The Best Dog Nail Trimmers
When it comes to dog grooming, regularly trimming your pup’s nails is one of the most important ways to maintain their health. Unfortunately, it can also be stressful for you and your dog, and an accidental cut can make you both wary of nail trimmers. We’ve looked into all the best products for cutting your pooch’s nails and gathered them here so that you can find a simple and stress-free option.
What to Look For
While searching for the best dog nail trimmers, we looked for options that were quiet, effective, and had built-in safety features to make them comfortable. Our overall winner was the nail grinder from Dremel because it isn’t very loud and it’s easy to control how much nail you take off. It’s easier to use on larger dogs, too, so if you have a small breed or a puppy, we’d steer you towards the nail clippers from Shiny Pet instead. They’re specially designed for small nails, and the sharp blades cut clean through without leaving snags. To learn more about all the best dog nail trimmers, continue reading our full reviews below.
Dremel Dog Nail Grinder
Nail grinders are one of the easiest ways to keep your pup’s paws in check, and Dremel’s grinder is a top-of-the-line option. The upgraded version is quieter and has a longer battery life than the previous model, so you can spend less time charging and more time trimming your dog’s nails. In addition to low noise output, it has a low vibration, so you won’t irritate your dog by jiggling their paws around.
Pros:
- This grinder charges with a micro USB cable so you can use it cordlessly.
- The kit includes sandpaper belts of varying grit so you can experiment and see what works best for your pet.
Cons:
- This grinder is a bit pricier than other nail trimming options.
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
Grinding your dog’s nails can be safer than trimming them, especially if you’re new to the process. Casfuy’s nail grinder is an excellent option for beginners because it has an adjustable grinding speed and three different ports for large, medium, and small nails. These features, along with a comfortable, ergonomic handle that you can use in your left or right hand, offer superior control.
Pros:
- You can shape your pet’s nails with the grinder, so you won’t be left with snags or sharp, flat edges.
- This grinder is equipped with a low-vibration motor that’s less likely to stress out your dog.
Cons:
- The sandpaper isn’t very rough so this is a good option if your dog’s nails are short, but trimming long nails can take a while.
Gonicc Dog Nail Clippers
Safety first
Over-clipping your dog’s nails can be a scary experience because even a small cut on the toe tends to bleed a lot. Gonicc’s clippers are outfitted with a specially designed safety guard so that over-cutting is a thing of the past. The sharp blades slice through tough nails without catching, and the non-slip handles ensure that you have a good grip.
Pros:
- The durable blades are made out of stainless steel.
- These clippers come with a nail file so that you can smooth out any rough edges.
Cons:
- The safety guard isn’t adjustable and may be too far back for small nails.
Shiny Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals
Small dogs need small tools, so you can’t use the same nail clippers on your Yorkie as you do on your Great Dane. Shiny Pet’s clippers are designed specifically with little paws in mind, and they cut through small nails in no time at all. They’re lightweight but sharp, so you’ll be able to take care of business quickly and get back to playing or cuddling on the couch.
Pros:
- The rubberized coating is easy to grip, so you won’t have to worry about the clippers slipping out of your grasp.
- These nail clippers are great for cats, rabbits, and ferrets in addition to small dogs.
Cons:
- If your pet is nervous about nail trims, it can be hard to get their nail through the small opening.
Allstar Innovations PetiCare LED Light Pet Nail Clipper
Deciding how far to trim your dog’s nails can feel like a guessing game, but Allstar Innovations’s nail clippers give you an edge. Each pair is outfitted with four bright LED lights, which illuminate the nail you’re trimming so that you can see (and avoid) the blood vessel inside. Additionally, the end has a 5x magnifying lens, so you can get an up-close look without leaning down.
Pros:
- The magnifying case at the end doubles as a nail trapper, so you won’t lose sharp trimmings on your floor or carpet.
- The blades are replaceable, so you’ll be able to keep your trimmers sharp without getting a whole new set.
Cons:
- The LED lights work best at illuminating the quick in light or white nails–not so much dark or black nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clippers or a grinder better for trimming my dog’s nails?
Both nail clippers and grinders will get the job done, and the better option depends on you and your dog. Clippers are inexpensive, silent, and fast because they remove excess nail in one go. If you’re uncomfortable using clippers because you’re afraid you might cut the quick in your dog’s nail, a grinder is probably better. The buzzing noise may annoy some dogs, but grinders offer much more control over how much nail you remove.
How often should I trim my dog’s nails?
You should give your pooch a pedicure approximately every two weeks. This depends a bit on your dog’s environment — if you take them for frequent walks on asphalt or concrete, the rough surfaces will help keep their nails short. Long nails can inhibit your dog’s gait, but be careful not to trim too much off at once. The blood vessel in each nail can extend, so trim nails to just before the quick and wait for the blood vessel to retreat before trimming nails shorter.
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