Does your dog start a paw fight at the first sight of a nail clipper? Bleeding nail cuticle can be a traumatic experience. And just like bathing, this can get really frightening for your dog and stressful for you. However, you just can’t let your dog sport those sharp claws everywhere. My solution? The best dog nail grinder.
This tool grinds, not cuts, the nails until you achieve the ideal length. Dog nail grinders are often called ‘dremels’ which is a reference to one of the famous dog nail grinder brands Dremel.
Basically, the grinder will act like sandpaper at high speed which will scrub layers of paw nails away. About how this works and what product you should choose, we’ll discuss everything below:
Why it’s important to cut/grind dog nails
Like human finger and toenails, it’s important to cut your doggo’s nails when it’s growing long. Sure, it’s an inconvenience but cutting it is crucial for your pooch’s health and safety.
In the wild, dogs would naturally have their nails shortened y constantly rubbing on different surfaces. But in the domesticated setting, dog nails can grow really long to the point that you’re already hearing tapping noises when your pooch walks.
As the toenails grow and curl into the paw, it will start to dig into your dog’s flesh. This will be the start of infections and other conditions that require veterinary attention.
Aside from that, it’s imperative to cut a dog’s nails to prevent any paw injuries. As their nails grow longer and unkempt, it will start to break. This will cause pain to your pooch. Besides, a very long toenail will make it hard for your dog to move and walk.
Lastly, keeping those toenails short is also a matter of safety for the people around. Your dog may get excited when a visitor arrives. The pooch may yank into the person, likely grazing them with the long nails. You may also get injured when playing with your dog with overgrown toenails.
Why are dogs afraid of nail clippers?
Just like any dog fear, there are various reasons why your pet hates even the best nail clippers. In my personal experience, the clipping sound and the falling matter scares my dog. My pooch perceives the cutting as a threat.
Another possible reason is that you’ve injured your dog the last time you clipped its nails. Remember, we’re just supposed to trim it, not to cut it to the edge. If you do so, it will bleed and hurt. And when that happens, nail clipping will be one hell of a task from then on.
If you have a pup who hates a clipper, it may take time before they get used to it. What matters is you try to expose them to the stimulus as early as possible.
For older dogs, be careful because some doggos may show aggression if you force to cut their nails. You may need the help of another person or the advice of a veterinarian.
If clipping your dog’s nails proves to be brain surgery for you, there’s an alternative: nail grinders. We’ll discuss and review this below.
Advantages of using a nail grinder
If your dog hates clippers, the biggest advantage of the best dog nail grinder is the convenience. No more paw fight or endless squirming. The operation is also easier on the part of the groomer or dog owner.
Here are some of the pros you’ll enjoy:
Smooth edges. You probably noticed this, but nail clippers tend to leave sharp edges, both on dog nails and human nails. These sharp edges can leave scratches on your wooden floor or furniture. It may also get tangled on carpet fiber and so on. But since nail grinders grind instead of cut, it will allow you to achieve a smoother finish.
Great for the shakes. Do you have a shaky hand? A nail grinder is also beneficial for the part of the pawrent. It doesn’t need the same level of precision as what the best nail clippers require. Anyway, you still have to hold the doggo in place.
No pinching. One of the reasons why dogs hate nail clipping is the pinching feeling they sense on their paws. They perceive it as harm or sometimes, painful. Also, the pressure of nail clipping can cause the toenails to crack and bleed. But with a grinder, all of these will be gone.
Best for fearful Fidos. If your dog hates a clipper, your best bet is a nail grinder. Still, there’s no guarantee that your pooch will like the tool right away.
Some disadvantages of using a nail grinder
Even the best nail clippers have its pros and cons. As for the nail grinder, the following are the possible problems that I’ve noticed:
Dust and odor. Since you’re grinding your dog’s nails, it will become powdered, thus the foul smell. I suggest that you wear a mask and eye protection. Also, it’s best to grind your dog’s nails outdoors so you wouldn’t have to clean up the dust.
May hit the dog’s quick. Like nail clippers, a nail grinder can still hit your dog’s quick if you don’t watch out. Anyway, the chances are lower when you use nail grinders.
No guarantee that your dog won’t be afraid. Some dogs may get afraid the moment you hold their paws. Since they associate such thing with nail clipping, it would take more time to erase their fears. You can use the reward system to let them perceive the nail grinder in a positive light.
There’s a humming sound. Since nail grinders are electronic devices, it will produce a humming noise. The sound level varies across units but it can still startle a dog. I suggest that you choose the quietest one.
How to use a nail grinder properly
Before you try the best dog nail grinder on your dog’s claws, let me discuss the ins and outs of the device. This is pretty simple but it will help you make the process easier:
Step 1: Let the dog be familiar with the device. This is the same when you’re introducing a playpen or crate. You just let your dog sniff or lick the device. This way, your pooch will find it familiar during grooming time. Try turning the device on and see how the doggo will react. This should dampen their fear of the grinder.
