Quick Question!

mom24/7 · 09-20-2008, 02:17 PM

Last night at the ballfield one of the moms brought her shitzu directly from the groomers. At first I thought that her nails were painted. But they were actually these rubber like tips. I really like this idea for my mini rat terrier. Her nails are awful no matter how much trimming you do and we have hardwoods and the dogs slip and slide on them when they get to really playing and thought they might give them more grip.

Anyone ever heard of these or use them? Are they safe?

all4thedogs · 09-20-2008, 02:46 PM

Yes, they are called Soft Paws. They are for dogs and cats. Its great to help prevent scratches (especially to wood floors and furniture). Can be a little pricey, but they are cute! You can get them just about any pet store.

mom24/7 · 09-20-2008, 02:51 PM

Thanks! She gave me the name of the groomer she got them from but she didn't know how well they hold up. Any idea on how long they last?

all4thedogs · 09-20-2008, 04:15 PM

Depends on what the dog is doing. If your dog is an mostly indoor dog that lays around they will last quite a while (until the nail grows out of them). If you dog is active, spends a lot of time on concrete or digs a lot, not very long.

Are you wanting them for the style or to keep her from scratching? If you just want the color they make dog safe nail polish which would be cheaper.

mom24/7 · 09-21-2008, 01:33 AM

I am really just wanting them for the scratching. Esp. Roxy my mini rat terrier she has the sharpest nails no matter what we do. If Max (shitzu) was a girl I think it would be cute to get them some pretty color but I think we are just going w/ black or clear. (which ever is going to be less noticable.) They are going to get groomed next week and she is going to do them for me. I'll let you know what I think but I figure it's worth a try as long as they are safe and they will tolerate them. I can totally see Roxy trying to chew them off though.

Patt · 09-21-2008, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom24/7

I can totally see Roxy trying to chew them off though.

LOL this was my first thought. I hope they last.

Have you thought about using a Dremel on their nails, you could do that more often to keep them short.

mom24/7 · 10-02-2008, 11:39 PM

Well we got the fake nails (that's what my 4 yr. old calls them) Roxy got purple ones and Max got black ones. They seem to really help and my son loves them because they don't scratch him. So far we have made it one day w/o Roxy chewing them off. We will see how long it lasts! : ) She has licked them some though. You wouldn't even know Max has them. Everytime I look at Rox I laugh though, it really looks like I have painted her nails.

What is Dremel? I am going to google it now.

Patt · 10-03-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom24/7

What is Dremel? I am going to google it now.

It's a fabulous little machine to keep your dogs nails trimmed. Here is a great link with a pic of a dremel and instructions.

http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merens...el/dremel.html

mom24/7 · 10-03-2008, 09:04 AM

Eww... I am so getting me ones of these! I can't clip nails. Well ok technically I can- I know how but I really hate it! The first time I even clipped Max's nails I made him bleed and that was it for me! I have done it sense but it makes me a nervous wreck so I usually just let the vet or groomer do it.

Thanks! Oh ya, day 2 nails still there! : )

BarbV · 10-11-2008, 05:55 PM

I was going to suggest a dremmel as well.

I had the hardest time trimming my pups nails, even though I'd never touched his quick.

Then I got a Peticure and every Friday night, we cuddle on the couch and have a little drill.

I got him used to it in stages.

First I let him sniff it just lying on the ground and gave him treats if he came close.

Then I turned it on and gave him treats if he came close,

Then I would touch his body with it, turned off and gave him treats if he did not shy away.

Then I touched his body with it turned on so he could get used to the vibration.

The first time I brought it to his nails, I only did a touch to each nail. Turning it off after each paw to praise and treat.

I now hold it for about 3 second per nail, but only at 1/2 power. The more power, the louder the noise, the more vibration. So we are working up!

But no more nail clipping in this house! Yay! It was too stressful for both of us.

Patt · 10-11-2008, 09:22 PM

BarbV, good for you training your dog slowly to have his nails dremeled.
I expect your dog will be like the ones on TV, just sitting with paw extended waiting for a trim. Good job! (applause)

BarbV · 10-11-2008, 09:41 PM

Not quite like on TV but as long as I cuddle him close, he seems quite content to now have me handle his nails

And interesting....now I can actually groom him as well, with a brush! Before he would chase the brush as I brushed him. Now he starts to roll over as if to say "please do my belly first!"

Too bad the rest of my training...OFF!....isn't going so well! Oh well....one step at a time!