Trimming Dachshund Nails
Trimming Dog Nails is Important for their Health
An important part of your Dachshund’s grooming routine should be trimming nails. To begin with, it seems as though Dachshund nails tend to grow pretty fast. Or at least we’ve noticed Sampson’s front nails in particular grow quickly. Letting your Dachshunds nails get too long can mean injury and other health problems.
Dog nails that are too long can get caught on carpets or other objects and get pulled from the nail beds. With every step, long nails will impact the ground, displacing the normal position of the toe, causing pain and even lameness in your Dachshund. If you hear too much ‘clickity click’ when they trot around, it may be a sign that the nails are too long.
Their thumbs (technically called, dew claws) if left uncut can actually loop around and grow back into your Dachshund’s foot requiring veterinary care. Ouch.
Trimming Dogs Nails at Home or the Vet / Groomer
You can take your Dachshund to a dog groomer or a veterinarian to have his/her nails trimmed. Trimming your Dachshund’s nails at home yourself is another option, and will also save you money. Depending on how your Dachshund deals with a groomer or veterinarian handling their nails and paws, doing it yourself may be the best option to avoid the potential trauma and stress.
It is fairly simple trimming your Dachshund’s nails at home. Unfortunately, some Dachshunds seem to think you are going to cut not only their nails but their toes as well, and will take some getting used to for them!
This is why it is very important to train your Dachshund from when they are puppies that trimming their nails is worth the treats they will get in return. When they are puppies, start getting them used to being handled and touched on their feet, paws, and nails. This will help a lot when it comes time for that actual nail trimming.
I know with our Dachshund, Sampson, it was far too traumatic and stressful for him the one time I took him to the vet for a nail trimming . For this reason I chose to do it myself at home. Actually, I had been trimming his nails several times before, but then he became resistant, so I thought to try the vet. Ever since that trip to the vet however I became more determined to be successful, and did manage to take control of the situation.
Trimming Dogs Nails – Dog Clippers
There are several different types of pet dog clippers you can use. They are available at pet stores or you can purchase them online.
We use these, and they are highly rated and popular dog nail clippers:
TRIM YOUR PET’S NAILS SAFELY: It’s easy to make a precise, safe cut with the semi-circular blades. Your pet’s nail rests in the semi-circle – you see precisely where you’re cutting – no guessing.
A GENTLE SQUEEZE IS ALL IT TAKES: High-grade stainless steel holds its sharp edge and won’t dull – so clipping nails is effortless and a whole lot less scary for both you and your pet.
LOCKS CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE: You know your clippers are always in safety mode when you aren’t using them – just squeeze the handle and slide the lock into the safe position. Curious kids stay safe.
RUBBER COATED HANDLES FOR A SECURE GRIP: The handles feel incredibly comfortable in your hand because of the non-slip rubber coating. Together with the rounded blades, you can clip confidently.
100% LIFETIME WARRANTY: And the best part is the full lifetime warranty that comes with it.
How To Cut / Trim Dog Nails
The first thing is to hold your Dachshund in a position such that it is easiest for trimming and visibility. Everyone is different, so choose what works best for you with experimentation.
I place his blanket on the table and place Sampson on the blanket, standing. I then sit on a chair. This allows me to be at Sampson’s ‘level’ making him feel more at ease and not anxious. One at a time, with some nice talking and petting on my part, we get the nails done. While he is standing, I simply lift a paw with one hand and trim with the other. After each nail is trimmed, he gets a small treat.
Tips
‘The quick’ is that part of the claw containing the blood vessels and nerves that supply the toenail. If you cut ‘the quick’, the nail will bleed and your Dachshund will experience pain. For this reason, because we all know that accidents do sometimes happen, keep a bottle of Styptic Powder within reach when you are trimming your dogs nails.
Professional Groomer’s Styptic Powder
‘The quick’ is much easier to see on a light colored nail than a dark nail. When in doubt, always cut less than more!
Some days Sampson is more restless than others. Rather than ‘force’ him and turn the whole trimming thing into a trauma experience for him, I might choose to do half of the nails one day and the other half the next day.
Find whatever system works for the both of you, be patient, and remember to reward your Dachshund with treats for his patience during the nail trimming process!
(((Dachshund Gifts For Dachshund Lovers))) (amzn)
I once made a mistake and my dog bled. Never again did I clip my dog’s nails and I let my sister or a groomer do the work. Although I am not researching on dog clippers to ease the fear in me to groom my own dog.
I can’t find info on “How to Restrain a Dachshund”. I lucked out, he lets me do everything… including brush his teeth with an electric tooth brush! The problem I’ve always had with clipping my doxie’s nails as their little feet are too short for proper restraining. How do I do this without a partner?
Hi,my name is permilla, I have a male dashund, he’s about 8/9months old,still to this day,I really have a hard time trimming his nails,I really need some advice to how I can hold him in this right position, with out hurting him,because he squirms alot,can you please help me with this. Thank you so much
I have a mini doxie and he loves to squirm too, my sister is a vet and she showed me to hold him when clipping his claws I usually dot him beside me with my arm wrapped around his torso and then clip his front claws
I have trimmed my mini’s nails from day one and made the mistake of having her nails trimmed at her her last vet visit. I could hear her scream when they clipped her. Now she fights me when I want to trim her and I am afraid of hurting her because she struggles so much/hard. I/we have tried treats, trimming only one or two nails at a session however she is so freaked out. Any suggestions? I don’t want her vet to do it again.
Our mini freaks out too (at the vet) screaming bloody murder… In fact they had to use muzzle (which made him panic even more!).
What we do is one or two nails at a time now. We try to remain calm when doing it so as not to transmit our own anxiety (which they pick up on). Calm voice. Little at a time…
I have a long haired. I’m over the whole “Oh no your not” that I get from her. So, I sit with her on her back ( I lay her on one side then gently roll her on her back, to ensure her intestines don’t roll!).
I trim the hair around her pads and will not let me use nail trimmers!! I use a dremel making sure that it doesn’t get too hot by holding it to her nail. While she is relaxed I use a small toothed comb under her front legs! It works for us! I use her favorite treat Zune’s Minis
Naturals! And I Win!! Good luck!!
Interesting regarding the dremel for the nails. Does the noise of the dremel cause an issue? Does she squirm to get up when you start?
So Jack’s nails are black how do you tell where the quick is
It’s difficult when you can’t see. I would recommend clipping them to the extent that the clippers backstop allows.
If the nails are real long, then wait a week and clip the same again (all the way to the backstop of the clippers).
I also have trouble in cutting my doxie’s nails however finally found a way to do it. My dog cant really jump from the kitchen sink this hinders her from moving away or running around. Though i know it quickly grows i just cut 1-2mm monthly.