You hear the clicks coming down the hallway. The hardwood shows scratch marks by the door. Your dog leaps off your lap and—OUCH! Time to get those nails trimmed! Luckily we’ve scoured the internet and found multiple styles of the best dog nail clippers that you can buy online.
If you’re anything like me, the idea of clipping your dog’s nails might make you a little nervous, but there’s really nothing to stress about. The benefits of clipping your own dog’s nails are many, from keeping your dog in good health to saving you time and money. You can give your dog a sense of security by grooming them in their own home with their favourite human in charge and, with the right tool, this simple task is quick, safe, and incredibly affordable.
Clipping your dog’s nails is fairly easy and can be a nice way to bond with your pet. After all, dogs don’t like having long nails either! Trimmed nails help your dog get up easily on slippery surfaces, prevent painful experiences while walking, and stop your dog from injuries resulting from a cracked nail or splayed foot.
Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash
I overcame my fear of clipping my dog’s nails and gave my black-nailed dog Frances a fantastic pedicure while researching the best nail clippers of 2019. Here’s what I considered while searching for the best nail trimmers for every kind of dog:
- Product quality
- Ease of use
- Affordability
- Safety
- How well it gets the job done
With those metrics in mind, here are my top picks for dog nail trimmers you can buy in 2019.
Best Clippers Overall
Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer for Dogs
Designed for cats and small, medium, and large dogs, the Safari Professional Large Nail Trimmer is a great all-around nail clipper with an affordable price.
What we like about it:
- Excellent price
- Made of top-quality stainless steel
- Safety stop prevents injury
- Comfort grip, non-slip handles
- Sharp blades give a swift, clean cut
- Designed for dogs with black or thick nails
Available sizes: Standard and Large.
Best Clippers for Medium to Large Dogs
Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer By Boshel
This ergonomic, powerful, and safety-conscious clipper stays sharp for years to come.
What we like about it:
- Razor-sharp high quality 3.5 mm thick stainless steel blades
- A gentle squeeze is all you need to deliver a clean cut
- Safety stop serves as a nail quick sensor and helps prevent injury
- Sturdy non-slip, easy-grip handles
- Includes a mini nail-filed in the left handle of the clipper
- Excellent for dogs with black or thick nails
Best Clippers for Small Dogs & Puppies
Boshel Pet Nail Clippers for Small Dogs & Cats
This is a petite, razor-sharp nail trimmer, designed specifically for small breed dogs and other small pets.
What we like about it:
- Extra sharp stainless steel blades for smooth, clean cuts
- Semi-circular angled blades
- The unique design gives you full visibility so you can see what you’re doing
- Ergonomic, comfort-grip handles
- Great for puppies with smaller nails
- Durable and built to last for years to come
Also recommended for birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and cats.
Best Dog Nail Grinder
Pecute Pet Nail Grinder
This multi-functional pet nail grinder is super quiet but still packs a punch.
What we like about it:
- Uses a strong rotary grinder instead of blades
- Can be less stressful for your pet
- Cordless operation so you can be in any position
- 2-speeds—one for initial grinding, one for a smooth finish
- Ultra quiet
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Available in two sizes.
Best Guillotine-Style Nail Clipper
Resco Original Deluxe Dog and Cat Nail/Claw Clippers
Guillotine trimmers give you a different angle but still deliver a nice clean cut.
What we like about it:
- Guillotine-style blade allows for less pressure with a clean cut
- Micro-honed, replaceable cutting blade
- Comfort-grip handles
- Rubber handle gives tight grip, even when wet
- Lifetime warranty
Comes in Regular (Small to Medium dogs) and Large, as well as in Nail Kit Packs.
Five more nail trimmers that make the cut:
Professional Dog Nail Grinder
This rechargeable nail trimmer is appropriate for small, medium, and large dogs.
What we like about it:
- Diamond-bit grinder
- Advanced 2-speed switch and three grinding ports for all sizes
- Rechargeable via USB cord
- Low-noise (less than 50 decibels)
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
Millers Forge “Doggy Man” Dog & Cat Nail Clipper
A highly-rated clipper with non-slip handles.
What we like about it:
- Lightweight
- Quality-made stainless steel blades are built to last for years
- Spring-load design for easy clipping action
- Rubber-coated non-slip handles
Nail Trimmer Clipper Scissors for Dogs and Puppies
An adorable option for pets—and pet owners—who want something cute, but powerful for nail trimming.
What we like about it:
- Small, ergonomic, and easy to throw in a travel bag
- Stainless steel trimmer blades
- Quick sensor to help prevent injuries
- Comfort-grip, anti-slip handles
Millers Forge Pet Nail Clipper
An incredible deal for a high-quality product that gets the job done on small to medium-sized dogs.
What we like about it:
- Excellent price-point
- Locks in the closed position for storage
- Safety stop to protect the quick
- Non-slip rubber-coated handles
Tips for introducing your dog to nail clippers
Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Rover.com writer Shoshi Parks wrote a wonderful article on how to train your pet to love grooming. Here are her tips for introducing your dog to clippers:
- Place your clippers or nail grinder on the ground and throw high-value treats around and on top to allow your dog to check it out.
- If using a nail grinder, the next step is to repeat step one with the nail grinder on, this time holding it in your hand but keeping it steady. Skip this step if you’re using clippers.
- Continue the desensitisation process by reaching towards your dog’s feet with the clippers, touching a nail gently, followed by a reward. If using a nail grinder, start with the machine in the “off” position. Turn it on when your dog becomes more comfortable with the nail-touching process.
- Move on to clipping or grinding the nails. If your dog is willing to eat, try spreading some peanut butter or baby food on the refrigerator door or a tiled wall to give them something to focus on. A puzzle toy filled with delicious goodies may also work as a distraction.
Neglecting to trim your dog’s nails can lead to health problems ranging from cracked nails and reduced traction to injured tendons and deformed feet.
So until your pet can magically do this…
…we’ve got you covered with the best dog nail clippers that actually work!
Further Reading
- 3 Clever Ways to Stop Canine Plaque and Bad Breath (and Help Extend Your Dog’s Life)
- How to Give a Dog a Bath
- How Often Should I Wash my Dog?
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Featured image:Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer for Dogs
