Nail Clipping

[ChristineCu]

Hello, My dog is a 5 yr old GSP female. She's 45-48 pds. We got her when she was 2 1/2 yrs old. Her nails were long because she was mistreated and never had a nail clipping. She was born with hip dysplasia in both hips and something wrong with her back, maybe degeneration, not sure. Her nails are very long. Groomers are telling me they can't get bails shorter because the quick is so long. Took her to a vet and vet says she needs to be sedated, nails cut through the quick. She needs her nails cut because they are causing her pain and she turns her paws to compensate which I believe is painful. I'm not sure what to do. I dont want her to have a surgical procedure. I've been getting them cut once monthly, would weekly help? Her groomer let's her Drexel her rear paws but not the front. She hates having her nails done.
Because of hip dysplasia in her other hip and back issues, she sleeps a lot and is not very active. She loves to eat. She is such a sweet, sensitive dog. Any recommendations to trim her nails shorter so they won't be painful. Thank you so much

 

[NancyK]

I am sorry you are having this problem. I am not knowledgeable about cutting them under sedation, however if you want to try to get the quicks to recede I would suggest cutting them at least once a week and try to get as close to the quick as possible. I would also suggest the 90 degree angle cut shown in the article below. This will get you closer to the quick. A dremel is usually best for getting closer to the quick without hitting it. The quick should eventually recede if you trim them often enough and get close to the quick. However, perhaps if they are bad enough they may need to be done under sedation. Hopefully others will comment on this.

Top 15 Tips for a Great Pawdicure: How to cut your dog's nails — CANINE WORKS

Nancy

 

[GinnyW]

I agree majorly with Nancy! Try to do them incrementally - I mean REALLY incrementally: Touch, reward. Touch, reward. Use a grinder, and do one at a sitting - MAYBE two, but DON"T push it! Give the best treats you can imagine, and use them ONLY for this. Change them up if she loses interest or rejects you. Be calm but upbeat, every time. Did I say "don't push it!"? Praise her; say, "Oooh, you have such LOVELY nails!" Talk to her the whole time, however short or long; she loves the sound of your voice, you know.
It's quite possible that her posture and gait have been more or less affected by the bad feet; you should notice some change as the feet adjust - this is great, but it will take quite a long time to get the feet fully functional. No battles, now, just love and your gratitude for allowing her precious trust.

 

[Dr. Christina]

She is so lucky to have you, Christine, looking for soothing support and even deep healing. Great answers, Ginny and Nancy.

IMHO I would have concerns about sedating and quicking the nails. Watch this webinar by Dr. Shoemaker (who was a classmate of mine) and maybe even call her to ask about the vet's suggestion.

And, consider working with a homeopathic veterinarian (can be virtual & can be Dr. Jeff), and a chiropractor or osteopath, and check out Dr. Laurie McCauley's exercise You tubes, and an animal communicator (to help in general and maybe help with the nail trims), and learn or work with a T-Touch practitioner (tellington method). Follow the steps in this article to find the vets.

Download the journal to see what is helping.

Do take the 101 course and browse the resource library and the forum (have to do searches in each one) for mobility, aging, etc.

Schedule your 15 min call for more options.

Dr. Christina

 

[Dr. Jeff]

would weekly help?

Yes! Tipping the nails weekly will get the quick to receded so that over time, you cann cut them way back from where they are now.

I think that there are two main options here:

1. The fast way is the naiil cut back procedure your vet can do.

2. The slow way (months or more) is weekly tipping of the nails.