One reason to get a specialized dremel tool is because it will run at a safe speed for cutting down your dog’s nails. A dremel tool that is not made for this purpose may run too fast or too strongly.
Continue this daily until the dog is acclimated to the noise and doesn’t mind it.
Do this once or twice a day until your dog does not respond negatively to the feeling of the dremel vibrations. Alternate petting and touching with the vibrating tool so that your dog has a positive association with the vibrations.
Start with short sessions, where you just file down 1 or 2 nails in a session. This will acclimate your dog to the tool more gently than trying to do them all in a single sitting. Work on one nail at a time and don’t apply a lot of pressure, as this can make your dog uncomfortable and resistant.
How far you can grind may take some practice. When starting out, it’s best to err on the side of caution and just grind off a little bit of nail. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, you should comfort your dog and work to stop any bleeding. The bleeding can typically be stopped with a bandage or by putting corn starch on the surface. If this doesn’t stop the bleeding, consult with your veterinarian.
Buffing the nails will slowly remove bits of nail, but it won’t be as effective as using trimmers.
You should be positioned so that you can hold a paw in one hand and your tools in the other. You will create a bit of dust with the file, so pick a spot that can be easily swept or vacuumed.
If your dog will not put up with filing, a rough tipped nail can usually be worn down by taking your dog for a walk on concrete sidewalks or other rough, hard surfaces. [8] X Research source
When you handle your dog’s paws, take the time to inspect their health. For instance, look at the pads and make sure they are not cracked or damaged in any way.
Be sure to get in between the toes when trimming.
It is important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed so that their paws stay healthy and their nails don’t crack or dry out.
