Cutting your dog’s nails may be a task that you aren’t very fond of, and your dog probably dislikes it even more than you do. But for the safety of your pet, it’s important that you trim their nails frequently and keep the length short using the best nail clippers and trimmers.
If your pet enjoys playing outside and spends time running on hard surfaces, it is likely that their nails may already be worn down — these dogs won’t need their nails to be clipped that often. However, if it’s the other way around, if your pet spends most of their time indoors, then their nails will need to be maintained more often.
When you allow your pooch’s nails to remain long, they press against the ground, and force is exerted back into the nail bed — this can be very painful for your four-legged friend. And it’s more than just that; in the long run it can affect the joints on their forelegs too!
In this article, we’ll go over the best nail clippers and trimmers that are available on the market. Plus, you’ll also get to know about the different types of nail clippers and trimmers that are suitable for all breeds. along with a guide on how to use them correctly.
What Kinds of Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmers Are There?
There are two different types of dog nail clippers:
Scissor Clippers
Just as the name suggests, these nail clippers for dogs work just like a pair of scissors — they’re also known as Millers Forge Trimmers. They are perfect for dogs with large and thick nails since they are designed to offer the extra force required to trim them.
Guillotine Clippers
Similar to the clippers above, this type also works, as the name suggests. All you have to do is stick your pooch’s nails in the hole and squeeze the clippers — the blade gets lowered to trim the desired portion of the nail. In our expert opinion, these are the best dog nail clippers for small dogs.
How to Use the Best Dog Nail Clippers Without Hurting Your Pet?
As a pet parent, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you’re using a nail clipper and trimmer effectively while also ensuring that your pooch doesn’t get hurt:
Use the Right Clippers
Consider the size and thickness of your dog’s nails — choose guillotine clippers for smaller dogs and scissor clippers for larger ones.
Make Your Dog Comfortable
Show your dog the tool that you’ll be using on them — let them touch and sniff it. This way, they become more familiar with the nail clippers and won’t be as afraid that it could harm them. You can also give them treats in between to create a positive association.
Choose an Appropriate Area
Wherever you’re deciding to clip your dog’s nails, ensure that there is proper lighting and that it’s quiet. This will ensure a quicker and easier process.
Inspect the Nails
Take a look at your buddy’s nails and see if you’re able to identify the quick (pink portion of the nails). This could be much harder if your pet had dark-colored nails. In this case, we’d suggest that you trim small amounts and gradually get to the desired length.
Get a Good Grip of the Paw
Get a secure hold of your pooch’s paw; however, remember to be gentle at the same time.
Use the Right Clipping Technique
Hold the clippers at a 45-degree angle and then start clipping. Also, it’s better that you clip smaller portions — stay away from the quick, as this can cause bleeding and discomfort for your fur baby.
Offer Positive Reinforcement
If your pet seems stressed or anxious, give them breaks in between. During this time, you can feed them a few treats while also offering them praise and words of encouragement.
The Best Nail Clippers and Trimmers to Buy in 2025
Now that you’re aware of the types of dog nail clippers available and how to correctly use them, let’s delve into the product recommendations below.
BEST OVERALL
Gonicc Nail Clipper and Trimmer
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Easy to hold
Value for money
Comes in 3 sizes
Used by professionals
Trims the nails in one cut
But…
Some people do not like the curved end of the handle
Ergonomically designed, this pair of clippers features non-slip handles that are durable, lightweight, and comfortable at the same time. The blades are super sharp and are made from high-quality stainless steel. Furthermore, it comes with a nail file that’s conveniently concealed in the handle, allowing you to polish your pet’s nails to perfection.
Additionally, this pet nail trimmer also has a safety stop blade that reduces the risk of you trimming your dog’s nails too short. Plus, to protect the blades from getting rusty, they come coated in a special anti-rust oil.
