Many dog owners can relate to the challenges of clipping their dog’s nails. Clipping nails can be particularly difficult with small dogs because it’s easy to over-measure and clip through the quick of their small nails. Using a pair of nail clippers made specifically for small dogs can help prevent accidents and make clipping nails faster and easier.
You’ll find nail clippers with different designs, and they’ll work differently with each individual dog. Our reviews of various small dog nail clippers are here to help you determine which kind would be the best fit for you and your dog.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Andis Pet Nail Clipper
Sliding safety stop
Ergonomic handle
Compatible with all dog sizes and cats
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Best Value
Li’l Pals Dog Nail Trimmer
Non-slip vinyl grip
Thin blades provide clean cut
Made with long-lasting stainless steel
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Premium Choice
Dremel 7350-PT Cordless Dog & Cat Rotary Nail Grinder Kit
Shortens nail clipping process
Rechargeable and cordless
Has two speed settings
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Best for Puppies
Zen Clipper Precise Adjustable Dog Nail Clipper
Blades are designed to avoid cutting the quick
Adjustable blades for different nail sizes
Ergonomic handle
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Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Professional Dog Nail Clipper
Ergonomic handle
Durable surgical steel cutting blades
Built-in safety guard
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The 10 Best Nail Clippers for Small Dogs
If you’re looking for a safe and reliable dog nail clipper, Andis Pet Nail Clipper is the right choice for you. This nail clipper consistently provides a safe and convenient grooming experience for both you and your dog. The blades are sharpened and treated with heat for improved strength and durability. A safety stop is positioned right next to the blades to prevent over-cutting, and it slides if you need to make a longer cut.
Clipper Type: Spring-loaded
Material: Stainless steel, rubber
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The handles have an anti-slip grip and an ergonomic design, so it’s comfortable for you to hold. Once you’re done using it, you can press the safety lock to store it away until the next time you use it. Just keep in mind that the safety lock can be sticky if you slide it improperly. So, make sure to take your time and properly store it to prevent the nail clippers from getting jammed.
With its convenient and comfortable design and durable materials, we consider Andis Pet Nail Clippers to be the best overall small dog nail clippers. An additional perk is that it’s compatible with all dog sizes and cats, making it an excellent option for multi-pet homes.
Pros
Sliding safety stop
Ergonomic handle
Compatible with all dog sizes and cats
Cons
Safety lock can be sticky
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Li’l Pals Dog Nail Trimmer is the best small dog nail clipper for the money. It has a simple yet effective design. The handles are covered with non-slip vinyl to ensure you maintain a secure grip. The blades are made of durable, long-lasting stainless steel. They’re thinner than average nail clippers so that you can cut your dog’s tiny nails with precision and a clean cut.
Sliding safety stop
Ergonomic handle
Compatible with all dog sizes and cats
- Sliding safety stop
- Ergonomic handle
- Compatible with all dog sizes and cats
Safety lock can be sticky
- Safety lock can be sticky
Clipper Type: Scissors
Material: Stainless steel, vinyl
These nail clippers reliably get the job done, but beginners may need to be extra careful because they don’t have a safety stop. So, it’s important to pay attention to prevent cutting the quick.
Pros
Non-slip vinyl grip
Thin blades provide clean cut
Made with long-lasting stainless steel
Cons
No safety stop
If you have a particularly impatient dog, you may want to try using the Dremel 7350-PT nail grinder. This pet grooming tool makes maintaining your dog’s nails a quick and easy routine. It can be a little loud and intimidating at first, but it quickly grinds down your dog’s nails to the desired length within minutes.
Non-slip vinyl grip
Thin blades provide clean cut
Made with long-lasting stainless steel
- Non-slip vinyl grip
- Thin blades provide clean cut
- Made with long-lasting stainless steel
No safety stop
- No safety stop
Clipper Type: Grinder
Material: Plastic, sand drum, metal
Some dogs may find traditional nail clippers uncomfortable or painful, especially when the blades get dull. The Dremel 7350-PT nail grinder eliminates the pain by sanding down the nail with its 60-grit sanding drum. It has two speed settings that can tackle all kinds of nail grooming needs. It’s also rechargeable and cordless, so you can use it in any position that’s comfortable for your dog.
Pros
Shortens nail clipping process
Rechargeable and cordless
Has two speed settings
Cons
Can be loud for some dogs
Clipping nails can be particularly challenging when you have a squirmy puppy that’s not used to its paws getting touched. Despite being on the pricier end, the Zen Clipper Precise Adjustable Dog Nail Clipper is a great choice for new dog owners and their puppies because it makes nail clipping fast and easy.
