Trimming nails????? Any suggestions?????

[vtxcandyred]

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I have a three year old Yorkie and he goes to the groomer every four to eight weeks. I try to make it about six weeks regularly. He is a bit jumpy, even with me when I use a small dremel style grinder on his nails. I've tried snipping them with regular nail clippers but it seems like I hurt him and I am terrified about hurting him or making him bleed. I really don't know what to do!!!!!!!!! H E L P ! ! ! ! !

[Twitchin Kitten]

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I was about to make a whole post here for you, pictures and everything, but I found a couple of really good videos that will help you better.

This is a good one - it is great for those who have dogs with thick, black nails where it's very hard to determine where the quick is. She covers two methods with the clippers and then she shows you how to use the dremel tool as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWOkW8wLiSk&feature=related

This one is from Drs. Foster & Smith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqc4OW_Iz9A

Also, many good articles can be found in the first link in my useful pet links sticky HERE

He senses your uneasiness doing it and feeds off it. Maybe somewhere, someone clipped his quick and made him bleed and that too could be why he is 'flinchy'. Take your time with him, reward him when he's behaving and do this at least once a month to get him used to the process. If you can find a way to get a similar set up like the one in the first video, all the better. It gives you more control over the dog and a small ledge to allow him to rest his foot on. Cats and dogs cope better when they paws can hang over a ledge for cutting. I do my difficult cats on the counter with their paws hanging over and its seems to help.

If you can't rig up something for the dog to clip his collar to, have someone help you and hold the collar.
If the dog is very nippy, use a well fitting muzzle.

TIP: if you don't have or can't find styptic powder or paste, use plain old flour from the cupboard. Put some in a small lid or ramekin and dip the bleeding toe in there for a few seconds and it will stop the bleeding. If you really cut too deep, nothing will stop it and he will need it cauterized at the vet. You'll know the difference between a nick and an outright cut. The bleeding is immense.

Make sure you have the proper tools. Do not get a nipper that is too big or too small for your breed. Do not use "human" nippers. They are not strong enough, or sharp enough and will do more damage to the nail by splitting it or fraying it. You must make clean cuts as the woman describes in the first video.