I have used ace in the past to calm my dog down so that I can get him brushed out and cut his nails, he is 14 years old and shows a lot of signs of his age. I am afraid to give him ace but he is DESPRATE to have his nails trimmed. His coat is so matted that I am afraid to leave it because the risk of him developing sores. Any suggestions?

When grooming him, he snaps and growls. He is scared and defensive. Thats why I wont take him to a professional groomer, I'm almost positive that they would hurt him

what is "ace?"

ace is a tranquilizer for dogs. I have used it in the past, but afraid to because of age and health.

I'd suggest you try a groomer who works out of a vet clinic. You might be surprised, a lot of times I have no problems with a dog, but the owner tells me he bites them when they try to brush him. If you have him groomed at a vet clinic, there's help available if he gets into trouble, and they do have tranquilizers other than Ace, which might be more appropriate due to his age and health issues