Average Cost to Sedate a Dog for Nail Trimming

cute as duck on 17/07/2023 - 17:19
Last edited 17/07/2023 - 18:20

Hi everyone,

I am done trying to cut my dog's nails. He bites, kicks, yelps, and I am scared I will injure him. He wears a muzzle. He basically wants to kill me like my profile photo. Dog is a Frenchie.

I have called 3 vets, and they all told me they need to charge me a consultation fee for the simple privilege of getting a quote …

Today I used a dog harness to get him elevated, and he jerks frantically and is able to get his arms out of the leg holes. He begins to overheat so serious concerns he will have heat stroke.

I have had some success cutting each nail while he sleeps, but one stubborn outer front nail is so long that it has started digging into his paw and I can't get the damn nail clipper around it without stressing him out. The rest of the nails are fine since I take him for dog walks and use a laser outside so he can grind down his nails by himself.

I want to now go down the sedation route and I am curious what are the costs you have paid?

For those who have gone the sedation route, I am curious what the costs were to get a rough general idea.

Edit: I have taken him to a pet groomer, he was restrained by 3 staff and they ended up giving up and he was too dangerous to be around to himself and the staff.

Pets

Comments

  • Hybroid on 17/07/2023 - 17:21
    +5

    Professional dog groomers also cut nails. Seems a logical next step before you take sedation risks…

    Petbarn does it: https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/dog/grooming-dog/guide-cu…

    • cute as duck on 17/07/2023 - 17:22
      +1

      Thanks, sorry I forgot to mention (I will add to OP), I took him to a pet store that does nail trimmings.

      They started with 2 female staff, who were quickly joined by a 3rd male staff member. They ended up refusing to clip his nails as he was getting too aggressive.

  • AustriaBargain on 17/07/2023 - 17:37
    +6

    Maybe he could do with some training.

    • nfr on 17/07/2023 - 17:41
      +5

      Maybe some weeds to calm him down.

    • Protractor on 17/07/2023 - 17:50
      -1

      LOL. Has ADHD

      • angywoo on 17/07/2023 - 19:30
        +5

        I wonder if he also throws rocks and his toy over the fence too?

      • morse on 18/07/2023 - 03:58
        +1

        Don’t all Frenchies have ADHD?

  • capslock janitor on 17/07/2023 - 17:42
    +2

    thats funny i watched this vid today

    https://youtu.be/OP8oOaV_QFY

  • Ocker on 17/07/2023 - 17:47
    +1

    What breed of dog?

    • cute as duck on 17/07/2023 - 18:13
      +1

      Sorry. Frenchie - added to OP

      • Ocker on 17/07/2023 - 19:15
        +1

        We have 2 Italian Greyhounds and to trim their nails using whatever instrument is a 2 person job, at the best of times. Even the vet has trouble getting it done at times.
        If you do take the path of getting your vet to approve some form of tranquiliser's then I strongly suggest getting them to give you a prescription and get it filled by an online vet.
        We just had a vet bill which incorporated 15 tables for a charge of $90.00 ($6.00 each) The same tablets are available from online vets for $1.50 each.
        (Next time I will take the dogs to the vet and not the missus)

        • Sunshines bright on 18/07/2023 - 07:53

          Vets charge about 25.00 for the script.

        • sam-1966 on 18/07/2023 - 10:44
          +1

          My nephew got a prescription from the vet and had it filled at a pharmacy - even cheaper. Just weird hearing the dog's name being called out.

  • Jolakot on 17/07/2023 - 17:52
    +5

    Ask your vet for a prescription of dog valium tablets, the tablets themselves will only cost you ~$20 for 50 of them.

    Give the dog a tablet before the groomer appointment, and they'll be much easier to work with.

    Some vets might recommend using Acepromazine, but it's a bad option for a stressed dog, as it sedates without doing much for anxiety.
    So you'll just have a panicked dog that can't control its body, which would be an awful experience

    • cute as duck on 17/07/2023 - 18:13

      Excellent suggestions, thanks for the recommendations.

