****30 DAYS OF POSITIVE INFORMATION FOR PETS****
9 APR 2014-NAILS
As part of good health practices it is important to check the length of the nails of a pet on a regular basis. Letting nails grow too long for an extended length of time can cause issues with the feet, legs, and even the nerves associated with them. Nail trimming is NOT just for dogs/cats, but can include: ferrets((nails grow FAST)), birds((this can include beak trimming)), horses, goats, sheep, and even pigs((indoor type)). Pets such as Chickens should also be trimmed ONLY if they are going to be around children, or kept primarily indoors.
I will only touch basis with dog/ferret/cat here. I also have a pot belly pig named TOBY who received his FIRST hoof trim a few weeks ago; needless to say, we needed hearing protection to complete the job! LOL
-FERRETS- their nails grow very rapidly and usually need to be trimmed about 1x/month or less. If it is NOT done, they can get their nails caught on something and in the effort to free themselves, will cause damage by jerking the nail out by the quick. Very dangerous, and ill advise! To trim Ferrets nails, all you need is regular nail clippers, some ferret oil, and quick hands. Put oil on their tummies, and quickly and efficiently clip nails. Easy-piesy.
-CATS-If you do NOT mind your furniture being scratched upon, then clipping your cats nails will not be an issue. However, due to the fact that the nails of a cat are extremely sharp, even in play, they can hurt. Finding the best technique for clipping their claws can be a hassle. But with patience, it can be done. All you need is regular nail clippers. Sometime having another person hold the cat may make the process easier. DECLAWING a cat is an option for some people. However, know that this process is very painful for the pet, and can lead to complications.
-DOGS-There are several over the counter nail clippers specifically designed for dogs. However, based on MY own experience, I have switched from using clippers to grinding instead. I DO use regular nail clippers on very small breeds, where using them is a more effective method. Many dogs are afraid of the sound/vibration of the grinder. However, once again, with patience you can teach your dog to accept and be very still during the process. Touching their feet every chance you get and making it a positive experience and/or rewarding acceptable behavior is a start. For dogs who NEVER have had grinding done, it may take weeks to complete the process if you do it yourself by only doing 1-2 nails at a time. ADVANTAGES of using grinding method over clipping is:
*Faster
*Less likely to encounter a quick-especially for dark nails
*No pain when grinding as associated with the squeezing of clippers or accidently getting the quick
PLEASE keep an eye on how long the nails get on your pet. Good grooming habits, practice, and patience, will really benefit the overall health of your pet. GOOD LUCK and happy clipping!!!
GOD BLESS - CLAWS, PAWS, HOOFS ^5
~Tina Bailey~
~EverythingFurryPlus, LLC~
9 APR 2014-NAILS
As part of good health practices it is important to check the length of the nails of a pet on a regular basis. Letting nails grow too long for an extended length of time can cause issues with the feet, legs, and even the nerves associated with them. Nail trimming is NOT just for dogs/cats, but can include: ferrets((nails grow FAST)), birds((this can include beak trimming)), horses, goats, sheep, and even pigs((indoor type)). Pets such as Chickens should also be trimmed ONLY if they are going to be around children, or kept primarily indoors.
I will only touch basis with dog/ferret/cat here. I also have a pot belly pig named TOBY who received his FIRST hoof trim a few weeks ago; needless to say, we needed hearing protection to complete the job! LOL
-FERRETS- their nails grow very rapidly and usually need to be trimmed about 1x/month or less. If it is NOT done, they can get their nails caught on something and in the effort to free themselves, will cause damage by jerking the nail out by the quick. Very dangerous, and ill advise! To trim Ferrets nails, all you need is regular nail clippers, some ferret oil, and quick hands. Put oil on their tummies, and quickly and efficiently clip nails. Easy-piesy.
-CATS-If you do NOT mind your furniture being scratched upon, then clipping your cats nails will not be an issue. However, due to the fact that the nails of a cat are extremely sharp, even in play, they can hurt. Finding the best technique for clipping their claws can be a hassle. But with patience, it can be done. All you need is regular nail clippers. Sometime having another person hold the cat may make the process easier. DECLAWING a cat is an option for some people. However, know that this process is very painful for the pet, and can lead to complications.
-DOGS-There are several over the counter nail clippers specifically designed for dogs. However, based on MY own experience, I have switched from using clippers to grinding instead. I DO use regular nail clippers on very small breeds, where using them is a more effective method. Many dogs are afraid of the sound/vibration of the grinder. However, once again, with patience you can teach your dog to accept and be very still during the process. Touching their feet every chance you get and making it a positive experience and/or rewarding acceptable behavior is a start. For dogs who NEVER have had grinding done, it may take weeks to complete the process if you do it yourself by only doing 1-2 nails at a time. ADVANTAGES of using grinding method over clipping is:
*Faster
*Less likely to encounter a quick-especially for dark nails
*No pain when grinding as associated with the squeezing of clippers or accidently getting the quick
PLEASE keep an eye on how long the nails get on your pet. Good grooming habits, practice, and patience, will really benefit the overall health of your pet. GOOD LUCK and happy clipping!!!
GOD BLESS - CLAWS, PAWS, HOOFS ^5
~Tina Bailey~
~EverythingFurryPlus, LLC~