What meds can calm my dog for nail trims when he's scared of clippers?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 28th, 2022

  Hello, my name is Dr. Shines and I hate to hear this is happening. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon.
  
  Zeke has a few options:
  
  1) Take him to the groomers. Sometimes a different person and a change of environment make all the difference.
  
  2) Take him to the vet. Again, different person/place AND the veterinarian has access to drugs if Zeke needs to be sedated for a nail trim.
  
  3) Ask your vet about getting pills to lightly sedate Zeke. Trazodone or Acepromazine may be good options.
  
  4) Try counter conditioning. Begin by having a high value treat. Start touching his feet and reward him as soon as you touch his toe nails. Do this for a few days. Once Zeke seems comfortable with this behavior, show him the clippers. Reward him every time he looks at the clippers. Gradually move the clippers closer to him until they touch his nail. Give him treats frequently. Then cut one nail, reward him immediately and stop the trimming for that session. Work up to multiple nails.
  
  I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jeffrey Milner

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 1st, 2018

  In these photographs, the toenails do not appear to be in disrepair or extraordinarily long. If you are having difficult trimming your own dog's nails for one reason or another, I would suggest having a groomer or veterinary hospital do this for you. Another possibility is to speak with your vet about medication to calm Buster down prior to having his nails trimmed. If there is a medical problem that has already been cause by the nails that I am not seeing in these photos (limping, ingrown nail, generalized swelling / pain, grown into pawpad, etc), you should schedule an appointment after Easter to have him examined. Hope this helps.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 7th, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
  
  Some dogs HATE their nails done. I would start with desensitizing him: have someone feed him peanut butter or small pieces of treats while you play with his feet and touch his nails. Don't try to trim the nails until you get to a point that he barely reacts when you touch his nails. This will take time. Then have someone give him treats/peanut butter while you cut the nails. In the mean time you can take him to a groomer, PetCo or your Vet for a nail trim.
  
  I wish you the best!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful