“And if you could just clip his nails....”

Nail Clipping for Pets-Pampering Pedicure or Torturous Trim...

As veterinarians, we often find ourselves balancing the importance of medical treatment with the emotional well-being of our furry patients. A common example of this delicate balance is nail trimming. This seemingly benign request that can be quick and simple to perform in a well-trained pet, can also strike fear into the hardiest of vets and nurses, as we realise that nail trimming can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for many animals making it a challenging procedure to carry out effectively. 

Nail care is an important aspect of pet health. When nails are kept at the proper length, it allows our pets to move around freely and maintain their natural gait. Long nails can push the toes up or to the side, changing the conformation and mechanics of the feet and legs, they can also be more likely to become torn or cracked. Whilst it is important to keep our pets' nails trimmed to prevent these problems, nail trimming is almost never an urgent matter.

Elective procedures should be carried out in a way that preserves the relationship between the veterinary team and the patient. Heavy-handed restraint should never be used as this can exacerbate the stress and anxiety experienced by our pets. It also risks physical injury to the animal or people handling them. For many patients, nail trimming is or has been a traumatic experience (for example a nail being cut to the quick, causing pain) and this association can carry over into other aspects of veterinary care if not handled properly.

Just as people have varying sensitivities to touch, so do our pets. We encourage pet owners to take the time to gradually condition their pets to accept handling of their feet and nail trimming at home. This can involve gentle handling, distraction with treats, and introducing the sensation of touch and use of equipment that feels different on their paws gradually. Alternative options for keeping nails short are also available. These include scratch boards which dogs can be trained to use at home.

If a pet is particularly sensitive to nail trimming or refuses to tolerate it despite gentle handling, we may recommend medical treatment with anxiety-reducing medications or a degree of sedation. Our goal is always to carry out the procedure safely and effectively, without causing unnecessary stress to the animal.

At Kowhai Vet, we are committed to providing compassionate and thoughtful care to all our patients. We understand that even routine procedures like nail trimming require careful consideration and a personalised approach. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every pet leaves our clinic feeling comfortable, cared for, and ready to face the world with their best paw forward.