The Best Nail Clippers for Dogs

You’re missing out if you don’t have the best dog nail clippers in your grooming kit. Instead of going to a groomer, you can quickly and easily trim your pet’s nails at home with these cute tools. This guide has all the information necessary to purchase the ideal shoes for your dog. They should be in every dog grooming kit.

Clipping your dog’s nails can be tricky, but you’ll never return once you’ve learned how to do it. It might be nice to take your dog to a salon every once in a while, but it can get expensive if you do it often. Clipping your dog’s nails will save you money and help you build a stronger relationship with your furry friend.

Checking on your dog’s health is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. It includes looking at their nails to ensure they have not grown too long. While dogs’ nails naturally wear down as they walk and run on hard surfaces. Some dogs may need help clipping their nails every three weeks, especially if they are seniors or spend most of their time indoors.

When choosing a dog nail clipper, there are a few things you need to consider. You must decide first if you want cutters that look like pliers or a guillotine. We recommend the plier-style clipper because it has a safety stop that prevents you from cutting your dog’s nails too short. The only downside is that they might not be suitable for toy breeds or small dogs, where the guillotine-style clipper can come in handy.

Guillotine-style clippers are smaller than plier-style clippers, making them perfect for cutting tiny nails. However, they don’t have a safety stop, so be careful not to cut too far into the quick when using them. Our guide on using guillotine-style clippers will show you how to trim nails with these clippers safely.

You might want to try a pet nail grinder on an anxious or nervous dog. These are quiet and gentle, so they can help you trim your dog’s nails slowly. Most dogs tolerate nail grinders well. Look for clippers or grinders with easy designs on the hands – remember, you will be holding these for a long time, so you want them to be comfortable.

We’ve covered you if you’re looking for the best dog nail clippers. We’ve picked our favorite models, including a great set with all the supplies you need to give your pup a professional pedicure at home.

8 Best Dog Nail Clippers

1. BOSHEL Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer with Quick Safety Guard


If you want to find the best nail clipper, check out this one from Boshel. It’s professional-grade, and groomers, animal trainers, and vets all recommend it. It’s easy to use because it’s made to fit your body and has handles that are easy to hold.

Because the stainless steel blades are 3.5 mm thick, it only takes one cut to trim each nail cleanly. Suppose you or your dog are prone to sweating bullets every groom time for fear of injury. In that case, you’ll love the integrated safety stop, making it almost impossible to cut too deep.

It’s great that this clipper has a safe storage switch. You can lock the blade away when you’re not using the clipper. If you have young children at home, this is a great feature. You also get a nail file as a bonus, which is easy to store in the handle. It’s a great addition if you want to give your dog the full salon experience and shape their nails after you’ve trimmed them.

It is the best nail clipper for people with medium or large dogs. It has over 21,000 reviews on Amazon, most of which are good. Small dogs can’t use it because it’s too big for them.

Pros

  • Recommended by professionals
  • A clean cut every time
  • Safety stop

Cons

  • It can be difficult to use on small dogs.

2. Safari Professional Stainless-Steel Nail Trimmer


Do you find getting your dog’s nails clipped to the vet expensive? If so, you should consider getting a nail clipper like this one from Safari. It is designed to replicate the experience of getting your dog’s nails clipped without spending as much money.

These come in two distinct sizes, so they should suit any breed. These are sharp and provide a clean cut, making them durable and likely to stay in your home for many years.

Furthermore, they are very lightweight, with the rubberized grip adding comfort and control. Additionally, a locking mechanism and safety stop reduce the risk of injury.

The only bad feature of the product is that it doesn’t always work well on thicker nails. You will need to apply a lot of pressure to cut them in one go, which some dogs may not like. However, this offers excellent value for money.

Pros

  • Ergonomic handles with rubberized grips
  • Available in two sizes
  • Locking mechanism for safe storage

Cons

  • Thick nails may require significant force.

3. Shiny Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals


These nail clippers are made for small dogs and cats in particular. They are shaped like scissors and have a rubber grip to help you hold them. It will stop them from slipping out of your hands.

