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!
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.
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. Altho 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. The dogs know what this means. I put one at a time up the while I sit on the floor. It's the perfect comfortable height for my back, which means I'm not in pain and am able to remain in a good mood. And they are comfortable on the mattress and not so high up off the floor.
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.
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