Trimming your dog’s nails can be a difficult task, to say the least.
Canines have a tendency to behave frantically whenever they are approached with nail clippers or a Dremel. They are often left shaking uncontrollably after the event- poor things!
Rather than holding a dog down to cut their nails, a potential solution that is gaining in popularity among pet owners is to put their uncooperative dogs up in the air instead.
This technique of hanging a dog up in the air to cut its nails is best achieved through the use of a hammock, doggie lift, or similar contraption.
Allowing your dog to become accustomed to nail grooming in a hammock is definitely beneficial to both you and your dog.
Not only will it allow for cleaner (and safer) nail trims, but it will also reduce the time and effort required that would otherwise have gone towards keeping your dog still and happy.
There are now many commercial options available online, though some are still opting for DIY solutions.
A grooming sling, a grooming harness or a grooming hammock can be effective, and I can happily recommend three excellent yet cost-efficient choices below!
(Side note: I am a member of the Amazon Associates program. From time to time I like to recommend products in my posts that I feel may truly be helpful to readers and their pets. If you do end up buying something by clicking the links on my site, I may receive a tiny amount of commission from the big guys.
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Groomers World: Dog Grooming Hammock
The first and most recommended option is the Grooming Hammock by Groomers World.
This hammock is suited for both professional dog groomers and regular dog owners. The equipment is very easy to set up, and it is available in grey and purple to suit your taste.
Although this product is not recommended for large breeds such as the Labrador, bulldog or Cavachon, the hammock is suited for small and medium sized dogs and is available in 3 sizes as shown below.
|
Small |
Medium | ||
|
Dimensions L x W (cm) |
39 x 36 |
51 x 40 |
51 x 40 |
|
Distance Between Front and Rear Hole (cm) |
7 |
20 |
24 |
|
Weight Limit (lbs) |
10 |
20 |
20 |
Each foot hole size is 10cm x 10cm.
It is important to note that when using the hammock, you should not exceed the weight limit too often as this can damage the product and cause unnecessary hazards.
When the hammock is not being used for grooming, it can also be used as a support for dogs with mobility issues by altering the frame of the hammock.
With 4.3 stars out of 5 from over 280+ unique customers on Amazon, this hammock is one of the best options available to help trim your dog’s nails.
TYISON: 2 in 1 Dog Grooming Harness
Another recommended option available online is the 2-in-1 Grooming Harness by TYISON.
Its design incorporates a double layer of high-quality flannel fabric. This soft material is extremely breathable, which helps to make the trimming session more comfortable for your dog.
The harness and its reinforced metal grommets are durable, allowing for consecutive sessions of stress-free nail grooming.
The harness is easy to clean– although this will involve handwashing with cold water and then allowing it to dry naturally.
It is available in three sizes with dimensions as shown below.
|
Small |
Medium |
Large | |
|
Dimensions L x W (cm) |
66 x 49 |
77 x 55 |
85 x 60 |
|
Distance Between Front and Rear Hole (cm) |
25 |
30 |
35 |
|
Weight (kg) |
15 |
15 |
15 |
In addition to being used as a hammock, it can also be used as a bath towel. How’s that for versatility!
This product comes with hooks and a hammock and is available in various colors including blue, pink, gray, black and green.
TYISON’s hammock has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 140+ unique ratings on Amazon, making it one of the better grooming hammocks available online.
Meideli: Dog Grooming Sling
Another recommended option is the Meideli Grooming Sling.
This product comes with hooks and the hammock itself that is made from durable and soft fabric.
The sling is available in various sizes as shown below. You can also purchase this item in blue, grey or pink options.
|
Small |
Medium |
Large | |
|
Dimensions L x W (cm) |
66 x 49 |
77 x 55 |
85 x 60 |
|
Distance Between Front and Rear Hole (cm) |
25 |
30 |
35 |
|
Weight (kg) |
15 |
15 |
15 |
Not only can this sling be used for trimming nails, it can also help with regular activities such as full-body grooming, bathing and picking your dog’s ears.
This product has 4.5 stars out of 5 from over 45+ unique individuals on Amazon, making it one of the better options available online.
How To Keep Dog Still and Calm to Cut Their Nails
Many dogs require time to adjust their attitude towards being hung in a hammock for nail trimming. They just aren’t used to having all four paws being off the ground for long periods of time!
Before working on their nails, you should get them warmed up by scratching and rubbing and petting their body until you get to their toes.
As you trim their nails, you can rub their ears at the same time; physical stimulation is a good form of sensory distraction and will help them to shift their focus elsewhere.
If your dog doesn’t relax in the grooming hammock and attempts to escape, you will need to carry out simple procedures over time to get your dog accustomed to this new grooming process.
Some actions you can take include feeding treats around the grooming tools, wrapping the hammock around your dog or lifting them in the air for short periods of time.
You should continue carrying out these steps until you think they are comfortable with a full-length trim session in a hammock.
A scared dog will make the grooming process doubly unpleasant for both you and your pup. Furthermore, persistent movement could damage the product and cause accidental injuries.
A muzzle can also be a useful piece of equipment during grooming as a distraction as well as to prevent bites.
Also, make sure your nail clippers are sufficiently sharp so that the process can be completed as effectively as possible! If they aren’t, you should definitely look into the possibility of replacing them ASAP.
Whenever you are grooming, make sure there is a table or a soft landing surface underneath just in case your dog suddenly wants to hop out of the hammock on short notice!
For more guidance on How To Sedate Your Dog For Grooming, Read Our Guide Here!
In Summary
Nail trimming sessions can be carried out much more efficiently by using a hammock to hang your uncooperative best pal in the air.
Although it may take time for dogs to get accustomed to being levitated, it will definitely pay off in the long run as it will reduce the time and effort required for nail grooming.
While there are so many different options available online, cost-efficient and effective grooming hammocks can be difficult to come by.
Aside from DIY options, grooming hammocks by Groomers World, TYISON and Meideli that I have introduced above offer relatively affordable hammocks for your next nail grooming session!
Elena Gherman is a highly skilled and knowledgeable animal care expert. At the start of her career, she gained practical expertise with multiple animals. In addition to that, she works as a DVM veterinary editor for Joy Pet Products, which focuses on offering reliable information on pet health and wellbeing. She meticulously reviews each piece of writing before it is published to make sure pet owners get the most precise and updated information possible.