Pet Connection: How do I help my pet have a nail trimming without being terrified?
—Q: My dog hates getting his nails trimmed. He quivers and quakes whenever I bring out the nail trimmers, and I've never even quicked him. Do you have any advice to help with his fear?
Pets can be fearful of many things — loud noises, car rides and, yes, nail trims. People are often unsure how to deal with these fears, and sometimes they default to punishment simply because they're frustrated. That makes matters worse, but here are some tips to help turn fear around.
When a dog or cat isn't comfortable being handled – whether it's to have nails trimmed, teeth looked at or an exam at the veterinary clinic – they can respond with the body language you describe, plus panting, lip licking, drooling, and even with a growl or bite. Nobody wants that, including the dog.
That's when you need to seek out a savvy behavior professional who can help you develop and implement a program of what's called counterconditioning – pairing the scary event in small bites (so to speak) with something the animal likes, such as a tasty treat, praise or a favorite toy. The idea isn't to reward the fear, but rather to change the way the dog or cat experiences the frightening situation.
It's a slow but steady introduction to the nail clippers and having the nails trimmed. You might do only one a day, followed by some warm deli turkey or whatever your pet's favorite treat or toy is. Always keep things below the level at which your pet starts showing signs of anxiety.
In a video on the Fear Free website (bit.ly/3NTSH9J), you can see some ways to help improve your pet's response to nail trims. If you start before it becomes a crisis, you will likely progress more quickly.
THE BUZZ
Summer safety tips for dogs and cats
• With warmer weather here, snakes are coming out of brumation – a period of partial dormancy – and seeking warmth and prey. It's all too easy for an unsuspecting or curious dog to get a bite from a startled snake, so pay attention to your surroundings and your dog's activity when you're hiking in areas where snakes are found. Depending on where you live, that can be forests, deserts, swamps or grasslands – or even your backyard. Snakes can be in burrows, under rocks or in water. You might not see your dog get bitten, so be aware of signs such as swelling, pain, difficulty breathing and unexplained salivation, says Steven Marks, DVM, associate dean and director of North Carolina State University's Veterinary Medical Services. If you see or suspect a snake bite, keep your dog calm and get him to the veterinarian right away. Don't apply ice or a bandage or tourniquet, and don't try to suck out venom, Dr. Marks says.
• In hot weather, be sure your dog or cat always has fresh water and a cool place to rest, especially if you don't have air conditioning or you have a pet with a flat face, such as a bulldog, pug or Persian cat. Extreme temperatures can cause pets to suffer heatstroke and dehydration. Signs include panting, difficulty breathing, dark red gums, lethargy and high body temperature (104 degrees Fahrenheit or more). Pets with these signs should see the vet immediately. To help pets chill, offer a frozen towel or bag of frozen veggies they can snuggle with.
• Light-colored or white pets need protection from the sun. Look for pet-safe sunscreen and apply it to the face, ears and nose, or even the whole body in the case of shorthaired or smooth-coated dogs. Keep hairless pets indoors when it's sunny out.
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton, and dog trainer/behavior consultant Mikkel Becker.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: How do I help my pet have a nail trimming without being terrified?
