The Best Dog Nail Clippers

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is very important for their health and well-being. Long nails can lead to posture problems, difficulty walking, and accidental scratches. Fortunately, trimming your dog’s nails at home is easy if you have the right clippers. Nail clippers are much faster than nail grinders. And, because they’re silent, they’re a great option for grooming nervous dogs.

What To Look For

The best nail clippers have three features: sharp clipper edges that don’t wear down, a safety guard to prevent over-cutting, and comfortable handles that make them easy to hold and control. Our favorite pair was from Gonicc because they have high-quality stainless steel blades and ergonomic handles. If you have a small breed of dog, we’d recommend the clippers from Shiny Pet. The curved blades are smaller than those on other models, so you’re less likely to accidentally cut the nail too far up. Keep reading to see our full reviews of the best dog nail clippers on the market.

Gonicc Dog Nail Clippers

Quality meets affordable

Shape your dog's nails in no time with these sharp clippers.
Best Overall

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If you need durable and powerful nail clippers, look no further than this professional-grade pair. The razor-sharp blades cut through nails in one pass, and the safety guard prevents you from accidentally over-cutting a nail. The ergonomic handles are also spring-loaded, so you get a firm grip and controlled cut without exerting too much pressure.

Pros:

  • These clippers cut the nail cleanly, without any snags or splitting.
  • We liked the padded handles because the clippers are comfortable and easy to hold.

Cons:

  • The safety guard is designed for the length of a large dog’s nails, so it’s too far back for smaller breeds.

Boshel Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer

For the puppy pedicure

Create an at-home doggy spa with these professional-grade clippers.
Runner Up

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These clippers come equipped with top-of-the-line 3.5-mm thick stainless steel blades that will stay sharp through years of use. There’s a safety guard behind the clippers to ensure that you don’t hit the quick while you’re trimming your pup’s nails. Another great safety feature is the locking handle, which keeps the clippers in a closed position when they’re not in use.

Pros:

  • These worked great on different sizes of dogs, and cut through even very thick nails easily.
  • We appreciated the mini nail file that fits in the handle because you can smooth out any sharp edges.

Cons:

  • The large handles are comfortable to hold, but they are a bit bulky, which makes the clippers harder to store.

Dudi Dog Nail Clippers

Cut back on cost

These budget-friendly clippers don't skimp on features, and they even include a safety guard and a nail file.
Best Value

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If you’re looking for nail clippers that won’t break the bank, this inexpensive option can’t be beat. The sharp blades mean trimming goes fast, making the whole experience better for both you and your pooch. Each handle is ergonomically shaped and molded to fit with your hand, offering a superior grip.

Pros:

  • We liked how lightweight these clippers are because they’re comfortable to hold and easy to control.
  • The stainless steel blades are strong and durable.

Cons:

  • The opening between the blades is relatively small, so these clippers are best for small- and medium-sized breeds.

Shiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals

Tiny trimmings

Cut your small dog's nails safely with these downsized clippers.
Best For Small Paws

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If you have a toy breed or other miniature breed, most nail clippers will be too large. These clippers are the perfect solution because they’re adapted for small nails. The blades might be small, but they’re very sharp. This means that they clip each nail in one pass, without squeezing or causing it to split.

Pros:

  • The blades are slightly angled, which makes it easier to maneuver around each nail and cut it correctly.
  • We liked how lightweight and compact these clippers are because they’re a snap to store.

Cons:

  • The handles are only big enough for one finger in each, so these clippers may be a bit harder to hold than other models.

Allstar Innovations PetiCare Nail Trimmers with LED Light

Illuminate your work

See exactly what you're doing with these clippers that include four built-in LED lights.
Best Visibility

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These innovative clippers are equipped with LED lights, so you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re doing. The lights illuminate the nail before you cut it, so you can see where the quick is and avoid it. This helps trim nails to the right length and prevents you from accidentally cutting your pooch.

Pros:

  • We appreciated the nail trapper because it kept nail trimmings from falling while we worked.
  • We found that this even worked on dogs with black nails, which are usually the hardest to trim.

Cons:

  • These clippers are a bit pricer than other models.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clip my dog’s nails?

Ideally, you should trim your dog’s nails once every two weeks. This will depend on where your dog spends most of their time – if you take your dog out for frequent walks on asphalt or concrete, this will naturally wear down their nails and you won’t need to trim them as often. The more you trim their nails, the more the blood vessel will retreat and you’ll be able to cut them shorter.

What if my dog gets nervous while I cut their nails?

Comfort your dog by giving them lots of positive reinforcement, like treats or cuddles, before, during, and after their pedicure. If your dog is anxious, you might only be able to do one foot at a time. Keep each session short if necessary and give your dog a treat so they associate the nail clippers with a good experience.

About the Author

Growing up around big dogs, like Collies and Dobermans, Madeleine developed a big appreciation for the care that canines require. These days, she volunteers at a local shelter, where she walks dogs of all sizes. She hopes to share her expertise with dog owners new and old to help them give their canines the quality care they deserve.

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