The Aussie - Summer 2020 final

¥ More likely to hit the quick. If you misjudge
where to cut, or your dog moves, it’s easy to hit the quick.
This is especially true for dogs with dark nails, which make
it tougher to see where the blood vessel begins. HiMng
the quick isn’t a medical disaster, but it can bleed
profusely and be painful for your dog. Aside from the
immediate pain, this experience can cause an aversion to
future nail clipping.
¥ Can cause jagged or split nails. Clipping doesn’t round
off the edge like a grinder. This can leave ragged
edges, which are more likely to get caught or
cause discomfort. It’s also easier to split the nail,
especially if you clip it at the wrong angle.
Can cause painful pressure. Clippers need to press down
with strong pressure. This can cause an uncomfortable
pressure or pinching. Clipping is oben more painful for
dogs with thick nails or if you’re cuMng at the wrong
angle.
Above - the Scissor
type nail clipper. To the
right, the Guillotine
naile clippers
Disadvantages
• Some dogs don’t like the noise or vibraHons.
Grinders are noisier than clippers. They also cause a
slight vibra<on when pressed against the nail. This can
make some dogs feel uncomfortable – especially if
they are nervous or anxious. However, by introducing
the grinder through a process of desensi<sa<on, you
can oben get them to accept it.
• Nail dust. Grinders create a fair bit of dust – especially
if you have a large dog with thick nails. Some grinders
have a protec<ve casing that gathers dust.
SHll need to avoid hiJng the quick. Using a grinder
isn’t foolproof. It’s s<ll possible to file down too far
and hit the quick. Make sure you don’t get
overconfident and, if in doubt, use the slower speed
seMng.
• Heat. The longer you use a grinder, the more heat is
generated. You may have to trim the nails in short
sessions if they are long or thick, to ensure you don’t
burn your dog’s paws. Using a grinder on a high speed
seMng causes it to heat up faster.
• Longer hair can get wound around the rota<ng band
of the grinder. You’ll need to cut this out, which can
cause discomfort and stress. Keep paw hair trimmed
or pulled back – especially for long-haired breeds.
• Noise. Some dogs find the sound of the motor
irrita<ng, so you need to acclima<se your dog to the
sound.
• VibraHon. This sensa<on can make the dog anxious as
the griner touches their nail. Just as with the sound. It
is all about introducing your dog to the sensa<on
before you go full blast on nail grinding.
Pros and Cons of Dog Nail Grinders
Successful users do suggest that you watch the guidance
videos on YouTube. They recommend introducing your
dog to them slowly for the best result.
Advantages
¥ Gradual grinding and more control. Grinders gradually
file the nail rather than cuMng it. You have more
control over how much of the nail you grind,
which reduces the chance of hiMng the quick (the
sensi<ve nail blood vessel).
¥ Smoother finish. Clippers can some<mes leave ragged
or sharp edges. Grinders create a smooth edge.
¥ Useful for dogs who fear clippers. If your dog has had a
bad experience with clippers, or they don’t like
the pressure on the nail, then they may be more
accep<ng of a grinder. You s<ll need to desensi<se
your dog to the noise and vibra<ons
though.
¥ Easy to use on thick nails. Some<mes clippers can
cause nails to split. This is more common with
thick nails, or if the clippers aren’t strong enough.
You can avoid these poten<al problems using a
grinder.
There are various makes of nail grinders. Check
out the specifica<ons and users comments to find
out which one might work for oyur dog.