Dog Nail Clippers
Dog Nail Trimming
All dogs need nail clippers or trimmers. It’s important to trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent long nails that can snag on something delicate and tear. In addition, nails can grow all the way around and end up embedded in your dog’s paw pads which is painful.
As such, trim your puppy’s nails about every other week to once a month to keep them short. Trimming your dog’s nails is very simple with the right tools!
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Types of nail clippers for dogs
There are many different types of nail clippers for dogs on the market with a variety of price tags attached! Care must also be taken to ensure that the dog nail clipper is specifically designed for dogs and not a human product – remember the blade in these products is extremely sharp so you do not want to be in danger of hurting your dog in this way.
If you have more than one dog at home you might want to consider buying guillotine dog nail clippers, so you can use them on dogs of different sizes. Guillotine-style nail clippers are more suited to larger breeds with thicker nails than smaller dogs. The guillotine clipper cuts from only one direction and has a replaceable blade.
Smaller dogs can suit a standard scissor-style nail clipper – usually, these are the ones that you see people using on their own fingernails! There are also specialized scissors for small breeds, which have curved blades and an ergonomic design to help keep you safe from your dog’s nails. Replacing nail scissors from time to time may be necessary as they cannot be sharpened effectively, but you can usually get several years of use.
How to use dog nail clippers
Nail trimming should be an easy experience. Here are some tips for using the dog nail clipper:
- A comfortable place with good lighting – somewhere that your dog feels happy and safe is ideal, as this will make the process a lot easier.
- If you have two people available to help with holding your dog still for nail clipping, it can be a big help! One person should hold their body still while the other clips the nails. However, if you are on your own this is not an option and you will need to find another way to keep your dog still.
- Suggest doing the trimming after a shower, the nails will be softer for easier clipping
- Hold the paw securely while trimming the nails.
- Quickly cut off the top of the nail with a single stroke.
- Confirm the correct place to clip, be careful of the blood vessel inside the nail.
- Do not cut off too much each time. Take care not to cut the ‘quick’ (the vein in the nail) itself, since this will be painful for the dog.
- A ‘quick’ cut will also bleed quite heavily and may lead to infection. Get ready some styptic powder just in case you need this which can be apply to the nail with pressure to stop bleeding if you accidentally nick the ‘quick’.
- Confirm the correct place to clip, be careful of the blood vessel inside the nail. Do not cut off too much each time. Take care not to cut the ‘quick’ (the vein in the nail) itself, since this will be painful for the dog. A ‘quick’ cut will also bleed quite heavily and may lead to infection. Get ready some styptic powder just in case you need this which can be apply to the nail with pressure to stop bleeding if you accidentally nick the ‘quick’.
- If the pet’s nails are very long, cut off a small amount and wait about a week to ten days before cutting again.
- Repeat every week or ten days until nails are at desired length.
- During the whole trimming process, you can give your dog a treat or massage to make them relax. Treats are a great reward for dogs who hate having their nails trimmed. If you’ve got treats ready to go before you begin the process, it makes life easier for both of you!
- After clipping the nail, use a nail file to smooth down any rough or sharp edges on your dog’s nails
For most dogs, monthly claw-trimming should be adequate, but this could be different and it will depend on the type of dog and its lifestyle.
Best Dog Nail Clippers
We have evaluated dozens of top-rated dog nail clippers that are used by veterinarians and groomers. Brands that we have reviewed here includes: ZEN CLIPPER, CHI, FURMINATOR, BOSHEL, GONICC, SAFARI, MILLERS FORGE, RESCO, EPICA, etc. If you want good recommendation on top quality dog nail clippers, do check out the following:
Highlights:
- This unique dog nail clipper features a micro-adjustment blade that can be changed depending on your dog nail size to prevent clipping the claws too short.
- Made with high-quality stainless steel, this dog nail trimmer is built to look beautiful and last for a long time.
- Designed for a clean cut, it will cut through even the thickest of nails. No more jagged, ragged, or cracked split nails.
