Best Dog Nail Trimmers

Trimming your dog’s nails is an essential component of being a responsible dog owner. If your dog’s nails become overgrown, they can cause discomfort. This discomfort can lead to irritability, less mobility, and potential unhealthy weight gain. Despite it being a somewhat uncomfortable task for owners and dogs alike, nevertheless, it is a necessary one. But what is the best way to trim your dog’s nails? The ever-expanding pet care market has a plethora of options for owners to sift through. I’m here to make your job a little easier by providing you with a comprehensive list of some of the best dog nail trimmers, clippers, and electric grinders available today.

If you’ve had trouble getting your dog to sit still with trimmers before, it might be time to try an electric grinder. Instead of cutting through your dog’s excess nails, grinders use motorized sanders to shorten nails. Either way, let this list be your guide to simpler dog nail care and a happier, healthier relationship with your canine companion.

 

Best Dog Nail Trimmers to Consider

Dog nail care can be a daunting prospect for owners – particularly new owners. There are a few different ways to get the job done, and each method presents upsides and downsides. Firstly, you’ll want to decide whether you want to go with traditional nail clippers or an electric grinder. If you’ve ever trimmed your dog’s nails before, chances are you used a pair of clippers not unlike the ones you use to cut your own nails. These handheld devices utilize pressure and sharp blades to carefully trim your pooch’s excess nails. Grinders, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated in presentation. These electronic devices feature motorized sanding apparatuses that grind your dog’s nails to a suitable length.

The upside to nail clippers is that they’re more affordable, quieter, and oftentimes quicker. However, some dogs get anxious and shift around while you’re attempting to use the clippers, which can sometimes lead to imprecise cuts. On the flip side, grinders are a bit louder, but they require less hand motion. This can make the process a bit more fluid and therefore less anxiety-inducing for your pet. If you have an anxious pet, the nail-trimming process might be a bit tricky no matter which method you attempt. Ultimately, you should try to put yourself in your pet’s shoes, think about their likes and dislikes, and make your decision based on those parameters.

Dog Nail Clippers w/ Filer

These are the type of no-nonsense clippers that can get the job done. Even without an electric grinding motor or complicated accessorizing, Gonicc’s dog nail clippers are a simple option that makes sense for owners looking for a reliable nail care solution. What’s more, these clippers feature non-slip ergonomic handles that will help you keep a firm grip while maintaining your precious pup’s nails. And the added nail filer Gonicc includes with your purchase is just the icing on the cake.

Pros:

• The nail filer conveniently stores in the handle
• Safety stop blade
• Coated with anti-rust oil
• Child lock

Cons:

• You need to apply quite a bit of pressure to the clippers to cut properly

Dog Nail Clippers w/ Nail Filer

If you’re looking for a pair of dog nail trimmers that can get the job done without spending an arm and a leg, this option from Tpotato might be the ideal choice for you. These clippers might lack some of the bells and whistles present on more expensive models, but they’re reliable, sturdy, and highly affordable. What’s more, Tpotato includes a high-quality nail filer with your purchase. The spring-loaded handles are easy to operate and feature ergonomic grips for comfortable handling.

Pros:

• Built-in safety guard
• Considerably more affordable than many comparable products
• Workable for dogs (and even cats) of all shapes and sizes

Cons:

• The safety guard might be a little less precise than the ones on higher-end models

Electric Rechargeable Nail Grinder

If you can’t seem to get your dog to sit still while using nail clippers, it might be time to switch over to an electric grinder. And this grinder from Casfuy is one of the best I’ve come across on the market. With two speed modes and three unique grinding ports, you’re certain to stumble upon a setting that works for you and your dog. If you’re worried about the motor noise making your pet anxious, have no fear – because Cafuy’s grinder operates at a considerably quieter level than many of its competitors. Plus, it comes with a charging cable and can recharge to a full battery in no time.

Pros:

• The three grinding ports can accommodate small, mid-sized, and large dogs
• Highly portable design, easy to store
• The battery lasts for two or three hours of continuous usage

Cons:

• The battery may begin to hold less of a charge over time
• If your dog has hard, thick nails you might need to use the grinder for long sessions to achieve your desired length

Dog Nail Trimmer Set

It’s no secret that dogs hate getting their nails trimmed. It can be a traumatic process for our furry little friends, so as responsible owners, it’s important to try out a few different trimming tools to find the method that causes them the least amount of stress. Thankfully, this nail trimmer set comes jam-packed with three different types of nail clippers you and your dog can try out. Each one has a unique handle shape and design that could potentially make the ordeal less dreaded for your canine companion. What’s more, Bretheil’s multi-pack features an added nail filer for further nail maintenance.

Pros:

• Carrying case included
• Easily adjustable safety guard included on each pair of clippers
• Anti-rust oil applied in factory to extend lifespan of the multi-pack

Cons:

• The handles could be a bit more comfortable and ergonomic
• There isn’t that much variation between each pair of clippers aside from the differences in the handle design

Nail Trimmers/Nail Grinder Combo Pack

If you’re the type of person who has a hard time choosing between a rock and a hard place, this hyper-convenient combo pack is the ideal choice for you. In the doggie nail care game, there are two main options: trimmers and grinders, leaving owners to choose between the two. Thankfully, this unique combo kit from Yabife puts both of them into one convenient package. The grinder comes with a charging cable and two diamond drum bits that you can use for replacements. One of the things I love most about this grinder is the nifty LED power display that gives you information on the device’s battery life. Plus, the clippers are sturdy, easy to handle, and comfortable to grip.

Pros:

• Three-speed grinder
• Each grinder bit has a different roughness level, allowing you to cater the process to fit your dog’s needs
• Low vibration and quiet
• Three grinding ports to accommodate dogs of all sizes

Cons:

• The clippers aren’t the best on the market but they can certainly get the job done

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get clippers or an electric grinder?

This is a tough call for all owners, but it’s particularly tricky for new owners. If you’ve never tried to clip your dog’s nails, there’s no way to truly know how it will react to either option. In my opinion, your best bet is to start off with a pair of clippers. This is mostly because clippers are generally less expensive than grinders. If you’re unsure if your dog will react positively to either one, it’s probably most prudent to start off with the one that will cost you less money. However, if you have the money to spend, it can never hurt to buy one of both, or even a combo kit that includes both options. That way you can kill two birds with one stone and try both to see which one your dog prefers.

When will I know my dog needs a nail trim?

Generally, veterinarians recommend trimming your dog’s nails every month or so. This helps to ensure your dog feels comfortable and mobile while going about the day. But all dogs require different care. If you notice your dog’s nails grow rather slowly, maybe you’ll only need to trim them once in a blue moon. If you notice them becoming overgrown two weeks after a trim, you might need to maintain them more frequently.

About the Author

With extensive experience as a professional dog handler, Nick wants to help owners choose the best possible products for their pooches. Since dogs show their humans such unconditional love, Nick believes it's only fair that we give it right back to them -- and who wouldn't want to? He has had dogs since elementary school himself, so you can trust him to have the best advice on canine care.

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