The Best Dog Nail Grinders
Man's best friend deserves the best care, and that starts with grooming. Standard clippers can pinch your furry friend's nerves, but nail grinders are more gentle and file down nails gradually, reducing the risk of pain. Grooming should be a time to bond with your dog, and these grinders make that possible. Protect your dog (and your furniture) by choosing the best nail grinders for your needs. Below are some of the best available.
Casfuy Upgraded Dog Nail Grinder
Designed with dogs in mind
It’s clear that the folks at Casfuy know and love dogs because this nail grinder is designed to avoid everything that’s usually scary about nail-trimming day. It features three filing sizes and two speeds, so you can customize the grinder specifically for your dog. Plus, its diamond drum bit works super fast, so you can be done before your pup gets antsy. On top of that, it is very quiet, so it probably won’t freak out sensitive dogs like other grinders may. This cordless unit uses a micro-USB charger, and a fully charged battery gives plenty of power to get the job done.
Pros:
- Cordless and rechargeable
- Super quiet
- Ergonomic design works for left- and right-handed users
Cons:
- The grinder may be too small for very large breeds
GHG Dog Nail Grinder Set
Game, set, match
With variable speed settings and three grinding ports, this grinder from GHG offers at-home convenience to anyone looking to trim their pooch’s nails. This set includes a diamond bit grinder equipped with an LED light, a separate nail clipper, and a charging cable for the motorized unit. The motor itself is quiet enough to get the job done without frightening your dog, yet it’s powerful enough to do so efficiently. Whether you’re trimming the nails of a tiny dog or a Herculean pooch, the versatility this set provides will help you do it.
Pros:
- Motor runs quietly
- Good cost value
- Battery can last up to ten hours on a single charge
Cons
- Quality control is a bit spotty
Dremel 7300-PT
A smooth grind
This cordless version of the well-known Dremel tool is designed for you to work more easily with your dog. Because of its larger file size, this grinder is great for dogs with bigger feet or longer nails. Still, there are also gentler grit bands available, which work well for smaller breeds. When the bit surface starts to dull, you can replace it with the provided bands to ensure the grinding surface is always fresh. It comes with a charging stand equipped with a light to indicate when the grinder is fully charged.
Pros:
- Replaceable grinding bands
- Two grinding speeds
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The battery needs recharging after about one use
- The instruction manual isn’t the easiest to understand
Hertzko Electric Nail Grinder
Light the way
When you’re trimming your pooch’s nails, any blunder can result in serious pain for Buster. The inclusion of an LED light near the head of this grinder helps minimize any mishap on your part. By lighting up the nail as you’re about to grind it, this unit ensures that you can see exactly what you’re doing in real-time. With two speed levels, three port sizes, and a USB-rechargeable battery, this diamond bit grinder wins our nod of approval.
Pros
- Excellent for those with vision issues
- Quiet and easy to use
Cons:
- A bit costly
Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder
No strings attached
Designed by one of the most trusted brands in the game, this tool from Dremel easily secures a spot on our list. Aside from the fact that this kit is thoroughly comprehensive with its included accessories, we also love that the grinder itself is cordless. Trimming your pooch’s nails is hard enough as it is, but add a pesky wire to the mix and it’s a nightmare. Because the grinder is cordless, lightweight, and energy-efficient, you can bring it with you when you travel, too. The components in this set are well-made, and at this price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a higher-quality kit.
Pros:
- Has a nail guard attachment for enhanced safety
- High-quality components
- Battery indicator light tells you when the unit is done charging
Cons
- More powerful than other units, so exercise caution while using it
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get my dog used to a nail grinder?
Always remember: positive reinforcement is key. Start by showing your dog the inactive grinder, and reward her immediately. Continue to do this until your dog shows positive interest in the grinder. Then, with the grinder in sight but not in your hand, begin to gently handle your dog’s paws and toes, again while giving plenty of rewards. Be patient and take as many breaks as you need to so your dog does not become stressed or overwhelmed.
Once your dog is comfortable with paw-holding, briefly touch your dog’s foot with the inactive grinder, and reward immediately, even if they shy away. Continue touching and rewarding until your dog allows you to hold the grinder on their foot for a few seconds at a time. When you’re sure your dog is comfortable with this, repeat the process with the grinder turned on so that the dog can get used to the noise and vibration.
Wait a day, then repeat the full process. It may take a few sessions before your dog is comfortable enough to actually begin trimming. When you begin trimming, remember to reward your pooch generously throughout the process.
What safety precautions should I take when using a nail grinder?
If your dog has long fur between her toes, make sure it is trimmed or pushed out of the way. One way to do this without trimming the fur is by putting pantyhose over the paw and pushing the claws through the mesh.
While using the grinder, be sure to pull it away from the nail every five seconds or so. The friction of the grinder on the nail will generate heat, and you can burn your dog’s toes if you don’t take breaks. Lastly, be sure to thoroughly read the user’s manual for safety instructions before using a new nail grinder.
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