Dog has intense reaction to having his nails trimmed

DEAR JOAN >> Twig is a 5-year-old male mixed breed, weighing 18 pounds. He cannot tolerate having his nails trimmed.

He has to be sedated at the vet's office. The vet tried once to trim them, and Twig became frightened. His heart rate went up and he pooped. The vet said he has to be sedated, therefore. It costs an extra $200.

We will do that for Twig, but do you have any other suggestions? Also, can his dewclaws be removed? They grow very fast and turn inward. — Janet Sereno, San Jose

DEAR JANET >> Ask your vet about using a sedative that takes the edge off, rather than full sedation, paired with a Thundershirt — a weighted jacket that mimics swaddling and is intended to comfort the dog. The problem also might be the location of the nail trim. Pets can become agitated in the doctor's office, so having a pet groomer come to your house might work wonders.

Meanwhile, work on getting Twig accustomed to the nail clippers or grinder. Start by getting him used to having his paws touched. Start at the shoulder and work your way down to his paw. Then gently massage the paw and touch his nails. Speak in a comforting voice and praise him for accepting the contact. If he pulls away, wait until he's calmer and try again. You'll need to do this several times a day.

Once he allows you to touch and manipulate his paws, pick up the clippers while he's with you. Don't try using them, but click them a few times and then reward him with a treat and praise. If he skedaddles, don't reward him, but don't scold him either. Keep trying until he learns that the sound of the clippers means a treat.

The next step is to gradually move the clippers closer to your dog. Sit on the floor with the clippers at your side. Pick up Twig's paws and gradually move the clippers closer to him. When he's OK with this, try touching the clippers to his paws, rewarding him with praise and treats when he allows it.

The next step is actual clipping. When Twig is comfortable with the sound and feel of the clippers touching his paws, give it a go. Don't force it. You might be able to trim just one toe a day, but that's progress.

Dewclaws in dogs shouldn't be removed. They are equivalent to human thumbs and big toes. Removing them can cause pain and create spine and balance problems.

DEAR JOAN >> My husband and I have a mature, dwarf Meyer lemon tree in our front yard. It produces hundreds of beautiful lemons every year.

This year, we have made a mysterious discovery: some of the lemons, including ones still attached to the tree, are being completely and meticulously peeled by some kind of critter. There are no visible peel remnants, nor is the remaining fruit bitten into. It remains perfectly peeled, hanging on the tree.

Do you have any insight as to what animal might be “zesting” our lemons? — Christy, San Jose

DEAR CHRISTY >> Your lemon zester is a rat. Although the Meyer produces a sweeter pulp than other lemons, rats still prefer the lemon rind.