Essential Nail Trimming Tips for Doberman Owners
Maintaining your Doberman’s nails is not just a chore; it's a responsibility that directly impacts their well-being. The average dog nail length is 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches), but overgrown nails can cause 46% more pressure on their paws, leading to discomfort and potential injuries. By regularly trimming your Doberman's nails, you're taking an important step to ensure their comfort and health. While we are not advocating for the super proactive short nub style nails, and you can find our why in another blog post, here are some personalized tips to help you maintain your Doberman's nails:
Start Young: Trim your puppy's nails every month. Older dogs, depending on their lifestyle, might need less frequent trims. If you bought your Doberman from a reputable breeder, chances are they’re already used to clipping or dremeling their nails.
Regular Handling: Get your Doberman used to having its paws handled to reduce sensitivity. About 68% of dogs dislike having their feet touched, so gentle desensitization is key. A great way with Dobermans whose ears need to be posted after cropping is to incorporate desensitization into the process.
Use the Right Tools: This is going to scare you, but it shouldn’t: 92% of the time, dogs will suffer infections from incorrect nail trimming. Fear not, however, because all you need is an understanding of the quick in your dog’s nails and the right tools to minimize this risk. Invest in a good-quality guillotine-style clipper, as these are preferred by 80% of dog owners and, in our experience, dogs. The reason is simply that there’s no noise or vibration involved, and it’s quick, which makes everyone happy. That’s not to say that a good Dremel has no advantages, such as smoothing out the edges and helping recede the quick faster than a clipper can. Nonetheless, clippers are our and our dogs’ preferred method, but we also try to desensitize them to Dremel tools. For a great visual of the quick and how you should clip the nails, visit this link.
Trim Gradually: When your dog is standing, aim for nails to be 2 mm (0.08 inches) off the ground. Trimming too much at once can cause distress and injury, which 32% of owners have experienced. This situation often causes them to stop or trim their nails not often enough. Take it slow—there is no need to go crazy. In any case, we highly recommend ‘Kwik Stop’ on hand so you can stop any bleeding quick fast.
Stay Calm: Your Doberman can sense your anxiety. Stay calm and confident to make the process smoother for both of you. Nearly 60% of dogs show signs of distress during nail clipping, so a soothing environment helps. As you can see, you’re not alone. However, if you’re still dealing with a puppy, you can either avoid becoming a part of the 60% club or climb out easier if you start early with your Dobie.
Professional Help: If you're unsure or uncomfortable, seek help from a professional groomer. Around 71% of dog owners take their dogs to groomers for nail trimming. However, we suspect that’s because owners give up early in teaching their dogs that nothing bad will happen from getting their nails done.
Reward with Treats: Using treats during the nail trimming can be beneficial. It helps to create a positive association with the process and can reduce anxiety for your dog. Remember that every treat counts towards your dog’s daily total caloric intake. Hence, if you rapid-feed them treats to keep them sitting still, look at the bag to see how many calories you fed and reduce your dog’s food intake accordingly that day. Obesity in dogs stems mainly from overfeeding.
Importance of Regular Trims
Regular trims are vital to prevent paw injuries, which increase by 39% with nails that are too long.
Walking on hard surfaces can help naturally wear down nails, but regular trims are still necessary. If you’re nervous about trimming your Doberman’s nails, remember you're not alone—54% of dog owners feel the same. Practice makes perfect, and with patience, you and your Doberman will get through it.
References:
Dog Nail Length Statistics:
https://gitnux.org/dog-nail-length/
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other healthcare professional. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease or prescribe any medication or other treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your pet's healthcare regimen, especially if they have or suspect they may have a health problem. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, products, or procedures mentioned in this article. The use of this information is at the reader's discretion and risk.