- Offers excellent grip as the handles provide you with just the right amount of grip, space and leverage to prevent slipping and give a clean cut without the need to apply a lot of pressure, making nail trimming for dogs a breeze.
- Comfortable to use even for groomers with arthritis.
- Perfect for multi-pet families, since it can accommodate different nail sizes.
Highlights:
- These Guillotine Dog Nail Clippers allow you to trim your dog’s nails clean and with less pressure
- Resco invented the guillotine style nail clipper in 1937 and has proudly manufactured them in the USA ever since
- Patented blade replacement technology so you can easily replace the dull blade at a fraction of the cost of a new clipper
- Features a rubber handle that gives you a firm grip, even when the clippers are wet.
- Plus the heavy-duty, solid steel construction is guaranteed to last
- The powder-coated body ensures a smooth, stunning finish and added comfort
Highlights:
- CHI Standard Nail Clipper makes nail trimming for large dogs at home a snap
- These nail clippers are made of easy-to-clean aluminum and feature a safety guard to help prevent the snipping of blood vessels while cutting the nails
- Designed with ergonomic comfort grip and allow nails to be trimmed at a proper 45-degree angle
- These large clippers are designed for use with large and medium breeds that have thick, strong nails
- Easy to handle and the blades are super sharp – each nail trimmed with a single clip
Highlights:
- Safari Professional Dog Nail Clippers are made from the finest quality stainless steel for long-lasting sharp cutting edges
- Features a non-slip, comfortable grip and a double-bladed cutter with a tension spring that helps ensure a swift clean cut.
- Makes dog nail trimming less like a chore and allows you to maintain control when trimming your dog’s nails.
- Great for both dog parents and professional groomers and suits both left and right hand use
BOSHEL Dog Nail Clipper
Highlights:
- RECOMMENDED BY PROFESSIONALS: The Boshel pet nail clipper is an ergonomically designed Powerful and easy-to-use pet grooming tool, the nail trimmer is recommended by animal trainers, veterinarians, professional pet groomers and thousands of satisfied customers as the best pet nail clippers on amazon to use for medium and large dogs and cats.
- CLEAN CUTS EVERY TIME: The pet nail clippers are made out of high quality 3.5 mm thick stainless steel sharp blades, it is powerful enough to trim your dogs or cats nails with just one cut, it will stay sharp for years to come for stress-free, smooth, quick and sharp cuts.
- USER FRIENDLY DESIGN: The professional dog nail clipper is designed to keep you comfortable while grooming your pet at home, it features comfortable, easy grip, non-slip, ergonomic handles which stay safely in place in your hands to ensure ease of use and prevent accidental nicks and cuts.
- SAFETY STOP SERVES AS A QUICK SENSOR: The dog grooming clippers is safely Outfitted with a safety stop blade that greatly reduces the risk of cutting nails too short and injuring your dog by cutting in to the quick.
- Features an adjustable nail guide for you to select the safe cutting depth thus make the trimming process efficient, painless, and completely safe
- Equipped with super sharp, stainless steel cutting edge to ensure a clean, even cut without crushing the nail
- Non-slip, ergonomic, and easy-grip handles allow you to have complete control and feel secure when trimming
- This professional quality dog nail clipper makes nail trimming for your dog a breeze
Highlights:
- Give your pup that perfect manicured look with the Evolution Professional Dog Nail Clipper
- Made with the finest quality stainless steel, it makes for an easy trim every time, and you can feel confident knowing there’s a safety stop built in to help prevent nail injury
- An ergonomic, non-slip comfort grip handle makes for stress-free trimming
- Available in a size to best match your pup
ConairPRO Large Dog Nail Clippers
Highlights:
- Safely cut your pup’s nails with ConairPRO Dog Nail Clippers
- Featuring heavy-duty spring action & stainless steel blades these nail trimmers are great for medium to large breeds.
