Trimmed Nails

I tried trimming Riley’s nails one time when she was about 3 months old.  She put up a heck of a fight over it and tried to pry my hand off of her paw with her sharp little puppy teeth.  She didn’t bite me and draw blood or anything…it was more a puppy gnawing.  That’s when I decided that I’d let the fine technicians at the vet trim her nails.  It used to cost me almost $15 to get her nails trimmed at the vet.  Luckily her nails don’t grow very fast (at all) and I only have to get them trimmed every 2 months or so and even then they tell me that they just took the tips off because they were already short.

I’ve been looking at Riley’s nails the last few days and thought the front ones could do with a trimming.  The last time she had them trimmed was back a week before she had her whole broken nail fiasco a few months ago (October 13).  I decided I’d give it a shot trimming the tips off myself.  I had my dad feed her treats while I took the tips off.  I made sure I read online the correct way to use the guillotine style clippers I have and I made sure they were still sharp (I only ever got to cut one nail with them when she was 3 months old, so they were still in great shape).

She did great!  The whole thing took about 3 minutes and Riley definitely enjoyed getting some liver treats to eat!  I didn’t manage to get any pictures of the trimming because, frankly, I was just trying to get it over with quickly and not tempt fate.

Anyway…I’m still sick with this cold but here was yesterday and today in pictures:

One of the rawhide treats that my friends gave Riley for Christmas.  Riley took a break from shaking her gigantic rope toy to eat it…she MUST love it!

Eating it.  It’s between her paws but kinda blends in with the grass.

Sleepy dogs.  Riley and Chloe have been really good since everyone at our household has been sick (Grandma and Grandpa had a stomach bug…Grandpa’s still getting over his).

“Umm, we’re having a moment!”

Nails & Glands…Such Fun…Not!

I took Riley to the vet’s office today for a nail trim and an anal gland squeezing.  Lots of fun…or not.  She weighs 54 pounds, so is good on that front.  Once again, they told me her nails were already short (it’s been like 2 months since she had them trimmed last) but that they trimmed the tips off anyway.

Now onto the anal glands…  I’ve tried to empty them before but can’t seem to get the procedure down.  I’ve even watched videos online about how to do it but I’m still unable to do it.  The tech told me that her glands were VERY full but that all the fluid looked normal.  I told her I can’t for the life of me get them squeezed out myself and she told me they could show me next time.  Phew.  They said Riley was a good girl in back, so that’s another “Phew!”

Riley’s all nice and pretty to go to the nursing home again Friday!  I’m looking forward to going and I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to go.  Sorry for the nastiness of the post!

Slim and Trim

I took Riley to get her nails trimmed at the vet today (they were like daggers!).  At first she hid under the chairs and didn’t want to go to the back with the tech.  I had to walk her to the door to the back and she was fine after that.  They weighed her and she now weighs 49 pounds.  She weighed 51.6 pounds a couple weeks ago when I took her to the veterinary surgeon.  I guess her no treat diet has been working!  She was never overweight but the less weight she has on her, the better for her hips.  She’s also been able to play fetch short distances in the house and has gotten to run around and play with my parents’ dog, Chloe.  I have only taken her for a walk a few times since she’s been off crate rest because it’s been so cold and wet out.  Once the weather gets better she’ll get to go on more walks.  The exercise is good for her hips and her waistline!

 

Riley passed out on my parents’ bed after an evening of fetch.  Don’t be fooled, this time of rest didn’t last long!