BEST PROFESSIONAL
Candure Dog Nail Clippers
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Can be used on different types of pets
Prevents over-cutting
Non-slip handles
Comes with a safety lock
Blades are ultra-sharp
But…
Blades get dull after a while
The Candure Dog Nail Clippers are professionally designed and are a powerful and easy-to-use pet manicure tool. You can quickly and easily trim your pet’s thick nails at home, after which you can use the file that comes with it to polish down any rough edges. The design also has a security guard that prevents the user from cutting their pooch’s nails too deeply — you don’t have to worry about hurting your four-legged friend.
Moreover, it features a special spring that doesn’t require you to exert a lot of pressure — we would say that it’s one of the best dog nail clippers for thick nails. It’s also made with stainless steel that’s meant to last you a very long time.
BEST CLIPPER SET
Brethell Dog Nail Clipper
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Razor sharp blades
Non-slip handles
Comes with 3 different clipper styles
Suitable for all dog breeds
Safety lock to prevent children from getting injured
But…
Low durability
This professional-grade nail clipper set is designed to make the process of trimming your dog’s nails into one that’s super easy. The tools are made with thick stainless steel blades, which allow you to cut into thick nails without too much effort. Additionally, the handles are sturdy and have a soft rubber coating, making them incredibly comfortable and easy to hold.
If you’re worried about cutting your four-legged companion’s nails too short, you don’t have to anymore — the adjustable safety blade will prevent this from happening. The best part is that it comes with a storage case — you won’t lose any components from the kit, and you can carry it with you wherever you go.
BEST GRINDER KIT
YABIFE Dog Nail Grinder
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Nail grinder is rechargeable
LED lights on the grinder enhance visibility
Clippers have non-slip handles
Value for money
Highly rated by customers
But…
Some individuals prefer a more robust build
This kit from YABIFE comes with a professional dog nail clipper and grinder, both of which can easily be used at home by a beginner. The nail grinder has 3 ports and speed settings, which make it easy to grind through thick and hard nails. Plus, the working sound is less than 49 decibels, so you can rest assured that it will not startle your pet.
The nail clipper, on the other hand, has razor-sharp blades and an ergonomic handle — cutting your pet’s nails will be a breeze. What’s so great about this kit is that it can be used on small, medium, and large dogs.
BEST NAIL CLIPPERS WITH FILE
Dudi Dog Nail Trimmers With Nail File
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in 3 sizes and 4 colors
Made with durable stainless steel
Sharp, curved blades
Can be used on cats and dogs
No risk of the nails splintering
But…
Hard to open when the safety lock is on
Recommended by professional groomers and trainers, the Dudi Trimmer is the best dog nail clipper with a quick sensor — it’s powerful, ergonomically designed, and easy to use. The large and medium variants come with a safety stop blade that prevents the user from cutting the nails too short and injuring their pet. Also, when the clippers aren’t in use, there’s a safety lock feature that lets you keep them locked so that curious kids don’t get hurt if they stumble upon the tool.
Additionally, the build is sturdy, and the handles have a curvy, non-slip grip that makes them comfortable to hold. It also comes with a file so that you can polish up any rough edges to prevent your pet from hurting you or themselves.
BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
Perperqer Dog Nail Clippers
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Can be used on all dog sizes
Recommended by professionals
Ergonomic design
Travel-friendly
Stable spring rebound force
But…
Nail file doesn’t seem very durable
The strong stainless steel and sharp edges on this pair of clippers offer precise cutting — you can easily trim your pet’s nails without the risk of chipping. The wavy handle is designed perfectly to fit the human hand shape, and the upgraded non-slip silicone material will help you get a good grip on it. Additionally, the safety guard helps prevent excessive trimming while also ensuring that the nails do not get tossed around while being cut.
Since it comes with a sliding safety lock, it’s safe to be carried anywhere — it won’t cause accidental scratches and cuts. Plus, the included nail file can help you smooth down any rough edges on your dog’s toenails so that they are less likely to hurt themselves.