Shortens nail clipping process
Rechargeable and cordless
Has two speed settings
- Shortens nail clipping process
- Rechargeable and cordless
- Has two speed settings
Can be loud for some dogs
- Can be loud for some dogs
Clipper Type: Spring-loaded
Material: Stainless steel, plastic
The blades are designed to avoid the quick and only clip the tip of the nail. The clipper has a rotator that adjusts the blade to cut through different nail sizes, so it’s also a great option for multi-dog homes. The handles are molded to comfortably fit in your hand.
Pros
Blades are designed to avoid cutting the quick
Adjustable blades for different nail sizes
Ergonomic handle
Cons
Relatively expensive
Part of the challenge of finding nail clippers for small dogs is the handle. Many nail clippers are smaller to accommodate the dog’s size, but this compromises comfort and a secure grip for handlers. Fortunately, this nail clipper by Master Grooming Tools has one of the most ergonomic designs. The handle has a non-slip, double-bonded grip so that you can hold the nail clippers securely. It also has hardened surgical steel cutting blades that provide a swift and clean cut over a long period of time. The blades have a safety guard to prevent over-cutting, and you can also slide it if you need to make longer cuts.
Blades are designed to avoid cutting the quick
Adjustable blades for different nail sizes
Ergonomic handle
- Blades are designed to avoid cutting the quick
- Adjustable blades for different nail sizes
- Ergonomic handle
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
Clipper Type: Spring-loaded
Material: Stainless steel, rubber, metal
While the clippers come with a safety lock, it may be better to leave the clippers open and store them in a safe location. The safety lock has a weak design and can easily slide around, so the clippers can end up locking while you’re using them.
Pros
Ergonomic handle
Durable surgical steel cutting blades
Built-in safety guard
Cons
Weak safety lock
Many dog owners prefer guillotine nail clippers for small dogs because they provide an easier grip and can quickly clip the dog’s thin nails. The Resco Original Dog Nail Clippers are a safe choice for anyone looking for a new guillotine nail clipper. It has a heavy-duty, solid steel design made to last a long time.
Ergonomic handle
Durable surgical steel cutting blades
Built-in safety guard
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable surgical steel cutting blades
- Built-in safety guard
Weak safety lock
- Weak safety lock
Clipper Type: Guillotine
Material: Stainless steel
You can also purchase replacement blades so that you don’t have to buy a new nail clipper when the blades wear down. The only thing is that the sharpness of these blades is inconsistent. Most of the time, they’re sharpened well, but you can occasionally get a pack of dull replacement blades. So, make sure to keep your receipts in case you receive a dull blade and need to replace it.
Pros
Easy to grip and quickly clip nails
Heavy-duty steel design
Can purchase replacement blades
Cons
Some blades are made duller than others
The Boshel Dog Nail Clipper has a versatile design, making it suitable for multi-dog homes. The blades are made with heavy-duty stainless steel and can cut through any sized nail. A safety stop rests next to the blades, and you rotate it to remove it if you need to make larger cuts.
Easy to grip and quickly clip nails
Heavy-duty steel design
Can purchase replacement blades
- Easy to grip and quickly clip nails
- Heavy-duty steel design
- Can purchase replacement blades
Some blades are made duller than others
- Some blades are made duller than others
The handles rest comfortably in your hands, and you can simply slide the safety lock to store the clipper away when it’s not in use. Each clipper also comes with a nail file that you conveniently slide into the handle after you’ve finished using it.
The only issue with these clippers is the spring. It weakens relatively quickly, so it may not start to spring back open after a while. So, you may need to buy a replacement before the blade wears down.
Pros
Blades can cut through any nail size
Safety stop located near blade
Comes with a nail file
Cons
Spring can start to weaken quickly
These Safari Professional Nail Trimmers are more affordably priced spring-loaded nail clippers. Just keep in mind that the blades do tend to wear down more quickly. So, it’s a good choice for beginners, and once you gain more experience cutting your small dog’s nails, you can invest in a high-quality set of nail clippers.
Blades can cut through any nail size
Safety stop located near blade
Comes with a nail file
- Blades can cut through any nail size
- Safety stop located near blade
- Comes with a nail file
Spring can start to weaken quickly
- Spring can start to weaken quickly
These clippers have a double-bladed cutter and comfort grips on the handles. So, they’re comfortable to use and work for both left-handed and right-handed users. They also have a safety stop to reduce the risk of accidents. However, the blades are a bit thick, so they’re appropriately sized for most small dogs, but they may be too big for toy breeds.
Pros
Made for left-handed and right-handed use
Safety stop attached next to blade
Comfortable handle grips
Cons
Blades wear down quickly
Blades may be too thick for toy breeds
These Hertzko dog nail scissors are another affordable option. However, as with most scissor-style clippers, they don’t have a safety stop. So, it’s best for dog owners that already have experience cutting small dog nails.
