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A cat was found outside, unable to move, but after just a few weeks indoors, he transformed into the happiest cat he was always meant to be. AspenChatonsOrphelinsMontrealA few months ago, a cat was spotted outside with thick mats covering his entire body and an injury along his back. He sat quietly in a yard, as if waiting and hoping for someone to notice him."He had difficulty moving. His knots pulled at his skin. For his fur to be in this state, he must have been without help for a long time and had likely been attacked by another animal," shared Chatons Orphelins Montreal, an all-volunteer rescue group.When a Good Samaritan named Ariane saw a plea for help on social media, she rushed out to find the cat. ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealCompletely exhausted, the cat, named Aspen, didn't resist when Ariane gently picked him up, as if he understood she was there to help him. She brought him home and prepared a quiet space where he could decompress.Aspen could barely move; every shift of his body tugged at the mats on his back. Despite his condition, he never once complained. The moment he was petted, he leaned in, soaking up the affection he'd been missing for so long. ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealChatons Orphelins Montreal stepped in to provide the urgent care he needed. Their first task: remove the thick, crust-like mats that caused him constant pain. "Off to the vet clinic we went," the rescue said.Shaving away his dense mats was a long, delicate process. Aspen also received treatment for the wound on his back and medication for stomach issues that had likely plagued him for quite some time. "He's such a little angel who lets the vet do everything without a peep." ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealAfter his spa day and medical treatments, Aspen left the clinic looking and feeling like a new cat. With a fresh haircut, a clean face, and relief from pain, a spark returned to his eyes along with a renewed zest for life.He arrived at his foster home to continue his recovery. With nourishing meals and attentive care, he healed beautifully, and his soft coat began to grow back in. ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal"Aspen tends to eat too quickly without chewing, so he was given a slow-feeder at mealtime. Shortly after arriving in foster care, he began asking for attention and cuddles. He's a teddy bear at heart, gentle and loving."Now that he's pain-free, Aspen explores the house with confidence, claiming every corner and sunny spot as his own. ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealBut the moment he hears his people, he trots over to them with bright eyes. Along with his love for humans, Aspen also adores the other cats in the house. He lets them wrestle with him and even play with his tail, always acting as the gentle giant in the group."He likes other friendly cats. He wants to be friends with everyone." ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealGone are the days of struggling alone outdoors. Today, Aspen is thriving, surrounded by soft blankets, cozy napping spots, and more toys than he knows what to do with."He loves curling up with his humans at night and will roll onto his back the moment you talk to him. He enjoys sunbathing on the windowsill, watching the world outside. He's also become quite the climber and loves perching on top of the cat tree." ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealAspen is happiest when surrounded by people and cats who make him feel safe. He follows them to bed and rubs his face against their pillow in pure bliss. With his mats gone, he loves being brushed, especially on the cheeks, and fills the room with his contented purrs."He likes listening to his humans and getting petted by them. He's very much a kitten at heart." ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealThanks to those who never gave up on him, Aspen now has a second chance at life. His coat grows fluffier and more gleaming by the day, and his charming personality shines brighter than ever. ChatonsOrphelinsMontrealShare this story with your friends. More on Aspen and Chatons Orphelins Montreal on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Family and Their Cat Change Everything for Little 4-week-old Kitten in a World He Cannot See

Most dog owners struggle with nail trimming, yet regular dog nail care prevents painful overgrowth and potential injuries. Studies show that 78% of pet parents avoid this task due to fear of hurting their furry friend. We at DogingtonPost believe every dog owner can master this skill with the right knowledge and tools. Professional groomers charge $15-30 per session, but home trimming saves money while strengthening your bond with your pet. Understanding Dog Nail Anatomy and Growth The Two-Part Nail Structure Your dog’s nail consists of two distinct components that dictate safe trimming zones. The hard outer shell protects the pink quick inside, which contains blood vessels and nerve endings. Light-colored nails reveal the quick as a visible pink triangle, while dark nails demand more careful examination. Veterinary research indicates the quick extends roughly two-thirds into the nail length, which leaves the outer third as your safe cutting zone. Natural Growth Patterns and Schedules Dog nails grow continuously according to veterinary studies, though active dogs on concrete surfaces naturally wear them down faster. Indoor dogs typically require trimming every 3-4 weeks, while outdoor dogs may extend to 6-8 weeks between sessions. Regular weekly paw checks help monitor growth patterns and catch problems early. Activity Level Impact on Nail Wear Dogs that spend time on hard surfaces (concrete sidewalks, asphalt roads) naturally file their nails through daily walks. This natural wear reduces trimming frequency significantly compared to dogs that primarily walk on grass or carpet. However, rear nails typically wear less than front nails regardless of activity level, often requiring more frequent attention. Clear Warning Signs Several indicators tell you when trimming becomes urgent. Nails that curve downward toward paw pads create pressure points and potential injuries. Split or cracked nails expose the sensitive quick to infection risks. Dogs that click on hard floors need immediate attention, as this sound indicates nails touch the ground with each step. The Standing Test Method The most