Pet Nail Care

There are a number of new devices being marketed for grooming a dog's nails. I personally use a cordless Dremel tool with an adjustable speed control. This story outlines the need to introduce your dog to a similar device - very important.

However, there's more to introducing a dog to something like this than just waving it in front of their face. You also need to turn it on while it's away from your dog so they understand it makes noise. Then when their comfortable with the noise, eventually touch it to them so they can feel it vibrate. Introducing a dog to something like this should be done gradually, preferably over several days. If you go to fast, or make the dog anxious - you'll be asking for problems.

A Dremel tool has numerous advantages to other grooming methods IMO - no accidental "quicking" the dog, no pressure on the nail bed from a scissor action, etc. If you introduce your dog to this properly, most dogs have no problem with it and often find it enjoyable.

Using a coarse sanding drum I do my dog's nails every other week, in about 5 minutes per dog. It's best to do this regularly, both for your pet's health, and comfort. Regular nail trimming helps prevent anxiety over a grooming ritual that should be "no big deal" for your dog.