won't let me trim his nails, so I've resorted to taking him to my Vet for that. I figured what better place to have this procedure done. I've had it done there twice now, about 3 months apart. After the second time, the technician told me they muzzled him and used two techs. They also told me he actually peed a little. I noticed that he was a little distant afterwards for about a day and a half. He also licked one of his paws more than usual afterwards too. Long story short, is there a better place and/or technique to have my hound's nails trimmed? It's almost as if he'd need to be under anesthesia in order to not be stressed out. Opinions???
 
Hi! We've two young (2 yrs old) wire-haired chaps who are pretty lively. When I take them for their quarterly haircuts they are (incredibly) well behaved and so I get their nails trimmed at the same time. I don't know if it's because they respond to the female hairdressers better (pheromones?), or they're just calmer in the presence of other pooches and in a place they aren't used to but they're like putty in their hands - I couldn't believe it the first time!

Our neighbour's Parsons Jack Russel who is more mature and calmer hates getting his nails trimmed so they slip him a calming (travel) pill before taking him along.

I guess it's horses for courses, but a pill might be the answer.
 
I've had several dachshunds who hated having the nails trimmed and, like yours, had to be muzzled and it pretty much turned into an Olympic event. I have had better luck with groomers than vet techs for trimming nails. No idea why.
 
SauerDog said:
My adult male Standard dachshund won't let me trim his nails, so I've resorted to taking him to my Vet for that. I figured what better place to have this procedure done. I've had it done there twice now, about 3 months apart. After the second time, the technician told me they muzzled him and used two techs. They also told me he actually peed a little. I noticed that he was a little distant afterwards for about a day and a half. He also licked one of his paws more than usual afterwards too. Long story short, is there a better place and/or technique to have my hound's nails trimmed? It's almost as if he'd need to be under anesthesia in order to not be stressed out. Opinions???
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They have these things on Amazon if you can't find a groomer. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dog holder for nail trimming Also, maybe try the dremel type grooming tool rather than clippers which can get into the quick. There are videos showing how to do it. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dog nail grinder
 
Well, in my mind I would have tried it because in that hanging apparatus he would have no choice. You might have to hold each foot tightly to get it to work. Otherwise, maybe take him to a groomer and tell them you want to watch how they do it. That would give you an idea of how to hold him or restrain him if that's what they do. Or find a good video online. My doxie didn't like his teeth messed with but I just did it anyway and he got used to it. Brushing didn't work so all I do is wipe his teeth down with a pad saturated in coconut oil. He has very nice white teeth and just puts up with it, maybe because he loves the taste. Here's hoping you find a solution for your own peace of mind. Dogs aren't going to like everything they need done.
 
I finally found a nail trim specialist that is mobile and travels to the owner's home. This is all the person does full time, since it's a much needed service; trimming dog and cat nails. I first give my hound a dose of CBD oil about an hour prior her arrival. We still have to use a muzzle on him as I hold him for the trimmer. It takes takes about 20 minutes, but totally worth it; Don't need to travel to a vet or groomer and he seems to be less stressed after the event.
 
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