My pom freaks out at the groomer when its time to get his nails clipped...what can i do?

Answers:
You could try clipping them yourself, but even if you don't want to, you can probably help him get used to the process at home. Buy a pair of clippers similar to what your groomer uses. Start by putting him on a table (probably with a towel on the table to protect the surface) and letting him sniff the clippers. Offer treats and praise if he acts calm. Once he's OK with this, slowly start introducing the other things you groomer does with the same praise and rewards for good behavior: handling paws, putting clippers near the paws, clipping one nail, cliping one foot, etc.

If this doesn't work or you want to make things easier when he goes to the groomer's while you're still working on training, you can ask your vet about a mild sedative. Don't try to medicate him yourself; this can be very dangerous for your dog.

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Ask your vet for a sedative that you can give him before hand.

My persian hates to be groomed. Which is an issue since he is a long hair. He has to be sedated. Same with when he goes to the vet. It isn't strong sedative-like knock em out. It's essentially kitty valium. And I would much rather give him that than have him so upset he potentially will get injured.

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Learn to clip the nails yourself? Maybe the dog would feel more comfortable if you were doing it in the comfort of your home, instead of by strangers, in a odd environment.

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Mine does too, only we clip them ourselves. I think I'm gonna start giving him benedryl. A half teaspoon for a mini. It calms them down, a lot.

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Mine does too. The vet has given me sedatives for my dog in advance of him going in for grooming and nail clipping. At 125lbs he is a handful and this is the only way we can reduce his stress. The meds are cheap compared to the stress reduction it provides.

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i show dogs and one of the most important things is that you can do it yourself, but you have to know that for a while after you do it, the dog will be scared to get near, especially poms. many groomers shouldnt have a problem with dogs like these. maybe you should get a new groomer.

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Oh dear one can sympathize I too have had real problems clipping nails, may I suggest you get some clippers yourself and attempt at doing the nails yourself, but only the very ends so that you do not clip too far and make them bleed, I know its difficult but your pom trusts you and obviously no one else, so do try with, perhaps, a friend to hold the little one or vice versa.

I trust this will be helpful and hope all goes well

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Cover his eyes with a towel, it will keep him from seeing what is going to happen, and by the time he figures it out, it's over.

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Next time you are at the vet ask her to show you how to cut your dogs nails...its really very easy.

Ask her to reccomend a pair of nail clippers also. Ours have a guard on one side so you cannot cut too much nail off at a time. You want to just cut a tiny bit, and do not cut into the quick (kwik? Im not sure how to spell it)

A pom has black nails I think, so be extra carful to just trim the end of the nail off.

I say learn to do this yourself because most dogs gets stressed/excited at the vet/groomers and will not calm down for anything, and doing things like cutting their nails when they are in this crazed state makes nail cutting seem torturous to them although its no big deal.

Wait until your pom is calm and tired out, after a tough play session or walk. Start by her lying down and massage/rub her until she is calm and relaxed and laying on her side, next either have someone to help hold her, or kind of lean over her to hold her down and clip a nail. Start with the front paws-those seem to bother them less than the back nails.

The more she fusses the more important it is to make her stay there and do it, or she will think she just needs to fuss and can get away from you.

There is no harm in cutting her nails, it is just strange to her so she throws a hissy fit.

After cutting a few nails stop for the day, tell her she's a good girl and end with another belly rub/massage.

Stay persistant and she should be fine! Good luck! (it may take up to 10 nail cutting sessions for her to be completely calm but she will-it worked for my pit, now he just lays there whereas with the vet he will back himself into a corner and panic

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Try Comfort Calm Doggie Bites at www.vetsbest.com, I found them at Petco. They are chamomile(like the calming tea) and vanilla flavor.