Despite the fact that a dog's feet are pretty tough, they still sensitive about having them manhandled, especially if it involves trimming their toenails. Some are more sensitive than others.
Dogs who have ever had their nails trimmed too aggressively may react negatively when they spot the clippers in the future. This makes sense given that mammalian extremities- the feet, ears, and tail, for example- are packed with sensitive nerve endings.
But sometimes even a simple foot rub is off limits. This sensitivity to paw handling seems to be an innate canine trait. Some dogs are more sensitive than others.
My Golden Retriever, Adin is the worst I have ever seen. He does not like to be groomed in any way. Just to brush him I have to have help holding him down. Cleaning his ears is an absolute mess and to do his nails, I have to put a muzzle on him. I didn't know the dogs had sensitive nerve endings in their feet, ears and tail until I read this article on Vetstreet, and I have been raising Golden's for a long time.
By contrast, most cats tend to be amendable to simple stroking and even massaging of the feet, while dogs often read this a sign of affection as a personal assault, despite our best intentions.
No comments:
Post a Comment