The stainless steel blades have a half-circle shape that lets you make clean, precise cuts. The windowed opening also means you can always see your dog’s nails. It is helpful because it reduces the risk of injury.

If you’ve never cut your dog’s nails before, you’ll love that you get a free e-book that shows you how to do it safely. You can get the e-book by using your smartphone to scan the QR code on the back of the package. That’s great peace of mind!

Suppose you’re looking for a top-quality pair of hair clippers. In that case, the lifetime money-back guarantee is something to consider. If you’re unhappy with the clippers, you can send them back for a full refund – no questions asked.

The only downside to this affordable nail clipper is that it’s not spring-loaded. It means you will have to use more effort when cutting nails. Some people also say the clippers are stiff when they are new. But these clippers have many good things, so you should try them!

Pros

  • Money-back guarantee
  • Free e-book
  • User-friendly design

Cons

  • It can be stiff when first used.

4. Epica Professional Pet Nail Clippers


More than 10,000 people have given this product a positive review on Amazon. It shows that a lot of pet parents like this nail clipper. The blades are spaced correctly for medium and large dogs, and the sharp stainless steel blades make it easy to clip nails.

These clippers are durable and will not rust. They have an ergonomic design which means the handles fit your fingers comfortably. You do not need to hold them tightly to control them. You must grasp them lightly and apply normal pressure to the clipper to cut your dog’s nails.

The safety feature on these clippers ensures the blades are locked away when you’re not using them. This way, you don’t have to worry about cutting yourself. A nail guard can protect your fingers from getting cut, but some say it doesn’t stay put.

The Epica Professional Pet Nail Clippers are designed thoughtfully to meet the needs of larger breeds of animals. It is why they are the best in this category.

Pros

  • Automatic lock
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Precise and sharp blades

Cons

  • Nail guard doesn’t always stay put.

5. GHG Dog Nail Grinder


If you don’t want to use manual dog nail trimmers, you might want to try this powerful and effective nail grinder. This one from GHG is affordable and comes with free clippers!

The LED light under the grinder makes it easy to see what you’re doing. It helps reduce the risk of over-cutting your nails. The grinder is also comfortable and quiet. It has a high-quality motor that runs at under 40dB. It makes it ideal for pets who don’t like loud noises. The grinder has three different speeds and three grinding ports to choose the best setting for your pet’s nails.

You can change the grinder with the USB cable that comes with it. You can use any computer, power bank, or adaptor. The grinder also lasts for up to 10 hours before it needs to be recharged.

Pros

  • It comes with free clippers
  • LED lighting for visibility
  • Three speeds and three grinding ports

Cons

  • Charging cable but no power adaptor

6. Resco Nail Clippers


If you don’t like using plier-style nail clippers, you might want to try a guillotine-style one. They are made from high-quality steel and come with a lifetime guarantee. They are also chrome plated, which makes them look more excellent than other types of clippers.

This trimmer has patented blade replacement technology, which means you can replace the blades when they get dull. The edges are also sharp so that they will cut through nails easily. A micro-honed cutting method eliminates the risk of your nails splitting or becoming harsh.

A guillotine-style nail clipper is better than others because it makes a cleaner cut with less force. However, it does not have a quick-guard safety feature, so you must not clip too far down the nail.

Veterinarians and groomers highly recommend these clippers. These clippers are a good investment if you feel comfortable working without a safety stop.

Pros

  • Replaceable blades
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Sharp blade for a smooth cut

Cons

  • No quick-guard safety feature

7. Zen Clipper Precise Safer Pet Nail Trimmer


The Zen Clipper can be adjusted to fit the nails of any breed of dog. The unique, adjustable blade limits how many nails are clipped at a time and reduces the risk of cutting your pet’s sensitive quickly.

The nail clipper has two different sizes, wide and narrow. With the thumb wheel, you can change the size of the blade to fit your needs. The widest setting is 11m, and the thinnest setting is 2mm.

