Best Method for Trimming a Difficult Dachshund’s Nails at Home
Do you get stressed at the thought of trimming your dachshund’s nails? This is truly one of the biggest challenges that doxie parents have to face.
For me, I couldn’t continue the fighting and biting anymore. I knew there had to be a better way – and sure enough, there is!
After much trial and tribulation, I found the best method for trimming a difficult Dachshund’s nails at home. Enjoy!
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Table Of Contents
Dachshunds Hate Getting Their Nails Trimmed
Yep, Dachshunds hate getting their nails trimmed. As a result, they fight, and they bite to avoid it. But it is important to trim your doxie’s nails on a regular basis, so how the heck do people get through it?
I’ve wrestled, tackled, and wrapped my Dachshunds in a thunder vest while attempting our dog nail trimmings over the years.
It was always a three person job, and yes, it was stressful on all of us…especially on our dogs.
Nail Trimmings of the Past: My Dachshund, Eko’s, eyes would literally turn black, he thrashed his body around like a fish on a hook, and he would try to bite really hard.
I knew that his constant flailing around could majorly injure his back. We needed another way, because just holding him down wasn’t working.
Post You Should Read: How To Avoid IVDD In Dachshunds
How To Cut Your Dachshund’s Nails Without a Fight
If you have multiple dogs at home, you know that taking all of them to the dog groomer is just too expensive. So, many of us often have to learn how to cut our Dachshund’s nails at home.
Unfortunately, cutting their nails can be stressful on you and your dog, so it is best to use a method that makes it so much easier.
Here’s My Secret Weapon!
My Dachshunds, Eko, Bastian, and Gretta (yep, I have three doxies) did awesome in our new nail trimming grooming hammock. Trimming a difficult Dachshund’s nails never felt so easy.
No more wiggling and no more biting!
This hammock helps hold your Dachshund in place while you trim their nails, and YES – this really does work! See pictures of Eko and Gretta below.
Before Trimming Your Dachshund’s Nails
Before you begin, practice touching and holding your doxie’s paw gently for a few seconds at a time. Then, give them praise – “yes” and a small dog treat.
This helps your dog stay calm when their paws are being touched. Do this a couple times per day to prepare them for their Dachshund nail trimming.
Prepare Your Tools:
Before you sling up your doxie, gather all of your tools ahead of time and have them ready to go.
You will need:
How To Trim a Dachshund’s Nails: Step by Step
What If My Dog’s Nails Bleed?
If you are trimming your Dachshund’s nails and accidently cut them too short, stay calm and don’t panic.
Your pup will mirror your reaction with anxiety and stress and will hate nail trimmings even more.
So, take a breath and concentrate on fixing the nail.
How to Stop Your Dog’s Nail from Bleeding:
Nail Trimming Tip
If you don’t think you cut your Dachshund’s nails short enough after the first clipping, NEVER clip them a 2nd time.
This was a mistake that I made in the past, and I have learned from it. It will always cause a bleeder, avoid re-trimming the nail.
Alternative Nail Trimmer
If you notice that the nail trimmers are just to hard to use or your doxie’s nails tend to bleed easy, try the Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder instead.
That way you can take a little off at a time and watch closely to avoid a nail bleed.
How Often Should You Trim Your Dachshund’s Nails?
Many dog trainers and groomers recommend getting a dog’s nails trimmed more often, like once per week, to help them get used to it.
Personally, I manually trim my Dachshund’s nails at home every 2-3 weeks.
Tell us about your Dachshund nail trimming experience below. What works for you?
Helpful Links:
Disclaimer: Dog Grooming Hammock Usage
The dog grooming hammock recommended on this website is intended to facilitate the grooming process for pets. While I believe it can provide a convenient and comfortable solution, it’s important to note that improper use may lead to unintended outcomes.
Users are responsible for following the manufacturer’s guidelines, instructions, and safety precautions when using the dog grooming hammock. Failure to do so may result in injury to the pet or the user, or damage to the product itself.
I, Ava Jaine, and DachshundStation.com are not liable for any misuse, neglect, or failure to adhere to proper usage instructions that may cause harm, discomfort, or negative consequences. Users assume full responsibility for their choice to use the recommended product and are advised to exercise caution, especially if unfamiliar with its operation.
If uncertain about the correct usage or if the pet has specific needs or conditions, it is recommended to seek guidance from a qualified veterinarian or professional dog groomer. By using the recommended dog grooming hammock, users acknowledge their understanding of this disclaimer and agree to use the product responsibly and at their own risk.
Thank you so, so much for your advice on the grooming hammock. You have just changed our lives! Seriously. My sweet doxie turns into the biggest pain in the ass when it comes to grooming. Even taking her to the pro’s is a big fiasco embarrassment. I have to drag her from the car to inside, her sliding across the floor to them cause if i try to pick her up she flips all over like your doxie. And nips them every chance she gets, so getting the muzzle on is a challenge in itself. But I have to say, I feel the tremendous weight already lifted & it hasn’t even been delivered yet. Lol Thanks again, V.
Hi Veronica, you are so welcome. The nail grooming hammock saved me from a lot of stress too…I get it and it’s wonderful. I do hope it will help you and your doxie as it has with us. Nail trimming is a whole different story than it was before. Let us know how it works out for you.