This is a tip I got from my vet several years ago. She said to use a Dremel tool to keep my dogs' nails trimmed. It is so much safer, and easier on the dogs and on me. I don't worry so much anymore about cutting the vessel inside their nails, and also their nails come out smooth and not apt to snag and split. And there's no pain for the dogs either.
To get them used to it I started when they were puppies. I did their nails for just a second or two on each nail every day for several weeks, then once a week, and now once or twice a month. This got them used to not only the sound, but also the feel of the vibrations. Now they just lay there and sleep while I do their nails!
By Cricket from Parkton, NC
Congratulations on your success with the Dremel. I use it too, because my dog has black toenails, so any chopping is just a gamble and it makes her cry immediately, she's been quicked too often. I put a coarser band on it and I found it got too hot if it was on there for more than three seconds. So three touches on one toenail then on to the next, and across the set of nails on one paw over and over. She hates it, but stands quietly for the most part. I wouldn't consider any other way. Good for you for helping get the word out. (05/05/2009)
Kimhis, I'm glad to hear you're having such success with your Dremel and your dog. My dogs also have black nails, so I know what you mean. The dog I had when the vet told me about this was a golden retriever whose nails were too big to fit into a clipper, so I took him to her. She brought her Dremel in and showed me how to do it. I couldn't believe how easy it was!
You're right tho, and I had forgotten to mention that it will get hot after a bit. AlthoUGH with mine, I'm able to do both my dogs in one sitting.
Another tip too. I don't know what size dog yours is, but mine are dachshunds so they are small. But to bend over them on the floor just about kills my back, which put me in a bad mood and short tempered, and they aren't comfotrable being put on the table or even worse the counter. So I took a sheet of 2" foam rubber and covered it. Now when it's time to do toenails, I clear off the coffee table and put the foam rubber "mattress" on it.
By Cricket
What is a dremel tool? I have a miniature schnauzer who does not like getting his nail clipped. Need help!
Editor's Note: It is a small multipurpose rotary tool, which can be used for wood and metal working and has lots of attachments available. Here is the link to their website.
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/default.aspx (05/06/2009)
What a GREAT way to save money with using something that you already have around the house! Love IT! (05/06/2009)
By Sharon Neth
It is cheaper and much better to get an electric nail sander that is used for manicuring nails. At least it is intended for nails. If you have a dremel fine but if you don't, then buy a nail sander. It seems to me it is always better to use things for their intended purpose. (05/24/2010)
By Lilac
Ann Parker, If my veterinarian hadn't suggested using the Dremel tool, I'd have never considered it. But since she did, and I tried it, I've been extremely happy with it. So have my dogs.
I have looked at the ones specifically made for pets and have yet to find one that isn't designed for large pets. Even the ones for cats (which you would probably discourage too for use on dogs) is too big for small dogs, much less cats.
Plus the Dremel is much less expensive and very much more versatile to be used on projects all around the home.
As for the tool getting hot, I've found that if it has a good charge on it, and I don't take a long time doing the job, it doesn't get more than a little bit warm. Since I have 2 dogs, I do one dog at a time, then wait about 30-60 minutes before doing the other one with no problem then.
As I said originally and in this response, the Dremel is veterinary tested and approved for use on pets nails. (05/24/2010)
By Cricket
I, too, use a Dremel for grinding Maggie's nails. She is, as near as the vets can tell, 17, which puts her in her 80s with me! I am not able to give her much exercise, so she has some long, curved nails that look like they belong on a grizzly bear! I use my small cordless Dremel with a round abrasive piece that fits over a circular piece.
I am getting ready to share with my son and daughter-in-law for use on their basset. Wonderful idea! They won't let me give you more than one thumbs up, but in my heart you'll have dozens! (05/24/2010)
By Marty Dick
My avian vet also uses a dremel for my bird's beak and claws. Works very well. (I take care of the smaller birds trimming, but leave the big birds for the vet to handle; birds hold a grudge for a LONG time, LOL!) (05/24/2010)
It sounds like a good way to go as long as people know the right attachment to use, otherwise could be very cruel. How do you know the proper attachment to use, there are so many? (05/26/2010)
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