Help, Tantrum with toenails!

[GigiMcKeehan]

I was soooo embarrassed at the last vet visit. My sweet Gigi will no longer allow her toe nails to be trimmed. I had cut them myself, mostly when she slept, from the tender age of 6 weeks and suddenly around 5 months she would have an all out hysterical fit if I tried to trim the nails. I can not imagine what happened to cause the change in behavior. At her next vet visit I asked them to give it a try, it took three people and much wrestling to get the job done. By the time it was finished I was scratched up, Gigi was frothing and panting, then I get the lecture from my vet about poor training. I had been handling her feet and doing all the things I read. At about 15 weeks she began acting like this process was going to cause her serious harm and fighting it as if her life depended on it. I am able to treat an ear infection with medications, bathe, brush, wipe and medicate otherwise without theatrics. Any help here would be greatly appreciated as those nails are getting pretty long. I snip one or two each evening while she naps on the couch with us.
Deborah

[GigiMcKeehan]

This is also the only way I can do it with Dot :D And with Mo I only have to trim her dew claws the rest of her nails wear off perfectly :)

Roosje

Oh Roosje, Thanks for telling me that. I have been feeling terrible since my vet told me this was "just not acceptable behavior." I have not found any behavior training that will change her attitude on this, but I have found a different vet. Gigi has no dew claws as the breeder removed them at an early age (don't want to think about how she did this). We are not going to sweat it anylonger.
Deb

[Borgan]

Our (former) vet said the same thing...she said Luna was "spoiled". She quite obviously has a Retriever or some dog that lets humans think for it.



QUOTE=GigiMcKeehan]Oh Roosje, Thanks for telling me that. I have been feeling terrible since my vet told me this was "just not acceptable behavior." I have not found any behavior training that will change her attitude on this, but I have found a different vet. Gigi has no dew claws as the breeder removed them at an early age (don't want to think about how she did this). We are not going to sweat it anylonger.
Deb[/QUOTE]

[GigiMcKeehan]

[QUOTE=Borgan]Our (former) vet said the same thing...she said Luna was "spoiled". She quite obviously has a Retriever or some dog that lets humans think for it.

Come to think of it Borgan, She (the vet) does have Retrievers and a Lab. Good Point!
When I told her of my plan to breed my female one day she was totally against it and said I should have her spayed ASAP. This was at 6 weeks of age. They clearly do not want my money.

[Borgan]

That's funny :p

My experience with vets in Vancouver hasn't been good (unless they're holistic). I have found them to be just like regular GPs: short on time, patience and practical information and very willing to bandaid a problem with prescription drugs (must be those free lunches from drug reps).

I find this board so helpful for that reason - the people that come here bring their experience from all over with no ulterior motivation.

My toenail advice? Take your pup to a groomer and get them to do it. The SPCA groomer here does it for $5. I'm sure that's standard across North America...

Good luck!
-Brooke.

[Carolyn]

Deborah...I am glad that you have found another vet. It sounds like you have done everything right as far as getting your pup used to being handled and I found your vet's comment about the behavior being "unacceptable" rather unacceptable! I am very lucky...my two (Abby and Ferris) are a vet's dream. They are so good at having nails done, teeth looked at, ears treated, etc. Believe me..I count my blessings. I am also fortunate that my brother is also my veterinarian....soooo...going to the vet's is like visiting family for my two! :p A good veterinarian will never make such judgemental calls especially if the owner is responsible.