JUST A TRIM Clipping Pet Nails Prevents Problems Nail trimming often resides near picking up poop on a pet owner’s list of least favorite activities. It’s not as gross, but many dogs and cats are prone to throwing a fit during a routine clipping. It’s stressful enough for everyone involved that many pet owners might feel inclined to skip it. But is that a wise idea?
likely not suffering from painful nails because their active lifestyles of climbing and hunting will usually keep their nails relatively trimmed. But your indoor cat is a different story.
Has your cat ever gotten its claw stuck in your clothing, furniture, or curtains? They’re (mostly) not doing this to be a jerk. The longer a cat’s nails are, the more difficult it is to retract them. And in a worst-case scenario, the claw can overgrow into the cat’s foot pad. Ouch! So, pet owners should strongly consider trimming their furry friends’ nails at least once every two weeks. But as many who have tried can attest, that’s often easier said than done. Many animals don’t like people touching their feet and find clippers frightening. Fortunately, some patience and routine can make the process easier.
Leslie Bracewell Tim Carlill Maxine Maciel Clien th ts e SWpr o e r a d ding Trimming your dog’s nails should be a regular part of their grooming routine, whether done by a professional or at home. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking around on your floor, you know you’ve let them go for too long and need to get out the clippers. Not trimming can result in your dog’s nails pressing into the ground, causing discomfort or difficulty walking. Further, the longer your dog’s nails are, the more likely they are to get caught and break or tear off — an injury that can be very painful. Cats are much less dependent on us than dogs, and many live their entire lives outdoors. So, surely a trim is less necessary for them — right? The good news is that those outdoor cats are
Gradually, introduce the clippers to your pet and touch their feet without attempting a trim. Don’t forget to offer lots of praise. It will make the process a bit less scary when you finally start cutting. Stay calm, use treats, and don’t push your pet past their limits. Most crucially, know how to identify the quick of the nail and ensure you don’t come near it. And if you can't get the hang of it, remember professionals can help.
MDumogmTyrBeaotsnes
Inspired by TheCottageMarket.com
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • •
1/2 cup peanut butter 1 cup all-purpose flour
• • • • •
1 egg
2 tbsp honey
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
3/4 cup almond milk or water
1 tbsp baking powder
1 cup canned pumpkin 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
Yogurt chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 325 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, mix wet ingredients together (egg, honey, almond milk, pumpkin, vanilla extract, and peanut butter). 3. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients together (flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon). 4. With your hands, combine the wet and dry ingredients until the dough is pliable. 5. Roll the dough until it’s about 1/2-inch thick. 6. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes of your choice. 7. Place “bones” on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. 8. Flip the bones and bake for another 15 minutes. Allow to cool. 9. In a small bowl, melt the yogurt chips in the microwave, stir, and use as icing. 10. Serve to your pups — and watch them enjoy!
We Reward Referrals!
3
WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator