To avoid disappointing or even traumatic nail trimming experiences, one of the most important things you can do is to ensure you have a dog nail trimmer that is suitable for you and your dog.
Before choosing a dog nail trimmer, stop to ask yourself a few questions. By determining what you and your dog’s requirements are before purchasing a trimmer and getting started, you can avoid unwanted surprises later on.
Tips for Choosing a Dog Nail Trimmer
- Get the right size of nail trimmer for your dog. Keep in mind that some breeds have particularly sturdy nails for their size. Pugs, for instance, are small dogs, but often have thick nails. There are also medical conditions that may alter the size of dogs’ nails.
- If your dog has dry and brittle nails, an electric grinder will prevent them from splitting during trimming. If your dog’s nails are very hard, grinding may also work better. Or choose larger sturdier clippers.
- Is the quick invisible? Consider a grinder that will allow you to trim the nails gently and gradually, allowing you to continually check your progress. Or opt for guillotine trimmers. They can cut very thin slivers at a time, helping you to avoid cutting in to the quick.
- Does your dog have dew claws or even double dew claws? If they grow in a rounded shape, it may be difficult to get to the tip. Pliers-style nail clippers are the easiest to use in this case.
- Is your dog long-haired or have long-haired paws? If purchasing an electric grinder, you may want to consider one with a safety guard. It will not only keep the nail in place during grinding, but also prevent hair from getting trapped.
- Do you want portable trimmers that you can use anywhere? With clippers this is never a problem. Battery powered grinders are portable too, but make sure the batteries are charged.
- Do you want to be certain that your grinder never runs out of power and don’t want to have to think about recharging batteries? There are grinders that connect to the mains.
- Are you on a budget? Clippers is the most affordable alternative.
- Does cutting into the quick really worry you? Then a grinder is your best choice.
- Is time an issue? If you want to get the nail trimming done as quickly as possible, nail cutters is the best tool to use.
- Does your dog flinch and pull away when you cut a nail? Perhaps your dog’s nails a very sensitive and the squeezing action of the clippers is causing discomfort. Try using an electric grinder.
- How strong are you? If your dog has very large nails and you use clippers, it will take a certain amount of strength to make the cut.
- Do you trim your dog’s nails on your own or do you have someone who can help you if needed? Would a grooming table with neck and haunch restraints to help keeping your dog in position be useful when there is no extra pair of hands available?
Go to Dog Nail Clippers Guide
Go to Pliers Style Clippers
Go to Guillotine Clippers
Go to Dog Nail Scissors
Go to Dog Nail Grinder Guide
Go to How to Use Guillotine Clippers
Go to How to Clip Dog Nails