reliable assessment involves placing your dog on a flat surface – properly trimmed nails should never touch the ground when your dog stands normally. Dogs that show reluctance to walk, limp, or favor certain paws often suffer from overgrown nails that alter their natural gait. Waiting longer than 6 weeks between trims allows the quick to grow longer, which makes future maintenance more challenging. Now that you understand nail anatomy and growth patterns, selecting the right tools becomes your next priority for successful home nail care. Essential Tools and Preparation for Home Nail Care Professional-grade nail clippers outperform cheap alternatives by significant margins, and the Millers Forge Professional Nail Clipper stands as the top choice among veterinarians for dogs over 20 pounds. This clipper maintains sharp edges through hundreds of uses while cheaper models dull after 10-15 sessions. For smaller dogs under 20 pounds, the Millers Forge Pet Nail Clipper with Safety Stop prevents overcuts through its built-in guard mechanism. Large breed owners with dogs that exceed 60 pounds need the Millers Forge Large Dog Nail Clipper for adequate power through thick nails. Grinder vs Clipper Performance Dremel nail grinders provide superior control and smoother finishes compared to traditional clippers, particularly for anxious dogs who fear the sudden snap of cuts. Keep grinder speed below 15,000 RPM to prevent friction burns, and tap nails periodically to monitor heat buildup. The Safari Professional nail trimmer offers precision cuts for owners who prefer clippers, while Miracle Care Kwik Stop styptic powder stops blood within seconds if you accidentally nick the quick. Workspace Setup Requirements Set up your workspace on a non-slip surface with bright overhead lights, and position a penlight nearby to illuminate dark nails. Choose a quiet room away from household distractions where your dog feels secure. Place all tools within arm’s reach but out of your dog’s sight to prevent anxiety before you begin the session. Preparation Techniques That Work Transform nail care from a struggle into cooperation through strategic preparation that addresses your dog’s natural instincts. Start to condition your puppy to paw touch during their first week home, and touch each toe daily while you offer high-value treats like peanut butter. Dogs have sensitive paw areas that require gentle handling, making slow movements necessary for comfort. Place a silicone mat with peanut butter at eye level to provide distraction, and schedule sessions when your dog feels naturally calm rather than after exercise or meals. The right tools and environment set the foundation, but proper technique determines whether your first attempt succeeds or creates lasting fear of nail care. Step-by-Step Nail Trimming Techniques Master the Two-Person Hold Position your dog on a non-slip surface with one person who holds the dog firmly while the second person handles the clippers. The holder wraps their arm around the dog’s chest from behind while they grip the targeted paw with their opposite hand. Use your thumb to separate individual nails, which prevents accidental cuts to adjacent digits. Dogs that weigh over 40 pounds require firmer restraint, while smaller dogs need gentler pressure to avoid injury. This two-person method reduces trimming time compared to single-person attempts. Locate the Quick with Precision Techniques Light-colored nails show the pink quick as a distinct triangle shape that extends roughly two-thirds into the nail length. For dark nails, use a penlight that you position underneath the nail to illuminate the quick’s shadow, which appears as a darker area within the nail. Cut only the white chalky tip that extends beyond the quick’s edge, and leave at least 2 millimeters of white space as your safety margin. The quick recedes over time with regular trimming every 3-4 weeks, but grows longer when nails remain untrimmed for extended periods. Execute Clean Cuts with Proper Angles Hold clippers at a 45-degree angle to the nail and make swift, confident cuts rather than hesitant nibbles that can split the nail. Position the clipper blades perpendicular to the nail’s natural curve to achieve clean cuts without crushing. Apply steady pressure in one smooth motion, and avoid multiple small cuts that create jagged edges. Professional groomers complete each nail in a single cut, which reduces stress for both dog and owner. Stop Bleeding Immediately When Accidents Happen Apply Miracle Care Kwik Stop styptic powder directly to the bleeding nail tip within 10 seconds of the cut to achieve immediate clotting. Press the powder firmly against the nail for 30 seconds, then release pressure gradually. Flour works as an emergency substitute when styptic powder isn’t available (though it takes longer to stop bleeding completely). Clean the area gently after bleeding stops and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Monitor your dog for 24 hours to prevent excessive licking, which can reopen the wound and delay healing. Final Thoughts Anxious dogs need patience and gradual conditioning to accept dog nail care without stress. Touch paws daily for one week before you attempt any trimming, and reward calm behavior with high-value treats. Dogs that pull away or show signs of distress benefit from shorter sessions where you trim just one or two nails per day rather than complete all four paws at once. Severely overgrown nails present unique challenges that demand careful attention to the extended quick inside. The quick grows longer when nails remain untrimmed for months, which means you can only remove small amounts during each session. Plan to trim overgrown nails weekly for 4-6 weeks until they reach proper length (this allows the quick to recede gradually between sessions). Professional veterinary intervention becomes necessary when nails grow into paw pads, show signs of infection, or when dogs exhibit extreme aggression during handling attempts. Ingrown nails require surgical removal under anesthesia, while infected nail beds need antibiotic treatment that only veterinarians can prescribe. We at DogingtonPost provide comprehensive resources for responsible dog ownership, including expert advice on health and nutrition topics that support your pet’s wellbeing. Regular nail maintenance prevents costly veterinary emergencies while keeps your dog comfortable and mobile throughout their life.

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