Even thick nails can’t stop the blade from cutting through them. The laser-etched markings make sure that the measurements are accurate. We also like how the design makes it easy to hold and is excellent for people with arthritis. As a result, you and your canine companion will have a stress-free nail clipping experience.

Pros

  • Fully adjustable to suit all breeds
  • Sharp blade
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • No safety stop

8. HONEST Dog Nail Clipper with Grinder and File


JBONEST offers a great set of nail clippers, a nail grinder, and a nail file to care for your dog’s grooming needs. The set is affordable, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for all the tools you need to give your pup a great pedicure.

The nail clippers look like pliers and have a safety stop, so you don’t cut off too much. They are made in a way that makes them easy to hold for a long time, and the handle is easy to grip. These clippers can be used on smaller breeds, but they are best suited for medium and large-sized dogs.

We suggest you start with the nail clippers, then use the nail grinder and file to smooth any rough edges. The head of the nail grinder is made of diamond, so that it will last a long time. It is also powerful and quiet, coming in at under 40 dB.

Pros

  • It comes with a nail grinder and nail file
  • Easy to grip
  • Ideal for medium and large dogs

Cons

  • Not suitable for small dogs or toy breeds

How to Pick the Best Nail Clippers for Your Dog

Dog nails should be cut if you hear them clicking on the floor before seeing them. There are many nail clippers, so we have put together some tips to help you choose the right one for your dog.

Size

The first consideration should be your dog’s size. It is essential because if you have a small dog, you don’t want to use clippers designed for a large dog. If you have a large dog, you don’t want to use clippers designed for a small dog. You also need to choose a clipper that is comfortable for you to hold.

Style

Second, consider the type of nail clipper you want to purchase. Scissors, also known as pliers, are popular and simple to use. Compress the handles together to trim the nail’s tip. These typically include a safety stop so you don’t cut too far down and the nail is still visible, giving great assurance if you’re a novice groomer. For bigger breeds and dogs with thick nails, scissors are an excellent option.

Small and medium-sized dogs do well with clippers that look like guillotines. These clippers have a hole where you can cut the nail off. The fix is smaller than the nail, so it is harder to cut too much of the nail. When using these clippers, take care not to harm your dog.

Longevity

Spending more on high-quality dog nail clippers may be worthwhile, as less expensive ones tend to dull more rapidly. Some dog nail clippers cannot be sharpened and will need to be replaced over time, which can add to the expense.

Nail Grinder vs. Clipper

Nail grinders are tools that file down your dog’s nails instead of clipping them. It is a safer option because it is a slow process and less likely to cause injury. It can be more time-consuming than clipping the nail, but it is an excellent option for dogs with thick nails or those who don’t like the feeling of clippers.

Trimming your dog’s nails can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right nail clippers and taking some safety precautions, you can give your dog healthy paws in just a few quick snips.

The Best Dog Nail Clippers

Trimming your dog’s nails can be tough, but it’s essential to do it often. You can take your dog to a pet groomer, but that might not be ideal for everyone. Not all pet groomers are the same – some can be harsh and forceful with dogs, making the experience scary for you and your pup. It’s essential to find a pet groomer who is gentle and understanding.

Most dog parents have chosen to take on this specific yet simple task. However, let’s face it—we’re not experts either.

Using the ideal dog nail clipper is the only method to achieve this reliably and safely. It seems more complicated than most of us anticipate. It all looks the same to an untrained eye.

Here are the seven best nail clippers for dogs.

7 Best Nail Clippers For Dogs

1. Millers Forge Nail Clipper


The Millers Forge Nail Clippers are a simple and affordable option for occasional touch-ups at home. These clippers are made of stainless steel and have plastic grips. A spring-loaded cutting mechanism opens the blade after each cut. Additionally, the clippers have a safety lock that keeps them locked and secure when not in use.

These nail clippers come in two sizes, medium and large. They should work for most breeds, but they might not be the best choice for very small or giant dogs. The nail clippers are made from heat-treated stainless steel, which is meant to last a long time.

