Are nail trims a real nail-biter?

Fear and anxiety associated with nail trimming can be hard on the veterinary client, veterinary team and, last but not least, the panicky pooch eyeing those trimmers. Luckily, CVC educator and fear free guru Mikkel Becker, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, CDBC, CTC, KPA, Graduate, BA Communications, knows a thing or two about making nail trims a pawsitively pleasant experience. Scroll and click the photo below (or click here) to download the handout.

Bonus: If they want professional help …

Whether a pet owner doesn't feel comfortable, doesn't know how or just doesn't want to trim their pet's nails themselves, make sure they feel confident and comfortable with an in-clinic nail trim. Here are Mikkel's top tips for you to relay to clients in these instances:

1. Stay calm and treat often. Stay attuned to the dog's body language, pair handling with rewards, and keep nail trim sessions 30 seconds to two minutes. Doing this will help the pet owner and the team members helping you build up your dog's confidence.

2. Trim first, play later. Finish up sessions with a play session or going through the dog's favorite trick routines. (Bonus: They get extra credit for “shake,” since offering a paw increases canine contentment toward paw handling.)

3. Take a team approach. Think of nail trimming as a team sport. Everyone on the dog's team affects comfort level with nail care. Find veterinary or pet professionals who are dedicated to protecting the emotional well-being of the dog. Team efforts provide help from all angles, especially when Fido needs extra help learning to relax during care.

Click here to download!