In the latest episode of Rescue Shit, Jme and Pate from Motley Zoo Animal Rescue take on a topic that strikes fear in the hearts of many pet owners—nail trimming.
Whether you’re dealing with a cooperative puppy or a full-grown dog that acts like you’re committing a crime against nature, this episode is packed with practical tips, training advice, and, of course, some hilarious moments.
The Early Start: Training Puppies & Kittens for Nail Trims
The key to making nail trims a stress-free experience? Start early! If you have a puppy or kitten, handling their paws from the start can make a huge difference later.
✅ Play with their paws – Get them used to touch by gently massaging their feet while they relax in your lap.
✅ Introduce body handling – Flip them onto their backs and hold them comfortably like a baby to build trust.
✅ Make it fun – Use treats and a calm voice to associate paw handling with positive experiences.
✅ Take your time – Don’t jump straight into clipping; first, let them get used to the sensation of you holding their paws.
💡 Jme notes that acclimating puppies and kittens to handling can make them more adoptable, as it sets them up for stress-free vet visits and grooming experiences later on.
Working with Adult Dogs Who Hate Nail Trims
If you didn’t start young, don’t worry! You can still train an adult dog to tolerate (or at least survive) nail trims with patience and positive reinforcement.
🔹 Desensitize Them – Start by touching their paws gently without trimming, giving them treats and praise for calm behavior.
🔹 Teach “Shake” – Teaching your dog to shake hands can help them get comfortable with paw handling.
🔹 Use a Muzzle If Needed – Some dogs may need a basket muzzle to keep the experience safe for both of you.
🔹 Break It Up – If your dog is struggling, do one nail at a time, then take breaks before trying again later.
🐾 Fun Fact: Pate mentioned that some dogs actually do better when someone else trims their nails—just like some kids behave better for teachers than their own parents!
Clippers vs. Dremel: Which Tool is Best?
There are two main tools for nail trimming: clippers and Dremels (grinders). Each has its pros and cons.
Clippers✔ Quick & effective✔ Best for dogs who tolerate trimming❌ More risk of cutting the quick (painful part of the nail)
Dremel (Nail Grinder)✔ Smooths nails & reduces sharp edges✔ Less chance of hitting the quick❌ Some dogs dislike the vibration & noise
Pate prefers the Dremel, especially for dogs with black nails, where the quick is harder to see. However, desensitization is important—introduce the Dremel’s sound and feel, before using it to prevent fear.
What If You Cut the Quick?
Mistakes happen, and cutting the quick can be painful for dogs. Here’s how to stop the bleeding fast:
Styptic powder – The best option to stop bleeding immediately.
Cornstarch or flour – A DIY alternative if you don’t have styptic powder.
Apply gentle pressure – Hold the paw in styptic powder for a few seconds.
💡 Jme reminds us that using dull clippers can pinch the nail instead of cutting cleanly, which can cause discomfort. Always keep tools sharp!
The Extreme Cases: When Sedation is Needed
Some dogs have extreme reactions to nail trims. Jme’s dog Cash, for example, was so terrified that even mild sedatives like CBD and Trazodone didn’t work. Ultimately, Cash has to be fully anesthetized for trims.
While this is not ideal, it’s sometimes necessary for dogs with trauma or severe anxiety. If you have a dog like this, talk to your vet about options- or to jme about CBD if you want to give it a try. There's a brand that Pate and jme recommend and they can send a FREE sample for you to test.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Nail Trims
✔ Start slow – Build up comfort over time.
✔ Reward good behavior – Treats and praise go a long way.
✔ Be consistent – Frequent trims keep nails short & the quick from growing.
✔ Consider professional help – Groomers and vets can assist if your dog is especially difficult.
🎧 Listen & Learn More!
Want to hear the full conversation (and Jme’s hilarious pug-butt-in-mouth story)? Check out the full episode of Rescue Shit, here!
Got questions? Need help with another training topic? Email Jme & Pate at RescueShit@motleyzoo.org!
Rock on. Rescue on.
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