Pros

  • Durable and sharp blades
  • Easy to grip
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No quick stop or sensor

2. Dremel 7760 PawControl Pet Nail Grinding Kit


Many professionals advise utilizing a dog nail grinder if you are starting with dog nail trimming. It is a tool that is easier to control than traditional clippers. Because it is compact, cordless, and adaptable, the Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder is an attractive option for grooming your dog’s nails.

This nail grinder has nine attachments, including sanding bands and discs. It also includes a removable cap that helps you file your dog’s nails at the right angle. On average, you may use the grinder for three hours per charge of its 4-volt battery, which is recharged using a USB cord.

Pros

  • Lightweight and cordless
  • Long battery life
  • Keeps nail at the proper angle
  • Includes several grinding attachments

Cons

  • Fairly expensive
  • No case for storage

3. Epica Best Professional Pet Nail Clipper


If your dog breed is enormous, like a Great Dane or Mastiff, you will need a strong pair of clippers that can cut through even the thickest dog nails. Our tester utilized the Epica Best Professional Pet Nail Clippers without issues on her 100-pound Anatolian Shepherd. They are huge and have solid stainless steel blades that can cut through even the thickest dog nails.

These clippers include non-slip handles, and a spring-action system keeps them open. The high-grade stainless steel blades resist dulling. There is even a safety edge that can prevent over-cutting. Remember that these clippers are pretty large, so they might be bulky to handle if you have small hands.

Pros

  • Durable and sharp blades
  • Easy to grip
  • Affordable
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • You can’t only rely on safety stop alone to avoid cutting the quick
  • It May be bulky for users with small hands

4. Bell + Howell PawPerfect Pet Nail Rotating File


Do you have a hard time trimming your dog’s nails? The Bell + Howell Paw Perfect Rotating File can help. This grinder has several unique features that make it easy to trim your dog’s nails and operate quickly so your dog won’t be stressed.

This grinder features slots for small, medium, and large dog nails and high and low speeds. It also includes a lid. When grinding your dog’s nails, it is easier to get the right angle. Additionally, it has an automated LED guide light that helps you see what you’re doing. The tool has three replacement rollers—two fine grits and one ultra-fine grit—and a textured, non-slip grip. The grinder uses three AA batteries.

Pros

  • Two-speed settings
  • Cap keeps nail at the proper angle and protects skin
  • Includes replacement rollers
  • Built-in LED light

Cons

  • No rechargeable battery
  • Some pets dislike the sound

5. GoPets Nail Clippers


If you mistakenly trim your dog’s nails too short, it might hurt them. Clippers with a safety guard, such as the GoPets Nail Clippers, are popular among users. These clippers have a metal plate that stops your dog’s nail below the blades, ensuring you cut off little chunks at once. It will help you avoid cutting into the quick and keep the process pain-free for your pup.

These clippers come in two sizes, and they are made with durable stainless steel that gives a fast and clean cut. They have ergonomic, non-slip handles that provide you with a good grip. They even include a handy nail file that fits neatly into the handle to smooth any rough edges swiftly.

Pros

  • Can use on small or large pets
  • Durable and sharp blades
  • Easy to grip
  • Includes nail file

Cons

  • Pricier than competition

6. Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder


It may be challenging to tell where to cut if your dog has dark nails. The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder has a light that will help you see quickly. It also has a diamond grinding wheel, which is quiet, so your dog won’t be stressed. It also has two different speeds.

This grinder can be used to trim both small and medium dog nails, as well as larger nails, with the removal of the cap. The device is charged through a USB cable, and it usually lasts around three hours before needing a recharge.

Pros

  • Integrated LED light
  • diamond grinding wheel that is sturdy
  • There are ports for small, medium, and large dog nails on the cap.
  • Two-speed settings

Cons

  • Can snag fur without a cap

7. Urpower Rechargeable Pet Nail Grinder


The URPower is an excellent option for dogs scared of getting their nails cut. It uses oscillating emery boards to grind the nails instead of cutting them gently. It makes it much quieter than a Dremel, which can sound like a jackhammer. Our boy stayed calm during use, which means there is less chance of him getting scared and jerking his paw away – which often leads to accidents.

