Nail Trim Aversion

Q: We have a problem with our female Bulldog. She's a really nice dog most of the time but won't let me cut her toenails. She just won't let anyone touch her feet. Is there anything we could try at home that would make her a little sleepy, such as a little benedryl? Do you think that would help or should we just take our dog to a vet to be sedated and if so, what will they use and what are the risks?

A: Benedryl makes some dogs sleepy and it might work for mild sedation. This can be a tough situation in a bulldog because muzzling them without increasing the risk of problems from heatstroke (in hot weather) and just general respiratory difficulties due to their anatomy, is difficult. The most commonly used sedative in veterinary medicine is probably acepromazine. Sedatives help but can be insufficient as many dogs can resist the effects when very excited. Bulldogs are pretty prone to interdigital pyoderma, so there may be some reason for her to resist having her feet held. It would be worth having your dog examined for this. The best long term approach would probably be to work on being able to touch her feet for now, without worrying about her nails. Take her to the vet to have them trimmed so that the fights over this are not associated with you. Most bulldogs are easily distracted with food treats and you might be able to touch a foot while giving her a treat. Keep working at this until she lets you handle the feet. Then clip one nail a week for a while. Gradually go to two nails, etc. Don't try to get them really short. Gradually over time, this usually works to allow nail trimming. It might take six months or so but she is a young dog and you need to maintain her feet for a long time so going slow now may pay off in the long run.

Mike Richards, DVM

Nail Trim Fight

Q: My dog gets nuts when his nails are clipped. I have to get the Vet or a groomer to do it. I got him as a puppy and nothing has happened to him that would cause him to act like this. His nails stay fairly short because he gets a lot of exercise. The only nails that get long are her dew claws. Someone suggested that they be surgically removed. Is this something I should consider?

A: There is usually no major problem associated with removing the dewclaws but must be done with general anesthetic since the dewclaws are a well developed toe in most adults. It might be easier just to clip one dew claw a week until she tolerates having this done a little better. You don't have to try to get them really short. Most dogs will adjust to toenail clipping if you don't push too hard and give them a treat when you are done.

Mike Richards, DVM  

Nail trim Battle

Q: I have a 65 pound boxer mix dog who is 2 years old. Ever since we got him at 8 weeks old, clipping his toe nails is a major issue. He has now taken up trying to bite us any time we get near him with the clippers! Do you have any suggestions on what to use to tranquilize him in or relax him enough to take care of this monthly problem. My Vet recommended 50 mg of dramamine which did nothing. I have given him a total of 75mg of dramamine with no results, he is still wide awake playing with my son! Can I give him 100 mg or is their something better? We are on a limited budget and are not able to spend the $50.00 to have him sedated by our Vet to clip his nails. Thanks for your Help!!

A: My best advice would be to just try clipping one nail at a time. Clip one nail every couple of days. Don't try to get them really short -- just clip the tip so that it is really unlikely you will get into the quick and hurt him. After awhile, most dogs will allow more nails to be clipped and you can clip a little closer. We have had very little luck using sedatives in these cases. Don't get bit or fight so hard with your dog that someone gets hurt. If you have to work on just touching his feet for a few seconds, then minutes, first --- do that. I think that you will find that you can get this grooming chore done over time.

Mike Richards, DVM