14/11/2025
When I do nail trims on animals, I try to evaluate what works best for each of them.
What helps them feel safest?
I once had a dog who preferred that we offer food and work very quickly—that was his ideal method.
Another dog does best with full family support and praise while I use quiet clippers first and then Dremel the nails down. We also know he’s tender on one specific foot, so we plan around that.
Some dogs are so arthritic that they need the hammock method, and in those cases I can only touch the nails briefly.
Then there are the few where I have to discuss sedation because their past experiences have been too overwhelming. Maybe they’ve been quicked too many times, or they’re simply terrified it will happen again. We try not to rely on sedation permanently—we want to show them that no harm will come to them, or wait for days when they have good pain relief so the experience is easier.
All in all, the goal with nail trims is always to make the process as easy as possible for the pets, and to avoid getting greedy.
I get super excited when my clients practice and study for the sake of their pets. There have even been a few who didn’t need my help anymore because they regained their pet’s trust—and honestly, that makes me so happy.
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