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Nail Grooming Operating Instructions
instructions when using the rotary tool.
Failure
to
procedures could result in personal
injury or property damage.
▶ Why Use a Dremel Rotary
Tool to Groom Pet Nails?
Scissors and guillotine-type clippers
apply pressure and pinch the nail, which
can be uncomfortable for pet toes and
feet. Clipping toenails also increases
the likelihood of cutting the internal
blood supply to the nail, called the
quick; grinding is more gradual and
controlled. If the quick is nicked using a
rotary tool, the cut is usually smaller and
will heal quicker than a cut made with a
nail clipper.
▶ Before you start
Grooming a pet's nails for the first time
can be a worrisome experience for both
the pet and pet owner. Rest assured
that nail grooming does not have to be a
stressful experience. By starting early
and considering grooming to be part of
your pet's training, your pet will grow
used to the experience.
First, train your pet to feel comfortable
with their paws being touched and
handled before exposing them to the
rotary tool. One way to do this is to
massage their legs, paws, and individual
toes for a few minutes at least once a
day. Afterwards, create a positive
association with this experience by
rewarding your pet with its favorite
snack.
Next, help your pet grow gradually
accustomed to the rotary tool. Let your
pet sniff the tool while it is turned off.
Then, while keeping the tool in your
hand, let your pet listen to the sound
the tool makes when it is turned on.
Ideally, have your pet sit or lay on its
side while the tool is in your hand and
running. Gradually work up to having
your pet's toenails touch the rotating
sanding disc for less than a second. Do
not grind the nails yet; simply let your
pet become familiar with the tool.
Throughout the acclimation process,
continue to praise your pet and reward
good behavior with a snack.
Observe all warnings
and
safety
follow
recommended
This
process may take a couple of days or
weeks. Before long, both you and your
pet will be able to relax and even enjoy
the grooming time that you share
together.
37
38
34
45°
34 Nail / Claw
35 Quick
36 Paw
▶ Nail Anatomy
The nails/claws containing quick vessels
described in this section are relevant to
several types of pets, including dogs
and cats.
Before trimming your pet's nails, you
will need to identify the quick. The
diagram (Fig. 8) shows the basic
anatomy of a pet's toenail. The outer
nail is hard and has no feeling because it
has no nerve endings. The core of the
nail is the quick. It is made up of tiny
blood vessels and nerve endings and is
very sensitive. The quick is a vein that
"feeds" the toenail. Should you cut the
quick while trimming a nail, the nail will
start to bleed.
Light colored nails are often transparent
enough to allow you to see the quick's
pink core. Dark colored nails may not
allow you to see where the quick is
located. Pets may have both light and
dark colored nails that allow you to
estimate the length of the quick.
The diagram also shows an estimate of
the proper angle at which to trim a pet's
nails. A rule of thumb for the proper
angle is 45 degrees upwards from the
bottom of the paw. The proper angle
may vary according to the pet owner's
wishes or the pet's unique anatomy.
Trim nails so that they almost touch the
ground when your pet is walking.
17
Fig. 8
35
36
37 Floor
38 Trim line