Step 2: Turn the grinder on and off while holding your dog’s paw. This will let them anticipate the act of nail grinding. If the pooch resists, give rewards and treats.
Step 3: Hold your dog’s paw in an extended manner. This way, you won’t hurt your pooch’s face in case he tries to struggle. Also, your position should let you stop in case the dog fights back.
Step 4: Grind one nail at a time. Slowly but surely, pass the grinder across the nail, making sure that it has a smooth and dull finish. After finishing a nail, rub it with your fingers and check if there are sharp edges.
Step 5: Repeat this in all of your dog’s nails and ensure that there are no sharp finishes. You can also give rewards along the way.
If you happen to injure your dog while grinding its nails, it’s best to bring the pooch to the vet. Infection may ensue if you stick to home remedies.
Can’t follow? Here’s a demonstration courtesy of Drs. Foster and Smith:
Some tricks to make nail grinding easier
Is your dog giving you a hard time with nail grinding the same with the best nail clippers? This is the same problem many dog owners face, including me. To help you, here are some of my personal tricks that work when my Fido decides to put up a paw fight:
Don’t grind in long streaks. Grinders get hot so if you use this in minutes in just one contact, it will make your doggo uncomfortable. I suggest that you lift the grinder every two seconds and then put it back. This is incremental grinding that’s more comfy for your pooch.
Make your dog cozy. I always bring my doggo on a walk first before the nail grinding. This way, he’s too tired to fight back. You can also lay them on their favorite bedding to relax their minds.
Don’t squeeze the toe. Sometimes, we inadvertently squeeze our dog’s toes when supporting it during nail grinding. This is painful for your pooch. So next time, try to loosen it up a bit.
Considerations when choosing a dog nail grinder
Nail grinders aren’t made equal. This is why you should be meticulous when purchasing a model. Here are some of the specs I recommend:
Ergonomic handle. Choose a non-slip grinder so you wouldn’t experience hand strain when grinding your dogs’ nails. This pretty much dictates stability which is important for safety.
Cordless grinder. As much as corded types are functional, it’s not convenient, especially if your dog is squirmish. The best dog nail grinder is a rechargeable unit.
Two speeds. This way, you can pick which one suits the nails of your dog. A very powerful grinder may damage the nails of a small dog.
Find the perfect grit strength. Dogs may have thick and thin toenails. Choose the right grit strength that matches your pooch. It’s best if you’ll invest in grit that doesn’t need authenticdogs02-20nts.
Strong motor. A nail grinder is a long-term grooming tool. Make sure that it can take the beating of your dog’s nails for years.
Top 2 Nail Grinders for Your Dog
Here are two of the best nail grinders I’ve personally tried on my doggos:
Dremel 7300-PT Pet Nail Grinder
Dremel is one of the leading brands when it comes to nail grinders. Their 7300-PT model has two rotation speeds and a 60-grit grinder best for almost all dogs.
What I love here is that the device is battery powered and you no longer have to struggle with cords and the electricity source.
You’ll just need to do some screwing to get this device functioning. Make sure that you tighten the bit properly for a safe and effective grinding.
This tool runs in 4.8 volts and its 8-inch size makes it a convenient choice for most dog owners. It has a nice grip and the hard-density plastic case makes it last for years.
Take note, though, that you have to purchase the charger separately. That and the grinder itself can be expensive but I think that the splurge is worth the dollar.
PROS
✔️Two grinding speed
✔️Cordless, rechargeable unit
✔️Grit choices are available through bit accessories
✔️Nice grip and comfy
CONS
❌A bit expensive
❌It’s best to use this outdoors
URPOWER Rechargeable Pet Nail Grinder
If you want to save some dollars, you can opt for the URPOWER nail grinder. This is also a rechargeable unit and can work for three hours.
This uses a diamond bit grinder that won’t need authenticdogs02-20nts and as powerful as other grit options available in the market. And since this uses a super quiet motor, rest assured that your doggo won’t be bothered by too much noise.
Take note, though, that this is only ideal for small and medium-sized dogs. If you have a large pooch, say a Goldie, I suggest that you stick with the grinder from Dremel.
My only gripe here is the grip. It’s not textured which can be an issue for some users. Also, I find this a bit slow in grinding nails. What I do is apply a little force to speed it up.
PROS
✔️Affordable than the Dremel unit
✔️Uses a diamond bit that needs no authenticdogs02-20nts
✔️Super mute motor with minimal noise
✔️Charges using a USB cord
CONS
❌Best for small and medium-sized dogs only
❌The grip can be improved
❌Goes a little slower in the grinding process
Have you found the best dog nail grinder that suits your pooch? These two grinders are my personal favorites. How about you? Share your experiences below!
