Sunday, February 15, 2015

Our First Mani/Pedi


Top paw has been clipped.

Vizslas are a relatively easy (wash and wear) breed, and the only regular grooming needed is nails and teeth.  NAILS SHOULD BE DONE WEEKLY.

Toenails are first trimmed at 3-4 days old (with regular nail clippers) and every 3 days thereafter. You would not believe how long the nails get and if left untrimmed they can scratch one another in the eye or tear up mom's nipples and teats.

Ariel (above) was a willing participant after eating and getting ready for another nap. You can also see the dissolvable surgical glue on her removed dew claw, not to worry. 

At 2 weeks old the puppies are started on the dremel (on low speed). It is so much faster and easier than clipping! I use a cordless version for pups and adults, $40 +/- on amazon.com, link to buy: 

Pups will be acclimated to the dremel by the time they go home and the owner is required on puppy "Go Home Day" to demonstrate their ability to trim the nails (and bring their dremel!).  This is a weekly requirement for each Moonlight Vizsla Puppy owner. 

If you can hear your dog's nails on the floor, they are already too long!


Photo from one of my puppy owners when the pup was about 6 months old.

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Helpful diagram showing nail care in the young/adult dog.