Using a nail grinder is slower but safer, and doesn't require as much hand force. Generally speaking, you should cut your dog's nails every four to six weeks. Letting them grow too long can cause health problems, such as an extended leg and damage to the dog's tendons. Trimming and grinding are equally efficient and safe ways to cut your puppy's nails.
Clippers are cheaper and less noisy, while Dremels are louder and more expensive, but more accurate and efficient.
Dog nail clippers are great options for small and medium dogs, while nail
grinders are optimal for large breeds. But both are suitable for dogs of all sizes, so choose what you're most comfortable working with. You might even want to buy one of each to meet all of your future dog nail trimming needs, even when those needs change.In my opinion, a dog nail grinder is the best grooming tool for most non-professionals. Grinders are especially useful if the idea of trimming makes you nervous, since you don't need to be as precise and there's less chance of getting it right so quickly. Nail clippers cut the nail, while nail sharpeners file the nail to a shorter length. Some dogs prefer the feeling of grinding their nails to cutting them, and are less likely to cut quickly with a grinder.
On the other hand, some dogs don't like the loud sounds and vibrations of nail grinders. These tools also have a learning curve to be able to use them safely and comfortably. Smits recommends using whichever tool you're most comfortable with, which will make your dog feel most comfortable. Be careful because a dog's nails can get caught in these types of nail clippers and, if they come off, they can be damaged or their nail torn off.
As with almost everything related to the care and grooming of dogs, there are advantages and disadvantages to using nail clippers or nail grinders. The JW Pet Grip Soft Soft Deluxe medium sized pet nail clipper is a great choice for small dogs with small or fine nails. Owners who want to cut their dog's nails at home may struggle to decide exactly how they want to cut their dog's nails. Plier-type nail clippers can impart a significant amount of force, making them good for dogs with larger nails.
Guillotine nail clippers cut with less force than you need with plier clippers, but they're not as strong, so don't choose them for dogs with very large or very thick nails. To measure long-term durability, I continued to use the highest-rated nail clippers to trim my own dog's nails (the miniature poodle). Keeping a dog's nails trimmed is an important grooming step that shouldn't be overlooked, regardless of the dog's breed. We spoke with Edmond and veterinarian Melissa Smits, a partner at the Fort Morgan Veterinary Clinic in Colorado, about the most common questions about cutting a dog's nails.
If you're just starting to cut your dog's nails, a basic, inexpensive nail clipper is a good option. In some cases, you might want to consider using both. Even if you decide to use a dog nail clipper to cut your dog's nails, you can use a grinder to create a smoother finish. The sharp blade cuts your thick nails easily and smoothly, without breaking or chipping them.
Some nail clippers make a loud click that can frighten a nervous dog, but Bissell nail clippers are extremely quiet. Compared to the similarly priced Furminator nail clipper, the Millers Forge pet nail clipper is more comfortable to hold, quieter to use and easier to maneuver around each nail thanks to the size and thickness of the blades.
