Dogster Answers › Health & Wellness

GUS

My dog is getting neutered and will be having his nails cut "as short as possible" this bothers me....I need reassurance

Monday, I am getting my pup neutered. He will be getting his nails cut while he is still out from the surgery. I was telling my vet that Gus has long quick so just cut the tips...but my vet told me that they will be cutting his nails as short as possible (since he throws a big fit every time) This concerns me, it sounds painful although i know he will be out. Won't it hurt when he wakes up? Thinking about it litterally makes my fingers hurt!! Anyways I guess I need reassurance on this...is it normal to get this done??


Asked by GUS on Aug 21st 2009 Tagged grooming, nails, quick in Health & Wellness
 Report this question Get this question's RSS feed Send this question to a friend


Status

  • Cast your vote for which answer you think is best!

Answers

Cami

Where I work, a "short as possible cut" means right up to the quick (which is easy to do since you can take your time to examine the nail)... we offer this to every animal going under anesthesia. But sometimes some patients still get "quicked." But this is not a big deal at all since even if Gus did get quicked a few times, he will be on pain medications for a few days after his castration (well, he should be!) if his nails were painful. No worries! =)


Cami answered on 8/21/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Katie

Hi there!

Ask the vet what he means by this statement. I know that if a dog's nails are left too long, the quick will grow out and become longer than it should be, which makes it hard to trim the nails properly. He/she may have decided that, while your pup is out, it's a good idea to shorten the quick. Yes, ouchie, but Gus will be asleep. If this is the vet's plan, he/she will used a styptic pencil or other method to stop the bleeding, and by the time your little guy's awake, he should be on pain meds for the neuter procedure. Chances are he'll care a lot more about the itchy stitches than his nails.

But, if this still gives you the willies, talk to your vet about alternatives. You will have to spend the time needed to acclimate Gus to the nail trimmers or nail file and trim almost daily to work the quick back slowly. That might be worse than having it done while he's under anesthesia. Your vet will be able to explain the options, and answer your questions.

Good luck!


Katie answered on 8/21/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Boo

You shouldn't have to worry. The vet does know enough not to cut the quick. Your pup will be just fine. The only pain he'll feel is from the surgical incision, and that will be minimal.

You should know, however, that every time you cut a pup's nails short, the quick will naturally recede. If you let the nails grow long, the quick lengthens also. That's why it's best to keep up with the nails. We clip Boo's nails at least once a month . (she's pretty much an indoor dog except for walks and runs).

No, she doesn't like it and it's a pain for me, but it makes a big difference in her foot health. Dogs that spend alot of time outdoors digging and playing will naturally ground down their nails so they don't have to be done as often.


Boo answered on 8/21/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Snickers

I'm sure the Vet will be careful, it will be easier as the dog will be still.

When Gus comes home, put away the clippers and get him used to having his paws and toes handled every day. Then hold an emery board and handle his paws and toes. Finally wait until he's tired and use the emery board to file his nails. Just a little the first time. Ask for more each time you do this so he gets used to it. When he realizes nothing bad happened he will be more comfortable.
I gave up nail clippers quite a while ago and use a Dremel rotary power tool. If Gus gets to enjoy filing you may want to look into trying one too.


Snickers answered on 8/21/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Guest

Your dog will be focusing on the pain from the incision from neutering, not the pain of possibly having his quick cut.
Maybe they're cutting the quick back because it is too long and his nails will always be too long even when they're clipped normally. The quick grows too and cutting them back could be beneficial.
Don't worry, by the time the pain meds wear off, his focus will be his belly.
No matter what, keep that cone on him at all times. Don't slack on that. I did and my dog opened himself up in the middle of the night. That was a nice emergency room trip.


Guest 404377 answered on 8/21/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Related Questions

More Questions in This Category