Nails too long

[Kovacs]

I have a new foster Rott that is 3 years old.
She came in with her nails way to long. I had a realy hard time clipping them. I was able to clip the very tips off. I had my daughter feeding her treats the whole time and it was still a struggle. My question is how often should I clip them and how long will it take for the quicks to recede back? I think if I keep using the treats I should be able to get her over some of her fear as long as I don't cut them to short. If any one can help I would appreciate it.


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Leslie and her Rotts

[CarolineS]

If someone can help with this one, I'd be glad to hear it too. Maggie's nails were very long when I got her and I cut through the quick the first time I cut them.

She hates getting them done and we usually go through two cheese slices. I cut one, feed some cheese, cut another, feed some cheese. I've heard that if you religiously cut the tip off every 10 days to two weeks, the quick will recede and you'll be able to cut them shorter. I'm here to tell you this hasn't worked on Maggie. I've been taking the tip off every two weeks, for more than two years and I still can't get them any shorter. If I try to take even a little more off, I cut the quick (I'm surprised that poor dog lets me anywhere near her by now; she's such a good girl). I always go armed with clippers, cheese and a big bottle of "Quik Stop". I have never in my life seen a dog whose nails grow as quickly as hers do.

[DJ Johnny D]

Hello, I don't know if this helps out at all, but I'll say it anyway. I can't comment about length of the nail or how often to cut, but I can tell you something about maybe making it easier to cut them. I have cut my rotts nails
and I don't have a problem. I got my puppy when he was like 8 or 9 weeks old. A short time after that I taught him how to shake with both paws. I don't know if this is why I don't have trouble holding his paws when I cut his nails, but he doesnt wiggle around at all. He always lets me hold his paws now.
In fact he always tries to give them to me now a lot when he's acting goofy. Not sure if this helps anyone, but I thought I would share it with you.

[CarolineS]

Troy,

I have heard about the drummel, but never tried it. Are they expensive? Is there a particular brand you would recommend? Will this actually make the quick recede if used on a regular basis (the clippers sure haven't). I understand that you can see when you're getting close to the quick when you use one of these. How do you identify the quick when grinding a nail? Unfortunately the only time I've seen it is when it's been spurting blood. http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/redface.gif

Caroline

[Stu]

CarolineS- I have heard to take the tips off every 3 or 4 days and that will shorten the quick. It seems if you wait for 2 weeks the nail has enough time to grow back and the quick along with it.

[AngelBunny]

Every Saturday, I go over Riga and Tula. I put them in a down stay. Riga knows what's coming, so she usually rolls onto one side or the other; if she doesn't, I give her a gentle push and she rolls into her side. (Tula's not so fond of what's coming up, so I have to push her onto her side.)

I look into their ears. I check their teeth. I push their hair against the grain to check their skin. I check for cuts and bruises. I feel for lumps. I look between their toes and handle their feet. I first do one side, then I roll the dog over to her other side and repeat the process. I talk soothingly to each dog the whole while.

Part of this process includes trimming toenails.

I usually do this after I've gone over the dog because they're relaxed (especially Riga who's been known to doze during the process). I sit behind the dog, roll the dog onto her back, and then put my legs on either side of the dog so that dog is firmly wedged between my legs. Then I start trimming toenails.

I try to keep their nails short enuff so that I can't hear their nails click when they walk around the house. Rarely have I cut into the quick; probably one of the reasons for this is that my dogs don't struggle and fuss, and will let me trim for as long as I want. I have plenty of time to sculpt each nail.

When the nail trimming is done, I leave the dog in her down stay after I get up and leave the dog for a few seconds. After I release the dog, I blade her (which both absolutely love) as a treat. Maybe they might also get a biscuit. I spend 15-20 minutes on each dog.

I've followed this ritual with each of the 4 Rotties I've had so far (and expect to continue the practice with each new dog).

[rottie_mama]

CarolineS,

If your girl doesn't like getting her nails clipped then she probably won't like the dremmel. It is kinda noisy, and I doubt she'd like the sensation of tool on her toenails. (It kinda makes 'em vibrate.) I used to work for a vet, and we had a dremmel, but we always used plain old toenail clippers on our clients. However, if the dog is used to getting his/her nails done with it like Troy's dogs are, then I'm sure it would be a very useful tool. JMHO.


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Rachel aka rottie_mama
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/7900

[katheyt]

The drummel or rotary tool cauterizes as it goes so you don't get any bleeding. You still need to work in several sessions when the nails are too long because the friction can cause heat build up. You can purchase them at hardware stores and they serve a lot of other purposes, My Mom bores holes in beads and there are other attachments. Just another "must have" appliance to add to the pile !

[Wendya]

Hi - A very heavy duty nailfile does a great job with no fuss or blood. I have tried various nail clippers and discovered that although it might take a bit longer, my boy know it doesn't hurt and loves to lie upside down while I file away at his nails. You can do it often to get control of the growth and then establish a routine as needed. I only need to do his back toes before a show. My DH always pretends he can't see what we are up to, he maintains that Rotweillers (especially huge males)and nailfiles clash.