      • Ozpit on 18/07/2023 - 17:19

        Valium (Diazepam) is a common drug for sedating or quietening down dogs and cats. Doctors prescribe Valium for many of their patients (people) for various reasons such as anxiety and muscle spasms. Ask your relatives and friends if they have any leftover Valium in their medicine cabinets because it could save you $$$$ by not having to go to the vet. And don’t worry if they are past their UBD because if they are it won’t hurt your dog, just like it won’t hurt people. At worst it may only have lost a tiny percentage of its effectiveness. Dosage depends on your dog’s weight. You’ll find plenty of information about Valium dosage for pets by googling.

  • cookietime on 17/07/2023 - 18:03
    +1

    Sorry I don't have an answer for your question but sedation cost for my 7kg dog was roughly $130 at a regional vet. I think most vets would want to examine your dog before giving a quote. They may ask you about your dog's condition, medical issue, blood test, etc.

    Just wondering if you have tried using a grinder instead? One of my dogs hated the scissor-type nail trimmer but he is completely fine with the grinder. He falls asleep as I trim his nails.

    If that doesn't work, then I agree with the comment about trying anxiety meds for your dog and see if that helps.

    • cute as duck on 17/07/2023 - 18:17

      Thanks for the suggestions.

      I tried the grinder previously. I completely forgot that and ended up returning it. I also tried distracting him with peanut butter while doing it but no dice.

      He is a lost cause.

      At this point, $130 (after the initial consultation fee) sounds very tempting as well as the tablets.

      • Some Human on 17/07/2023 - 18:35

        Did you put the Peanut butter on the dog? Honey on its back might keep it occupied enough.

        • Pelicannn on 18/07/2023 - 17:43

          Wait, the peanut butter goes on the dog?

  • [Deactivated] on 17/07/2023 - 19:05

    Have you tried natural ways to try & calm your doggo? eg. Rescue Remedy

    • morse on 18/07/2023 - 04:00

      I have no idea why it works but I’ve heard quite a few people say rescue remedy works on their dog.

      • [Deactivated] on 18/07/2023 - 09:29

        Yes, it does work. I recommended it to a neighbour whose doggo had separation anxiety when they travelled o/s & it worked like a charm.

  • blushingelephant2 on 17/07/2023 - 19:08
    +9

    My dog also hates nail trimming. I made a scratching board and taught him how to use it.

    It's made of sandpaper and scrap wood from bunnings for $5 - otherwise you can buy a ready made one. You can google it.

  • screensaver on 17/07/2023 - 19:27

    Pet Circle and others has free vet advice if you register

  • Muzeeb on 17/07/2023 - 19:38
    +5

    We just walk our dogs on hard surfaces as much as possible and never have to trim their nails.

    Source: have 4 dogs.

    • Wiadro on 17/07/2023 - 20:12
      +1

      literally this, my greyhound likes walking on the footpath or road more than grass.
      he identifies the grass as wee wee poo poo time

    • morse on 18/07/2023 - 04:02

      This was what we did with our dog too. Vet said his nails were fine - no need to trim.

  • brad1-8tsi on 17/07/2023 - 20:44
    +3

    we give our dog Phenergan (vet recommended) to calm him down when there's a thunderstorm. It's not sedation but it certainly stops him jumping 2m fences.

    Might that be a happy medium?

    • Jolakot on 18/07/2023 - 08:16

      Phenothiazines like Phenergan are great for reducing excitability, but they're far less effective than benzodiazepines for treating fear responses.

      It's like if you walked into a room and people were screaming at each other, versus if you walked into a room and a few guys in balaclavas jumped you with a knife.

  • ChocStrawberries on 18/07/2023 - 08:11

    Our dog used to freak out at nail trimming time. We ended up trying a battery powered doggy nail file thing from Amazon, and now she happily lies down and almost falls asleep while she gets her "pedicure". I prefer using it on her, as opposed to the clipper ones, since there's no danger of cutting too deep. Maybe give that a try?

    • cute as duck on 18/07/2023 - 08:15

      Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately my "Yoda" hates those too. In fact he plays with it by running at it trying to bite it and then jumping back. Repeat.

      I just got a quote from a local vet for sedation.

      $490🥴

      I ended up buying this To replace the cheap plastic ones he chewed up as revenge when I tried to get close to him. Wil try again to clip one nail at a time while he sleeps. Take a whole week to get through one paw ….