BEST FOR GROOMERS
Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clippers
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Easy to use
Good grip
Enhanced maneuverability
Made in the USA
Comes in 3 different sizes
But…
Blades get dull and need to be replaced from time to time
As the inventor of the guillotine-style nail trimmer in 1937, this brand has manufactured these clippers in the USA ever since. The trimmer features a patented blade replacement technology that allows you to replace the blades at a much cheaper cost than purchasing a new trimmer. In addition, the high-quality grips and premium powder coat offer comfort, performance, and style at the same time.
This pet grooming product is recommended by veterinarians, vet techs, and groomers across the globe. Plus, it’s made to last — Resco offers a lifetime warranty on the product.
BEST VET-RECOMMENDED
Tpotato Dog Nail Clippers
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Good for large breeds
Professional build
Recommended by vets and groomers
Incredibly safe
Easy to use
But…
Guard doesn’t stay in place
If you’re worried about fraying, splitting, or chipping your pet’s nails while trimming them, then this pair of nail clippers from Tpotato is just what you need! It features thick 3.5mm blades made from high-grade stainless steel that effortlessly cut through the nails, leaving behind a clean cut. Plus, it has an ergonomic design — the handles have a slip-resistant silicone grip that makes it easy to hold.
Moreover, with a safety feature that prevents over-trimming and a one-click slide lock that ensures the blades are closed when not in use, you can rest assured that both your family and pet will remain safe. The included nail file allows you to add the final touch, leaving your pet with perfect and polished nails.
BEST ILLUMINATED
Peticare Deluxe The Illuminated Nail Clipper
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes with an extra blade
Can be used on cats, too
Sturdy build
Incredibly safe
Easy to replace the battery and blade
But…
May not work well on very thick nails
Using this illuminated nail clipper is the safest and easiest way to trim your four-legged friend’s nails. The illumination helps you to effortlessly identify the quick, preventing you from cutting too far and hurting your precious pooch. Plus, it also offers 5x magnification, and the nail trappers help catch any clippings to make cleanup a breeze.
The blades are made from hardened steel, which quickly and easily cuts through the nails. The super comfortable grip ensures that the clippers are easy to hold, enhancing the overall experience.
How We Chose the Best Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmers
Our experts at DogTime have curated this list of the best dog nail clippers and trimmers, taking into account factors such as size, blade material, sharpness, style, ergonomic handles, ease of use, and safety. They also consulted with veterinarians and groomers to gain better insight into the top-performing products. When you choose from one of our recommendations, you can rest assured that your pet is getting the very best.
FAQ
Which dog nail clippers are best?
This depends on the size of your dog and the thickness of their nails. Guillotine-style clippers are the best for smaller dogs, and for larger breeds, scissor-style clippers work better.
What brand of dog nail clippers do vets use?
Brands like Millers Forge and Resco are often preferred by veterinarians since they are durable, sharp, and deliver professional results.
What do vets use to cut dog nails?
They use nail clippers that are specifically designed for dogs, such as scissor-style or guillotine-style clippers. They also use a nail file or grinder to provide better results.
Is it better to cut or grind dog nails?
There are various factors that determine which one is better for your pet — you need to consider which one your dog prefers while also keeping in mind the condition of their nails. Grinding offers more precise results; however, the noise that grinders make may upset your pet and make them anxious. Clippers, on the other hand, can be quicker, but it requires more precision.
Can I use human nail clippers on my dog?
We wouldn’t recommend that you do this since human nail clippers aren’t designed with dogs in mind — they can be unsafe and may not be able to cut through thick nails.
How do you cut black dog nails?
When you’re cutting a black dog’s nails, use a bright light to help you identify the quick. Also, instead of going fully in, trim the nails in smaller sections to be on the safe side.
What clippers do most dog groomers use?
Groomers usually use professional-grade clippers from brands such as Resco or Millers Forge.
Are nail clippers good for dogs?
Yes, nail clippers that are specifically designed for dogs are safe and effective — they help keep your pet’s nails at a healthy length, reducing the risk of discomfort and injury.
