Epsom Salt Soaking

[Remolacha]

How do you convince your grey that this is a good idea? I think soaking his foot with the broken nail would be good for Conner, but he is not interested! Any magic tips?

[XTRAWLD]

Take the tub of water to an area he's comfortable standing in. He might actually not like the vessel you have selected. Sometimes starting with a small tupperware container is better than a big yogurt one for example. Bring towels and paper towel with you and in reach. Crouch down or sit on floor while he puts his paw in the water and just sit there and pet him the whole time, amd reward with treats. Tedious but that's how I've always done it. When hes done, take paw out, just lightly dry the top and praise like no tomorrow!

[Time4ANap]

This is Conner you are talking about. Tell him there will be food afterward!

 

Hope that boy is doing okay. He and his sister need to come for a visit.

[Jerilyn]

There is no way Lila would stand with her foot in a bowl of water. So I try the baggie method. Put the water in a big bag, try to get the dog to lay in a position so the offending foot is accessible, put the foot in the bag and maneuver it around so the ouchie bit is in the water, have a couple towels handy because water will spill everywhere.

Good luck!

[Remolacha]

There is no way Lila would stand with her foot in a bowl of water. So I try the baggie method. Put the water in a big bag, try to get the dog to lay in a position so the offending foot is accessible, put the foot in the bag and maneuver it around so the ouchie bit is in the water, have a couple towels handy because water will spill everywhere.

Good luck!

I think this is my best bet, no way will he stand in one spot for 5-10 min

 

Don, even food doesn't work!

[Batmom]

We use a variation of the bag method -- two baggies, with a very wet washcloth wrapped around the part to soak. Towel underneath.

[cleptogrey]

then don't do it. has a groomer or yourself trimmed the nail back? once it clots, let it heal. the salts are great for bruises and sore pads. don't torture either yourself or conner.

[Remolacha]

then don't do it. has a groomer or yourself trimmed the nail back? once it clots, let it heal. the salts are great for bruises and sore pads. don't torture either yourself or conner.

Most of the nail is gone, there is just a nub. Luckily, that means most of the time it isn't touching the ground. I wanted to give it a good soak to be sure it was clean, I have been cleaning it with a sterile gauze and warm water. Maybe I'll just make up a epsom salt solution and clean it with that.

 

Thanks everyone, I am pretty sure this is bothering me more than him

[NeylasMom]

We used the baggie method as well. Large gallon size, about 3/4 c of the liquid went in. Incontinence pad underneath to catch leaks and then depending on the side he was laying on and angle I needed I would often prop his leg, around the ankle up on a folded up towel so the foot would hang down a little and make leaking less likely.

 

Zuri didn't mind, he'd just sleep but if Connor does I would just give a kong with PB so he can busy himself licking.

[FiveRoooooers]

If he truly won't stand with his foot in a cup or bowl you could rinse the toe from a bottle of saline solution. But it sounds like you just want to clean it once really well and then leave it alone to heal.

Connor!!!

[Guest goofydog]

I just made up the Epsom salt/hot water then soak a sock or washcloth with the solution. Then just sit next to the dog while he is laying down and wrap the soaked item around the foot and hold snip until the wrap is cooled. This worked really well after Get Em tore a nail off. Good luck with whatever method you use.