Trimming Nails
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I start with the small size, sand paper wheel on a small cordless dremel for the puppies… then I move on to the larger size wheel and I have a larger (more powerful) cordless and a corded variety dremel to use when they are bigger. I have tried the stones but, for me, I prefer the sand paper.
For the dogs that are being shown, I do their nails once a week. Everyone else is about every two weeks (when I don't get lazy :o ). I do have some dogs that I make more of an effort to do their nails more often. I may go three weeks on some. If I go a month or more I really regret it. It takes soooo long to grind them when they are too long.
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I use the small one made for pet's nails, and I try to do it once a week, no less than every two weeks.
Before shows our breeder, who shows Jazzy, does her nails with a larger, more powerful dremel.
I'm still new enough at "dremeling" nails that I stick with the smaller one….and admittedly do not do a great job at it. She needs his touch up before going in the ring. -
after instruction from the ever helpful Mr. Robert Reed of Illusions Basenjis, we got a dremmel and are now actual dremmel folk. there are no words to describe how much easier it is to use a dremmel vs nail cutters. and to a really weird surprise the dogs gait seemed to instantly improved. my gait would probably improve too if I ws no longer walking around the floor on stilts.
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we use a dremel as well, about once every week or two, no more than two weeks though. I like to keep their nails trim and rounded. I basically check each of my pups over, clean ears and paws, and a couple times a week I brush their teeth. So I can tell pretty quickly if they need a quick run over with the dremel. I'm a bit obsessed with making sure my pups are free and clear of ticks/fleas, and that they have nice clean ears, and trim nails. But they stay pretty clean because of it, and No ear infections for my weim :)
kim~ -
There is a toe on dogs that from what I hear isn't necessary. Most dogs have it removed. (I can't remember the name of it)
Is it a good idea to have your vet remove this? The articles that I read, people say that dogs can get it caught on stuff and it can hurt them. Another article said that breeders usually have this removed before puppies are placed in homes. Is this true? -
The dew claws should be removed by the breeder when the puppies are only a few days old. Having them removed later in life requires surgery and is not usually recommended.
I have seen whippet owners at lure trials wrap the feet of dogs that have dew claws to prevent injury rather than having them removed as an adult.
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Hey whatever happend to your friend's site? I used to love going to it and checking out her Dark Skies Basenjis!
You can find her blog at http://darkskiesbasenjis.blogspot.com
The old website is down semi-permamently, I think. But the blog is fun.
She's my sister. :)
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I tried trimming Joey's nail with a cutter and they just seem to split. I actually used my own emery board to smooth the edges. Does anyone have a recommendation for a dremel and who can teach me how to use it so Joey won't start running from me everytime he sees it in my hands!
Oh and equis8, please post a pic of your weim! There is a section for other pets. I use to have one and miss him!! Know about keeping ears clean!! -
JoeyQ, I use an emery board on my dog's nails too. after I trim them I smooth out the rough edges. he actually LIKES the emery board too! sits patiently while I file - but he only "tolerates" the clippers.
Vanessa, I use to be scared too. But I only take just the TIP off, and I do it in very good light so I can actually SEE the quick. It also helps to have styptic powder on hand just incase. if you accidentally knick the quick, and it bleeds, put some styptic powder in the palm of your hand, and put the nail into it. this will stop the bleeding. don't make a fuss about it either, your calm energy is KEY to trimming nails successfully.
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JoeyQ, I use an emery board on my dog's nails too. after I trim them I smooth out the rough edges. he actually LIKES the emery board too! sits patiently while I file - but he only "tolerates" the clippers.
Vanessa, I use to be scared too. But I only take just the TIP off, and I do it in very good light so I can actually SEE the quick. It also helps to have styptic powder on hand just incase. if you accidentally knick the quick, and it bleeds, put some styptic powder in the palm of your hand, and put the nail into it. this will stop the bleeding. don't make a fuss about it either, your calm energy is KEY to trimming nails successfully.
Your right..energy is the Key and I will have to work on making it a fun experience for the pup and me. :o
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I am not a muzzle person, but I honestly wish I were when I go to cut Bella's nails because all she wants to do is bite me… (Luckily she is not growling or carrying on). I am determined to continue, even if it takes two of us to handle her. I am not really afraid of the cutting of the nails, I just hate that it is a negative experience to her. I am hoping that she will eventually learn to tolerate it better. :rolleyes:
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Hiya! I'm a new B owner and I have found this website very helpful. I've learned how to use the dremmel. I also found that the one I have I can put it on a very very low speed so as not to hurt them. I also figured that if they are chewing or eating something yummy while I do it they are much more compliant to letting me do their nails.
http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merensjp/doberdawn/index.html
Also it helps if someone helps you…while you work with RIGHT FRONT paw someone else holds up their LEFT BACK paw. They are so distracted by trying to keep their balance they are very still enough for you to get their nails done quick & easy!!
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Jazzy lays on her back in my arms while I work on her nails with the Dremel. She used to fuss and wiggle a bit, until I started giving her a little liver treat after each foot!
Now she will sit for all four feet to be done and doesn't need a treat after.
She will wiggle a bit sometimes, but it's usually just to shift positions a little.It took me a while to get comfortable doing her nails. I used to just take off the very tip, then a day or so later do the same thing. Now I've figured out what angle I have to have the toe, I sit next to a lamp so I have optimum lighting. . . and {sigh} my new bifocals help me focus and now I can see the quick much more clearly.
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Hiya! I'm a new B owner and I have found this website very helpful. I've learned how to use the dremmel. I also found that the one I have I can put it on a very very low speed so as not to hurt them. I also figured that if they are chewing or eating something yummy while I do it they are much more compliant to letting me do their nails.
http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merensjp/doberdawn/index.html
Also it helps if someone helps you…while you work with RIGHT FRONT paw someone else holds up their LEFT BACK paw. They are so distracted by trying to keep their balance they are very still enough for you to get their nails done quick & easy!!
:D Thank you for the website! Thats exactly what I needed. I think I will give the dremmel a try.
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Yeah, thanks for the website! I so far have not had a problem trimming Joey's nails. He sits quite nicely for most of the time. He gets a little impatient as I am sure that it takes me much longer to trim than the breeder did. All in all, I am fortunate that it is a nonevent for Joey and soon will be for me I hope when I learn to do it better.
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This was so helpful I had allready gone out at got a dremmel and thought I had made a bad mistake, My B Solomon was Not going to allow that tool to be used on his toe's. Are at least without a fight, I gave up. I read the info on the use of the dremmel and it makes perfect sense. Thanks for the ideas.
Glenn