Made for left-handed and right-handed use
Safety stop attached next to blade
Comfortable handle grips
- Made for left-handed and right-handed use
- Safety stop attached next to blade
- Comfortable handle grips
Blades wear down quickly
Blades may be too thick for toy breeds
- Blades wear down quickly
- Blades may be too thick for toy breeds
Clipper Type: Scissor
Material: Stainless steel
The blades are made with high-grade stainless steel and have semi-circular indents that help you see your dog’s nails and where you’re cutting more clearly. The handles are wrapped in comfort grips, so your fingers won’t accidentally slip while you’re cutting your dog’s nails.
Overall, these small dog nail clippers have a simple yet effective design. Once you get used to them, you’ll quickly get through cutting your dog’s nails and move on to a more fun activity with your dog in no time.
Pros
High-grade, durable stainless-steel blades
Semi-circular indents on blade provide clear view of nails
Comfort-grip handles
Cons
No safety stop
- CHI Guillotine Nail Dog Clipper
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Clipper Type: Guillotine
Material: Steel
The CHI Guillotine Nail Dog Clipper is another considerable option if you’re interested in using a guillotine-style clipper. It’s on the more expensive side, but it consistently performs well with small dog owners. The blades are extremely sharp and will cleanly and quietly cut through your dog’s nails. The handle has rubber grips and an ergonomic design, so it’s easy to quickly get the job done so that your dog can be free to run around and play in no time.
High-grade, durable stainless-steel blades
Semi-circular indents on blade provide clear view of nails
Comfort-grip handles
- High-grade, durable stainless-steel blades
- Semi-circular indents on blade provide clear view of nails
- Comfort-grip handles
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Clipper Type: Guillotine
Material: Steel
This nail clipper has a great design and lasts a long time, so many dog owners think it’s worth the price. The only issue is that it doesn’t have replacement blades, so you’ll have to buy a new pair every time the blade wears down.
Pros
Extremely sharp blades
Handle has rubber grip and ergonomic design
Durable and long-lasting
Cons
Relatively expensive
No replacement blades
Extremely sharp blades
Handle has rubber grip and ergonomic design
Durable and long-lasting
- Extremely sharp blades
- Handle has rubber grip and ergonomic design
- Durable and long-lasting
Relatively expensive
No replacement blades
- Relatively expensive
- No replacement blades
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Nail Clippers for Small Dogs
Finding nail clippers for small dogs can be challenging because of the tiny size of their nails. Paying attention to the following factors while you shop for new nail clippers can help you find one that will work well for your unique dog.
Type of Nail Clipper
You can typically find four different kinds of nail clippers for small dogs:
Spring-loaded
The most common nail clipper design is the spring-loaded clipper. These nail clippers are the most versatile because they can usually clip all nail sizes. So, they’re commonly used for multi-dog homes with dogs of varying sizes. Most spring-loaded clippers have a safety stop, making them a suitable choice for beginners.
Scissors
Nail scissors are commonly used for small dogs because small dogs have thinner nails that they can cut through easily. They’re usually one of the more affordable options and have the most straightforward designs. However, most don’t have stop guards, so it’s important not to cut too close to the quick of the nail.
Guillotine
Guillotine nail clippers are also an excellent choice for small dogs with tiny nails. They’re easier to maneuver around a dog’s tiny nails and can be used interchangeably between left-handed and right-handed users. These nail clippers take a little more time to get used to, so they’re best to use on small dogs that are already used to getting their paws handled while you practice.
Grinder
Lastly, nail grinders are a popular choice for dogs that are particularly sensitive to getting their nails clipped. They do a better job of preventing cracks, and dogs will feel less pressure on their nails than with traditional nail clippers. Of course, nail grinders are among the most expensive dog grooming tools. You may also have to spend a little time training your dog to get used to the noises they make.
Blade
When shopping for nail clippers, make sure to examine the blade. Nail clippers for small dogs should have thinner blades that can make precise cuts. It’s also important to purchase clippers made with heavy-duty stainless steel so that the clippers last you a long time.
Handle
One of the inconveniences that come with small dog nail clippers is smaller handles that can be difficult to grip. So, it’s particularly important to look for clippers that have ergonomic handles or non-slip grips. Nail clippers with good grips will not only make holding them more comfortable, but they’ll also help reduce the risk of accidents by preventing the blades from slipping.
Conclusion
The Andis Pet Nail Clipper is our favorite out of our reviews because it’s easy for beginners to use and has a comfortable and secure grip. If you have experience cutting nails and are looking for a budget-friendly choice, Li’l Pals Dog Nail Trimmer is a considerable option. Lastly, Dremel 7350-PT Cordless Dog & Cat Rotary Nail Grinder Kit is a good option for dogs with sensitive paws.
Finding a good nail clipper can help make clipping nails fast and easy. So, it’s worth taking the time to find the right one that both you and your dog will like.
Featured Image Credit: padu_foto, Shutterstock
