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Originally Posted by JMuedog  I have got to find something to make trimming my two's nails easier and Alaskayorkie's groomer suggested something like this: Dog Grooming Grooming Hammocks & Tables by PSDG
Anyone have any experience with something similar? We've tried everything and now my pups nails are so long I feel like I have to do something! I can't keep holding Finnigan down he gets so worked up.  |
I think this would work just from the reaction from my dogs when being pulled out of the water by their life preservers, which puts them in a similar position.
You may be able to experiment if you have any winter weight coats (or a life jacket) for pups that close at the top. I think it may be a mind trick too as there is no person actually holding them to fight with.
I'm going to try hooking a life jacket to the grooming arm on my table just to prevent them sitting down when I'm working on them, definitely not to fully suspend them or anything.
One more suggestion: Have you tried using a rotary grinder to grind down their nails instead of clippers?
And make sure your clippers are extremely sharp. Dull nail clippers smash and pinch the toenail and can make the pup or kitty uncomfortable or be painful.
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Originally Posted by Ladymom Jenni, have you ever seen these? Amazon.com: Cat Grooming Bag - Medium: Kitchen & Dining
I have an old rescued Siamese cat who has always been terrible about getting her claws clipped, but has gotten impossible in her old age. Like you, I don't want to stress her out more by taking her the the vet for nail clipping. She was abused before I adopted her and freaks out. I am thinking about trying one. |
When I worked at the ER Animal Clinic, we used 'cat bags' only occasionally for very bad actors, small dogs included. At least with the bag, you only have to worry about getting sliced and diced by one foot at a time! They are a Godsend.... Sometimes covering their eyes/head with a lightweight towel to prevent them from seeing (dogs and cats) helps, too.
Last but not least.... pets can be injured when restrained improperly. Even I (who, in my time, could safely restrain any cat or small dog at the hospital for any procedure) choose to take my Tinkerbell to the vet to have her nails done. With some pets, the fact that they are away from home (out of their element) is alone enough to make them compliant. Maybe try going to a place where you 'bathe you own' to see if they will react differently with you there.
Others may need a little chemical restraint (always a last resort), and do take advantage when they are scheduled for other procedures like dentals and ask to get their nails trimmed while they are under, also a good time to get their ears thoroughly cleaned. These procedures can be done as the animal is coming out of being sedated, there is no need to keep them under longer to get these procedures done.