That said, we recommend this product mainly for small, tender-nailed dogs. It can also refine or file the nail’s edge after cutting with a more efficient tool. However, the URPower was no match for our dog’s quadrant of impressive, solid claws.

Pros

  • Great for small or skittish dogs
  • Trims without blades
  • Not too loud

Cons

  • Not effective on more rigid nails

Which Clipper Style Is Best for My Dog?

Selecting the right size clipper when clipping your dog’s nails is essential. Small clippers cannot handle the thickness of a large dog’s nails, while a large clipper may be too big and clumsy for small or medium-sized dogs.

There are both small and large classic scissors. They usually have quick guards, but if your pet moves their paw when cutting their nails, you might accidentally cut too much of the nail.

A grinder and a guillotine are two ways to shorten and buff your pet’s nails. The grinder is a gentler option that may take time for your pet to get used to the sound. The guillotine is more effective on small dogs or cats, but some animals may not be comfortable with the pressure.

How Do I Use Nail Clippers?

There are right and wrong ways to clip your dog. If you use it the wrong way, you might damage your dog. You should read and follow all the instructions in your model’s manual. You can also consult a professional first to ensure you use best practices. The general process is:

For All Clippers:

Help the dog get into a comfortable position where you can easily clip its nails without it moving. It is best to have two people trim your pet’s nails if possible. One person will cut the nails while the other distracts the dog and keeps it still.

Locate the quick of your dog’s nail. It is much easier to see on white nails than on black ones. It’s a bundle of nerves and vessels that will bleed and cause discomfort if you nick it, so keep it out of reach at all costs. Although many clippers have quick-stop guards, it’s best to just cut small segments of a nail at once to prevent cutting too far. You should trim the nail to within approximately 2 millimeters of the quick if you nip off the fast. If you prick the prompt and it bleeds, apply styptic powder immediately to stop the bleeding.

Remember to trim your dog’s dew claws if they have them. Dew claws are the fifth long nails on the paws, attached by loose skin. You should also trim the nails on all four paws, but know that the nails on the front are generally longer (and require more cutting) than those in the back.

Scissors:

To clip your dog’s nails, you will need a pair of scissors. Make sure to hold the paw firmly and not uncomfortably twist the body. Cut the nails at a right angle and ensure not to cut into the quick, which is the pink part of the nail.

Grinders:

Since these are difficult to use incorrectly, the most critical step is to get your dog used to the sound and sensation first. With the power off, lightly touch the tool to their nails. Then turn the power on and give their paws a massage (with your hands, instead of the tool). The aim is to get them to equate

Guillotine:

Place the claws inside the stationary ring, holding the clipper perpendicular to the nail. If you have it parallel, the nail may shatter or splinter. Face the cutting blade towards you, not the dog, which will help keep it from slicing too far towards the quick. Squeeze the trimmer handle to extract the blade.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Nail Clippers for Dogs

Is It Better To Cut Or Grind Dog Nails?

While some canines respond favorably to clippers, others prefer grinders. Consider the following when deciding which option is best for your pet companion: Stump grinding. It is loud and more likely to scare a dog than the buzz of the clipper.

What Do Vets Use To Trim Dog’s Nails?

Dog claws are thicker and stronger than human nails, so that you will need specialist nail clippers. There are two types of clippers: bypass clippers and guillotine clippers. Vets generally prefer the bypass type.

What Is The Safest Way To Trim Dog Nails?

To clip your dog’s nails, avoid the quick and cut across the tip of the nail (the pink portion of the nail containing blood vessels). Don’t cut too close to the quick; you may nick it and cause pain and bleeding.

How Often Should Dog Nails Be Clipped?

It is important to clip your dog’s nails regularly, about every three to four weeks. If you wait too long between trimmings, your dog can develop health problems.

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