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It’s a disappointing but very important fact of life: human nail polishes and dogs don’t mix. That’s because our nail polishes can be toxic for dogs if licked or ingested, and it’s always a safe bet that your dog will lick their paws. But don’t worry—for pet parents who long to give their dogs a pawdicure, there’s a solution: dog nail polish that’s specially formulated for use on pets.
We’ve tried dog nail polish ourselves, and we have to admit, it’s pretty fun. You can make it part of a full-on spa day, complete with deep-cleaning fizz tablets and paw balm, or you can just take a few minutes to have fun and bond with your pup.
Our own experiments have taught us that you may need to apply several coats to get certain colors to pop better, or you might want to start with a white base coat. Dog polishes also dry more quickly than the kind made for humans (thank goodness), so it’s a good idea to have some dog-safe nail polish remover on hand in case things start drying before you’ve got them looking spiffy.
We hope you and your stylish pup get lots of compliments—and that you have as much fun as we did.
The Best Dog Nail Polishes We’ve Found
Warren London Pawdicure Polish Pen (Verified Review)
For simplicity, it’s hard to beat these dog nail polish pens from Warren London. They come in a dozen colors with solid, metallic, and neon options, and they’re less messy to apply than liquid nail polish. Water-based, they produce a color that dries in under 40 seconds.
Rover test pup Olive volunteered her nails for pet parent Amber’s expert work, and the collaboration was fantastic.
Of the experience, Amber says: “I used to paint my Beagle’s nails with my own nail polish when I was 12, so I’m happy to see there is a safer, simpler way to add a little color now. The Warren London dog nail polish pen is comfortable to hold, and the nib at the end, operating more like a sharpie, makes for mess-free application. It was very easy to apply and be precise. The polish dries quickly, and Olive was walking around smudge-free on our carpet after one minute. I applied the polish about 5 days ago, and it’s still holding up, although the ends of her nails have chipped. This is a fun, temporary option for people who want to give their dog a little pop of color. I will use it again!”
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on Walmart Shop on PetcoPuppy Paint “Natural as Mud” Nail Polish
If you’re interested in a more traditional pawdicure with brushes and all, Puppy Paint has you covered. It’s true that your color options are limited to pink, red, and teal—but we’re big fans of the custom dog-safe nail polish remover the kit comes with and how far a single coat goes, even on dark nails. Puppy Paint is eco-friendly and hypoallergenic for dogs with sensitivities, plus it has a naturally bitter flavor to deter any licking that might compromise your hard work.
Shop on ChewyLesotc Non-Toxic Dog Nail Polish
If color options are what you want, look no further. You can make your dog’s nails pop with this non-toxic, water-based polish that comes in a set of six. It’s famously long-lasting (up to 30 days in dry conditions), and it’s also easy to remove with water and gentle scrubbing if your dog just isn’t digging it. (Note: If you’ve added a couple coats here, removal can take longer—you could try an actual dog nail polish remover to speed things up.)
Shop on AmazonPet Head Mommy and Me Pet Nail Polish
Reviewers rave about how Pet Head’s dog nail polish appears vibrant even against black nails. Glam up your pup’s paws with a few coats of this polish that’s made in the USA and can be worn by pet parents, too. Note that some pups find the smell a little strong when it’s first applied, so if your dog has a sensitive nose, read on!
Shop on AmazonWarren London Dog Nail Polish
This set of dog nail polishes distinguishes itself with some very spiffy sparkly options, but it doesn’t show up quite as well on dark nails as it does on light ones. Warren London’s pens (above) are more versatile—but if you’re determined to add some shine to your pup’s color, try a white base coat first.
Shop on Chewy Shop Single Bottles on AmazonFurther Reading
- How to Become a Dog Groomer: Your Complete Guide
- How to Trim Dog Nails that are Overgrown
- 11 Best Dog Brushes for Everyday Grooming
- The Best Professional Pet Grooming Supplies You Can Use at Home
- Our 15 Favorite Supplies for Dog Grooming on the Go
- 7 Dog Grooming Hacks that Save Time and Money
- Our 17 All-Time Favorite Cleaning Tools for Dog Owners
- How to Groom Your Dog: A Step-By-Step Guide
- How to Keep Dogs Calm During Grooming