What to Do If Your Dog Screams When Getting His Nails Cut
If your dog screams when getting his nails clipped, he may have a number of reasons for his extreme reaction. There are some solutions, including using an injectable sedative, a compression wrap, a basket muzzle, and training your older dog to tolerate the procedure. Keep reading to learn more. The video below shows the pug’s nail clipping nightmare. It’s so intense, the pug’s face is reminiscent of Edvard Munch’s The Scream. The vet doesn’t seem sympathetic, and even laughs at his overreaction. Nail clipping is necessary for your dog if it’s not naturally filed down.
Injectable sedatives
If your dog screams when getting their nails cut, you may want to consider an injectable sedative. While this may be an option, there are also over-the-counter sedatives and natural supplements you can give your dog instead. Many of these products block the central nervous system, making your dog calm and relaxed during the procedure. These are only effective if administered in the appropriate dosage and time for your dog’s size. Some of the sedatives available on the market are Benadryl (an antihistamine), melatonin supplements (which regulate the dog’s internal body rhythm), and California poppy. There are also natural relaxants like valerian, rosemary, and chamomile.
Often, oral medication will not be enough for your dog. During the procedure, your veterinarian will administer an injectable sedative. Veterinary professionals will monitor your pet’s vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure proper dosage. Choosing a sedative for your dog is not an easy task. Each dog will react to the sedative in a different way.
Compression wraps
If your dog screams when getting its nails cut, don’t panic! Most nail cuts are minor, and bleeding stops in 20 minutes. But if your dog is extremely scared or even bites you while you’re trimming its nails, there are a few things you can do to calm them down. Use a bandage or a muzzle. You may also want to keep your dog occupied by putting him or her in a large, enclosed space.
Injections are one option for helping your dog become desensitized to getting their nails cut. These can be very effective in reducing the occurrence of aggressive behavior, but they can also cause complications like pain and anxiety. Some vets even recommend using compression wraps to help calm down an anxious dog. A combination of pheromones and desensitization methods may be effective. Another method is using basket muzzles to restrain the dog and prevent it from screams. Basket muzzles are not the right solution, however.
Basket muzzles
A dog that screams when getting their nails clipped may have a basket muzzle on their face. Basket muzzles are designed to cover their mouths and are often made from leather, wire, plastic, or rubber. Basket muzzles do not completely close their mouths. They still allow the dog to breathe, pant, and drink. Some have slits on the side to smuggle treats.
A dog who screams when getting their nails clipped is likely to have a dog who is afraid of scissors. While a dog wearing a basket muzzle has more freedom of movement than a dog with no muzzle, it is not ideal for the dog park. While basket muzzles may seem like a good idea for shorter trips, they aren’t recommended for longer trips. A dog wearing a basket muzzle may become more accustomed to it over time.
Training older dogs to tolerate nail trims
Train an older dog to tolerate nail trims. If your older dog has been scared of having their nails cut, nail trimming can be a stressful experience. Try to follow your dog’s lead and make the procedure as pleasant as possible for both of you. If your dog is showing signs of apprehension, stop the nail trim and try another day. If your dog doesn’t tolerate the trim, you may need to use different methods to train them to accept it.
Begin by trimming one nail at a time. Make sure to keep the blade from going near the quick. Stop the clipping after the first nail, and then move on to the next. Repeat the process, rewarding your dog for each successful nail trim. When your dog tolerates the procedure, you may want to increase the frequency. Repeat the process several times to reinforce the new behavior. If you notice that your dog’s behavior does not improve, you may need to give him a mild sedative.
Injectable sedatives for aggressive dogs
If your dog screams and runs when getting its nails cut, you may have to use an injectable sedative. While the process itself isn’t harmful, the noise of the nail clipper may make your dog feel anxious and fight back. If you’d like to trim your dog’s nails without putting them at risk of becoming aggressive, you should seek out a veterinarian who uses gentle techniques. If physical restraint is used, it could make your dog even more frightened and dangerous, and can also hurt the person doing the restraining.
Many sedatives have a calming and anti-anxiety effect, but do not cause sedation. Some tranquilizers also produce drowsiness. Other sedatives deliver pain relief. These drugs may also be beneficial for older dogs, who may tense their muscles when nervous or sore. Despite its name, Benadryl is not considered a sedative and is usually given in small doses.
