Afghan hounds are a classic example of high maintenance dog as they are pretty and aristocrat in look but need a good amount of time to be kept in that condition.
The coat of the Afghan hound is the most luxurious element in their look which creates an aura of sober distinctiveness. So keeping the coat in proper condition remains a top priority of the Afghan hound owners. But like other dogs, there are other parts of the dog that needs proper care and maintenance.
Along with shampooing the dog regularly and brushing the coat with a good quality brush once a day, you need to be specific about other health issues of the dog. Taking it regularly to the vet, even if when it is not ill, is a part of the maintenance schedule, as that is how you will be able to gauge any probable illness at the first stage.
Clipping the nails once in two months is also necessary. You have to make sure that the Afghan hound is not undergoing any painful condition or having any discrepancy in its regular life.
Cleaning the ears and eyes are also part of the maintenance of the Afghan hound. That way you will make sure that the dog is not having any bacterial or fungal infection on those parts.
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How to keep the Afghan hound calm while clipping the nails?
Clipping the nail supposed to be one of the most complicated parts of the dog’s maintenance. But the importance of this part can never be ignored or skipped. The dirt that gathers under the nails of the dog often becomes the breeding place of germs and various microbes.
So to keep the nails germ free and keep the dog healthy you need to either take professional help or do the job yourself.
Can Afghan hounds bite when their nails are being clipped?
Nail trimming is a cause of anxiety among dogs of any breeds. Afghan hounds are no exceptions. While trimming the nails, your dog may get agitated, especially when you are doing it for the first time.
You should try to trim the nails of the Afghan hounds from a young age. When they are a puppy, they will express less irritation during the nail trimming session. Eventually, they will get habituated with the process and will not be agitated any more.
Afghan hounds are much calm in their disposure and they are not easily disturbed. They act maturely, so when you will attempt to trim their nails, by holding their paw, you may find them getting anxious.
Biting is the extreme limit of showing agitation, and the dog will show its anxiety by growling beforehand. If you find the dog getting restless or anxious, you should stop the process immediately and take another chance after a few hours.
Also keeping a few treats handy can help. Try to clip one or two nails and then take a break. Offer the hound a treat in the meantime. This way you can help the dog to ease the tension and feel rewarded if it cooperates with the nail trimming procedure.
Can only professional groomers clip the nails of an Afghan hound?
There is no such idea that only the professional groomers can help with the nail trimming and the owners cannot do it. The myth is formed so because often the owners feel squeamish about clipping the nails. They are also afraid of the hound’s reaction and they are also unsure that if they may hurt the dog while clipping the nails.
But with the right procedure, a bit of patience and effort, an experienced owner can easily clip the nails of his or her dog. If the owner is close to the pet and knows the body languages of the pet, then there is no question of hiring a professional for this job.
How to maintain hygiene while cutting the nails of the Afghan hound?
Keeping the tools germ free by using a disinfectant is an obvious part of this process. Also, make sure that there is no cut or scratch on the paw of the hound which can increase by any chance while clipping the nails.
Make the dog sit comfortably in a soft towel. The tools also should be kept nearby. You need to keep a jar of peanut butter near the place. The dog can lick on it when you will be clipping the nails. The satisfied dog is supposed to create less commotion during the clipping process.
How to cut the nails?
This is a gradual process and it needs preparation for some days. You need at least 3 -4 days to prepare the dog for its first nail clipping session.
First, you need to show the dog the clipping tools, and while it is sniffing or handling the tools, allow it to have a treat. This way the experience with the tools will make it feel happy and the memory will be positive.
On the second day, you can touch the clipper to its paws, but not actually cut the nails.
The handling and accustoming routine will follow for 4 days and then you can start with the actual process. Taking the paw and the clipper on your hand, you will gently cut the very tiny part of the nail’s tip. Practice it once a month, even if you do not actually need to cut the nails.
The regular nail clipping session will make the dog less afraid and stay easy in this situation. Also, it will be much helpful for the owner as the tension about the process will decrease eventually.
Tips while clipping the nails
You need to hold the paw firmly, keeping the thumb on the toe and while using the clipper, make sure there is no fur stuck in between the clipper.
Push thumb to upward the nail so the maximum part of the nail is extended. Now only cut the tip of the nail part. There will be two nails on each which are dewclaws that are located inside the paw. Do not leave them uncut.
Do not cut below the curve of the nails, which is a pink area on the downward part of the paw. This sensitive area is called quick and it is much pain when it is hurt in the tiniest form.
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