Question about nails

[Nicole and Baby Oscar]

Hello all!

Just a question to see what others do about the nails. Oscar has very long quicks, and has since I got him. He HATED having his nails cut (big surprise, I know), but since I've started using the Dremel Mini Mite, he at least tolerates that. Anyway, I file his nails two or three times a week, keeping his nails right down to the quick, but they're still too long. I can still hear them click on tile floors. I've read that the quicks will retreat over time with frequent trimmings, but so far, it hasn't happened with his. Any advice or suggestions or even "Nicole, you worry too much" is appreciated. Thanks!

[LisaH]

Nicole:

I'm no expert on this, but it sounds like you're being very conscientious. My Annie's nails seem quite long too, but I've still cut into the quick a couple of times when I thought I was totally safe. I wonder if the quick in dachsies just tends to be long? As long as you're trimming them that often, you're doing everything you can to make the quick retreat; it may just be that Oliver's nails have to be that length.

[LisaH]

P.S. I'm sorry--I called Oscar Oliver by mistake!

[wireweiners]

My guys do better with the dremel grinder too. If you grind around the outside of the nail to thin the wall down that will make the quick receed faster. Also grind the nails on a slant so the back of the nail will hit the ground first.

[Uschi]

That's all good information to know, everybody...thanks. I just got my Dremel MultiPro cordless last weekend and when I started in on Ripley's nails her quicks seemed SO long. I'll have to try the different angles I think.

By the way, what tips do you all use for your pupper's nails?

--J & Ripley <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm16.gif" border=0>

[Tucker's Mom]

Wow! The Dremel machine sounds wonderful. I have tried everything to get Tucker used to having his nails trimmed and no luck. I feel so guilty when I have to do it, and then he stays mad at me for hours.

Can you give me a little more info on this machine?

If I get one of these machines will I still have to clip or can I just file them on a regular basis?

Where can I buy one at?

Wish I would have known about this before I did my Christmas wish list!!!

Thanks
Traci

[Nicole and Baby Oscar]

For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, the Dremel Mini Mite (or an equivalent tool, but this is the one I use)is a small, hand held, battery operated (comes with a rechargeable battery pack) rotary tool, supposed to be used for small detail work in home repair and refinishing. I bought mine at Lowe's, but you could probably find it at just about any hardware store. Mine cost $30. There's about 150 different tips available, but I use the finest grain sanding wheel. The sandpaper drum is replaceable and you can buy a pack of 5 more for like $1.50. Anyway, I turn Oscar over on his back, between my knees, and work on those nails as long as he'll let me. I found giving him a treat after finishing each paw helped! Yes, no more clipping, only filing!

Nicole and Baby Oscar

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by Nicole and Baby Oscar on December 21, 2000 at 05:13 AM</font>

[Penny's Aunt]

A lot of people use these on their dogs' nails. Just be sure to get the dog used to the sound first (1/4" cheese cubes are good treats), then the vibration.

The first few times especially, have a small bowl full of cheese cubes within reach. Sand a toe, give a cheese cube, sand a toe, give a cheese cube. Once he's pretty good, you can start reducing the treats to just occasionally, then to just when you're finished with the whole job.

[wildpsychochick]

i think it's a great idea to use a dremel for their little nails, i haven't tried it myself, Jazmines nails are way too long, but had been cut wrong before i got her, so the vet will be doing it on her next visit and then maybe i could try the dremel to keep them in better shape........will post how well this works for us. shay and Jaz