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How to trim my sensitive dog's long nails after a paw infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Black Mouth Cur | Male | neutered | 9 months and 16 days old | 56 lbs

Won't let me file or clip his nails after a bad crack toe infection. He is very sensitive! What do I do? They are long and he scratches people!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2017

Hi. I'm sorry Finn had a bad experience with his nails. This can certainly set them up to dislike having their feet handled and nails trimmed. First, try to just handle his feet without doing anything to them. Give him love and treats and praise when he is good and lets you hold his paw. Gradually increase the amount of handling you are doing. You may only be able to do one nail at a time for a little while until you can regain his trust. Alternatively if the nails are extremely long and need to be done, you may want to take him to the vet and request that he have some sedation for a nail trim. Here some info on fear free nail trims that may help https://www.drmartybecker.com/nail-trim/

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You can discuss with your veterinarian if they do sedated nail trims. This would ease his anxiety and allow them to be trimmed professionally. There's also a tool that acts like a file that some dogs respond to better the nail clippers called a Dremel. Also some groomers have low stress handling techniques that may allow your dog to have his nails trimmed safely.

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