Cutting nails is not really a fun activity in the Amodio household. Moose will — for the most part — suffer through in relative peace if someone else is scratching his back. With Lally, however, nail trimming becomes a wrestling match. Miko was even worse… I can remember a day we brought him to the local pet store for a free trim. The pet store lady was on the floor, I was on the floor, my dad was on the floor. It took both me and my father to hold Miko so the very patient and good natured pet store lady could trim his nails.
If you have trouble trimming your pets’ nails with a scissors or clipper, you may want to try a Dremel Rotary Tool. The rotary tool grinds the nail down, rather than cutting it, which can be less traumatic for your pet and keep you from accidentally cutting the sensitive quick inside the nail.
For best results, give your pet time to get used to having his paws handled and the rotary tool itself. Take the opportunity to manipulate your pet’s feet at least once a day. With treats and praise, teach your pet that having his paws touched is a positive experience. Allow your pet to sniff the rotary tool while it is turned off. Next, hold the tool in your hand and turn it on. Give your pet some time to get used to the noise it makes; see if you can get him to sit or lay down calmly while the tool is on. Once he is used to the noise, try (briefly) touching the tool to his nail. Don’t do any grinding, just get your pet used to the sensation of the rotary tool being on and touching him.
Once you and your pet are used to the Dremel Rotary Tool, you are ready to actually do some nail work! Keep in mind that it is the rotating action of the tool that grinds the nail down — not pressure from you. Don’t press the tool against the nail, hold it and let the spinning head do the work. Hold the paw in one hand to lessen the vibration the pet experiences from the rotary tool; manipulate the tool with the other hand.
The toenails will get hot from the rotary tool; alternate nails on different feet so your pet does not get too uncomfortable. Apply the rotating head to the nail for just a few seconds, then switch to a nail on another paw.
If you have a longhaired pet, you have to be extra careful — the hair could tangle in the rotary tool. To prevent this from happening, slip an old sock over your pet’s foot (or feet). Make a small hole for one nail at the tip of the sock; you will have access for grooming but keep long hair from tangling.
Want to learn more about the Dremel Rotary Tool?