PET NAIL CLIPPING

''Regular nail trimming in an essential part of maintaining your pets routine health as they continuously grow (just like humans).''

Why we need to check our pet's nails

When nails grow too long they can cause your pet discomfort. This can be caused from multiple problems such as; breakage, the nail getting too long that they curl inwards to the pad or outwards. These can both cause bleeding, pain, swelling and infections. Overgrown nails can also cause problems with how they walk and may bend their toes which can cause discomfort and pain.

When to trim your pet's nails

Your pet should be able to stand so that their nails are flat on, or just above the ground. If they're longer than or making noise on the ground when walking this is a good time to trim the nails.

Dewclaws are the nails that are found up higher on the inside of the front legs like our thumbs. These nails never touch the ground, so they are more likely to be overgrown and need to be checked regularly. Some breeds/ animals have dewclaws on the hind legs as well.

The vet nurse holding a cat's paw and trimming its claws

Making Nail Trims a Positive Experience

Allow time to trim your pets nails.
Associate good things with nail trims, feet touching and practising - treats and positive phrases.
Get your pet used to getting their feet touched before you trim their nails - gently touch their paws, in between their toes and nails until they get use to it. Once they are used to this squeeze your pets nail.
Let your pet investigate and sniff the nail trimmers by placing them on the ground and holding them in your hand.
Touch the toes and the clippers together first before getting them using them to get them use to it.
Get your pet use to the sound of the nail trimmer clipping something - like a small bit of pasta and gradually move closer to your pet when they do it and are calm.
Put your pet on a non-slip surface like a towel or matt etc. Let them decide what position is comfortable for a nail trim.
Once your pet is comfortable with the above steps you can trim the nails. Clip one nail, and give a treat/ positive phrase and if they allow it, do more slowly until they start showing signs of stress.
Never cut the quick - the pink area that has nerves and blood vessels (you can see this in white nails but not black). So cut black nails with caution as this can have a very negative experience, causes pain and bleeding.

PET GROOMING

Ear cleaning

While routine home care, such as regular inspection and gentle wiping, can help maintain ear cleanliness, professional ear cleaning is recommended if you notice any of the following signs:

Persistent scratching or rubbing of the ears
Foul odour or discharge from the ears
Redness, swelling, or sensitivity in the ear area
Excessive wax or debris buildup in the ears

Anal gland expression:

Anal gland expression is a common procedure that helps alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications in pets. Our skilled veterinary team at The Village Vet offers professional anal gland expression, providing relief and promoting your pet's overall well-being. Trust us to handle this routine procedure with care and expertise.