- COMFORT & CONFIDENCE: Featuring a soft, ergonomic non-slip grip for better control & less hand fatigue
- MADE TO LAST: Designed with high-quality materials for durability and performance
Gonicc Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmers
Highlights:
- Ergonomically designed non-slip handles are strong, lightweight,and comfortable.
- Sharp blades are made of high quality stainless. Unlock protection prevent children from using it.
- Free Hidden Nail File conveniently stored in handle will allow you to polish sharp nails to perfection.
- Safety stop blade greatly reduces the risk of cutting nails too short.
Millers Forge Doggy Man Large Dog Nail Clipper
Highlights:
- These large dog nail clippers are specially designed for use on large breeds
- Comfortable grips and a spring-loaded mechanism for more positive cutting action
- Lightweight clippers feature heavy-duty stainless steel blades and injection-molded handles to reduce hand fatigue
- It is the famous Doggy Man clippers, with the distinctive white with blue stripe design for large dogs
- Measures 7-inch length
Epica Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper
Highlights:
- TRIM YOUR DOG NAILS SAFELY: It’s easy to make a precise, safe cut with these semi-circular blades. Your pet’s nail rests in the semi-circle – you see precisely where you’re cutting – no more guessing.
- A GENTLE SQUEEZE IS ALL IT TAKES: Epica’s high-grade stainless steel holds its sharp edge and won’t dull – so clipping nails is effortless and a whole lot less scary for both you and your pet.
- LOCKS CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE: Your know your clippers are always in safety mode when you aren’t using them – just squeeze the handle and slide the lock into the safe position.
- RUBBER COATED HANDLES FOR A SECURE GRIP: The handles feel incredibly comfortable in your hand because of the non-slip rubber coating. Together with the rounded blades, you can clip confidently
Highlights:
- Go Animals Pet Nail Clipper’s razor-sharp stainless steel blades provide a perfect trim for your pup
- Able to effortlessly cut through even the thickest nails
- Designed with ergonomic handles to offer a comfortable and secure grip.
- The trimmer’s spring guarantees an effortless and precise trim
FAQs on Nail Trimming For Dogs
How to get my dog used to nail clipping?
Follow these simple steps to get your pup used to have his or her nails trimmed:
- To get your dog used to being handled, softly press on his or her foot.
- Take a few of your pup’s nails between your fingers and gently move them back and forth
- Continue this process until you can get a firm grip on the nail at a 90-degree angle
- If your dog is moving around too much, take a break and try again in about 15 minutes
- Trim off the tip of the nail, clipping closely to the end of each toe.
How often should I clip my dog's nails?
If your dog spends time outside, the average is every three weeks, but if he or she stays indoors, that can be every two to three months. Start nail clipping sessions when your pup is a puppy to get them used to the process.
What type of dog nail clipper is best for me?
You will need to invest in high-quality clippers designed especially for dogs. Do not use human nail trimmers, as these are not designed for large dog breeds. Dog nail trimmers are sturdier, with safety features that prevent over-trimming.
Why do I need a special tool for my dog's nails?
Dog claws are tough and thick, but you can keep them from becoming ingrown or splitting by regularly clipping and grinding the nails. Dog parents should not be afraid to keep their pup’s nails trimmed, but they need to use a product specifically for pets.
Final Thoughts on Dog Nail Clipping
Your dog nails require clipping and grinding, many dog parents are afraid of injuring their pups, but ignoring nail care is just as harmful. Dog’s nails grow constantly, and if they are not regularly trimmed they can curl under the paws which is painful for your dog – leading to soreness. Nails that extend beyond the paw pad may become infected, and neglect can cause long-term damage to your dog.
You should have your dog’s nails trimmed every few weeks. The importance of trimming your dog nails can not be overlooked. Nail clipping and grinding takes some practice at first but you will soon get the hang of it.
No matter how often you trim your pup’s nails, you should check them regularly to keep track of any changes or abnormalities. If your dog’s nails are very long, they can snag on the ground and break or split. This will require veterinary attention.