What to do if my dog freaks out during nail trims and has seizures?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Male | neutered
My Pomeranian needs his nails trimmed but he freaks out every time the clippers go near his feet. He’ll bite our hands, the clippers, or the nearest object and reopen an older cut on his lip and start bleeding. I’m afraid because he is prone to seizures when stressed. I can’t take him to the vet or groomers to get trimmed because they have previously told us that he acts the same when they try to trim the nails. I fear if he has another seizure it may end his life due to his old age and sickness
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 18th, 2017
Poor Dash! I can definitely sympathize - there are many dogs who are extremely stressed and upset by having their nails trimmed. I agree that this is especially concerning for him, given his age and the fact that he is prone to seizures. I would suggest calling your veterinarian to discuss a plan for this - there is no reason that nail trims in the vet's office need to be stressful at all, as they should be able to give him a dose of injectable sedation to trim his nails safely without causing him to struggle or get upset. We do this quite frequently at my clinic for dogs who become very stressed and upset about nail trims, and it works extremely well - it's a much safer and more humane option than trying to just hold him down and force him to hold still.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 22nd, 2019
First, I'd ask your vet about trying an oral sedative for your next visit. It is also very important that you work with your dogs at home to get them used to seeing the nail trimmers and the restraint involved with nail trimming. Go very slow - if they get anxious when they see the trimmers start by just getting them out and having them around, and then progress to briefly touching the nails over time (days). Then try trimming just one nail day for awhile. This video outlines the process: https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/counterconditioning-for-toenail-trim-aggression/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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