  • ColtNoir on 18/07/2023 - 08:38

    When you say a harness, are you talking about the the slings they use at the groomers? Eg https://www.amazon.com.au/Meideli-Hammock-Grooming-Clipping-…

    How is your dog getting out of something like this. When I’ve recently put my dogs, one who behaves like an idiot, he ends up like a statue.

    Also, I highly recommend the LuckyTail nail grinder.

    • Jeannie77 on 18/07/2023 - 11:21
      +1

      Thanks for the link, I really need this for my dog too.

  • shaybisc on 18/07/2023 - 08:54

    5k road walk every day and nails won't need cutting.

    How do wild dogs and wolves keep their toenails manageable?

    • taradavey on 18/07/2023 - 09:18
      +1

      For some people this may not be possible, maybe if they live in a city and the roads are not pedestrian friendly.

      • Protractor on 18/07/2023 - 10:21
        -3

        "For some people this may not be possible"

        Then they should not get a dog or they should move BEFORE getting one.

        • taradavey on 18/07/2023 - 11:54
          +1

          You can have a perfectly happy dog somewhere where there is not open roads without traffic for the dog to walk on… in that case, you could just trim it's nails.

          OP unfortunately is strurggling with an anxious dog and trimming nails.

          Your solution is move house 😂😂

          I have nothing else to say because this is so beyond reasoning with.

          • Protractor on 18/07/2023 - 15:19

            @taradavey: Too late for the OP.
            I'm referring to people in non dog friendly locations, (as per your comment) not ppl who did not do their homework first or who did not put the time they should have in up front. You know."Prevention strategy.

            You do know why the dog refuges are overflowing don't you?
            Due dilligence

  • trankillity on 18/07/2023 - 09:35
    +1

    It's all about trust. By default, no dog likes their feet being touched, let alone trimmed. And if they have trauma of the nerve being snipped, they will be very hard to get out of the habit. Whenever you are sitting with your dog or playing with them, be sure to gently touch/play with their paws to start with, and eventually their nails too. Then start to slowy introduce the clippers to play time. Not for actual clipping, but just so the dog associates the clippers with fun times. Eventually you will be able to clip a toe or two at a time using this method (make sure you know how to properly clip, or you will undo all the work). Then the fear of the clippers will be gone and even groomers should be able to do it.

    And if all else fails, give this wild idea a go.

  • Protractor on 18/07/2023 - 10:17
    -2

    Getting a pet has responsibilities. Hopefully ppl reading this, who intend getting a dog, realise that maintenance is a part of the deal and you get the dog used to all the common processes early.
    Avoiding all the stress and anxiety. Also ppl should stop getting pets for bling & social media glory based on trends.
    Time to license the owners.

    • Protractor on 18/07/2023 - 15:20

      Hmmm, a lot of guilt inspired negs

  • 2esc on 18/07/2023 - 10:18

    Walk the dog every day on hard surfaces like gravel or concrete.

  • ams1970 on 18/07/2023 - 11:28

    I have 2 miniature foxies and this is the only way i can get their nails cut. In NSW it will depend on weight of dog as well but mine are 10Kg and under and it is nearly $400 per dog

    • shaybisc on 18/07/2023 - 11:31

      Holy cow - how often?

      • Protractor on 18/07/2023 - 15:21

        who needs a casino to make money

  • Jeannie77 on 18/07/2023 - 12:14

    My vet does nails for free when they get their yearly vaccinations. One of my dogs gets so crazy she expresses her anal glands. Last vet used to have me and his assistant holding her on the table to cut her claws. New vet takes them out the back, but the girl told me she had released her anal glands so at least I didn't get to smell that again.

  • Ozpit on 18/07/2023 - 16:08

    …the girl told me she had released her anal glands so at least I didn't get to smell that again.

    More information needed.

  • acoma on 18/07/2023 - 21:55

    Curious to know how your dog reacts when you squeeze/express the anal glands?

  • shaybisc on 19/07/2023 - 08:43

    How about a hamster wheel for dogs that can't get out for a walk on hard surfaces? Put a surface with fine grit sandpaper in it. OK I've invented it - patent pending - you build it.

  • ColtNoir on 19/07/2023 - 13:08

    You could also get a teeth clean at the same time. Two for one

  • Poperdobs on 20/07/2023 - 10:21

    Benadryl… Be VERY carefully with the dosage

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