What do you think about grinding a dog's nails rather then cutting them? – Via email
Grinding your dog's nails is safe if done properly, and can be easier on you both.
I'm not that big a big fan of the one "as seen on TV," but there are other options for getting the job done – including an ordinary rotary grinder such as the Dremel with a medium- grit tip. Cordless and corded models work well for this task, but the cordless may be easier for beginners to handle.
In the early stages of training, just let your dog see the grinder, and praise and treat. In a later session, turn the grinder on and praise and treat. Praise and treat your dog progressively, allowing the grinder to get closer to a paw and to briefly touch a nail tip.
The first time you grind – which may be several sessions after the first introduction – be happy with working a little on just one nail, and don't forget to praise and treat.
Be sure to either clip the hair of long-haired dogs or to hold it back so it won't get wound up in the shaft of the grinder. (One trick is to slip an old nylon stocking with a hole for the nail over the paw to hold the hair away from the grinding tip.) Support the dog's toe, but don't squeeze too hard. Hold the grinder against the nail for no more than a second or two at a time to prevent heat buildup, and don't push the grinder hard against the nail – just hold it there and let the tool do the work.
Grind across the bottom and then carefully in from the tip of the nail. Just a little at a time is plenty. If you do this weekly, you'll be able to easily maintain short nails on your dog.
If you do an Internet search for "grinding dog nails," you'll find a couple of well-done, step-by-step guides with pictures.
– Gina Spadafori
The buzz
Net tool locates vets when you travel
The holidays are travel season, and these days that can include the family dog. But what if your dog sniffs out the raisins between the seats and hoovers them up before you check the rearview mirror?
Or, at the in-laws', your pet gets hold of grandma's medication? The American Animal Hospital Association has noticed the upward trend in roaming Rovers and launched a pet-focused trip planner. The planner pinpoints veterinary clinics and hospitals along your route. Just plug in your starting point and final destination, and you'll get driving directions for your trip, along with the names, locations and contact information for pet help along the way. Find it at healthypet.com/ RelocationAndTravel/ TripPlanner.aspx.
– Dr. Marty Becker
and Mikkel Becker
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