Trimming your beloved dog’s nails doesn’t have to be a tedious and stressful chore, neither for you nor for your dog. However, many dog owners dread this task, which is unfortunate because it is essential for the well-being of their pets. Fortunately, there are tools to make your life easier: nail clippers. But is it really worth buying a pair specifically for your dog? What makes them different from the nail clippers you have in your bathroom?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll show you the best options we’ve found and reviewed, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Safari Professional Nail Trimmer
Easy to clean
Sturdy material
Safety stop prevents injury
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Best Value
Millers Forge Nail Clipper with Safety Stop
Easy to use
Sharp blades
Works well on thick nails
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Premium Choice
ConairPRO Professional Dog Nail Grinder
Lightweight
Quiet motor
Works well on white and dark nails
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Best for Large Dogs
JW Pet Company Deluxe Nail Trimmer for Dogs
Sharp blade
Comfortable handle
Suitable for large and extra-large dog breeds
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Best for Small Dogs
Bissell Dog Nail Clippers
Ergonomic handle
Can also be used for big cats
Includes built-in angled safety guard
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The 7 Best Dog Nail Clippers
Do you have several furry companions at home that aren’t all the same size? Thankfully, there are versatile models that can adapt to different breeds of dogs. Among them, the Safari Professional Nail Trimmer is, by far, our best overall pick. The first good point to emphasize is that, unlike others, this product has been designed to adapt to as many four-legged companions as possible: you can use it with small, medium, and large dogs. Of course, you will need to adapt the way you cut the nails of your pooch depending on his size.
Breed size: Small, medium, large
Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.6 inches
Material: Stainless steel, plastic
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But you shouldn’t have too much trouble, especially because the grip is particularly comfortable. This dog nail clipper has two handles, each equipped with a non-slip surface. In addition, a safety device prevents you from cutting your pet’s nails too short. However, a few users indicated that they would have appreciated even sharper cutting edges. But overall, this very affordable option should be a hit with apprentice dog groomers—and their pooch!
Pros
Sturdy material
Easy to clean
Adapts to different sizes of dogs
Safety stop prevents injury
Cons
Blades could be sharper
Don’t let its low price make you skeptical: Millers Forge Nail Clipper is an effective, easy-to-use, and safe product! The blade is sharp and made of stainless steel, which ensures long years of use. In addition, the plastic handle is comfortable, which prevents cramping for the user.
Sturdy material
Easy to clean
Adapts to different sizes of dogs
Safety stop prevents injury
- Sturdy material
- Easy to clean
- Adapts to different sizes of dogs
- Safety stop prevents injury
Blades could be sharper
- Blades could be sharper
Breed size: Small and medium
Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 0.25 inches
Material: Stainless steel
This economical nail clipper comes in small to large sizes and will cover most breeds, although they might not be the best choice for very large dogs. Indeed, we mainly recommend the purchase of the model for small or medium dogs. The nails of large dogs are sometimes too thick to be cut well with this accessory, even when using the version for large dogs.
Pros
Sharp blades
Easy to use
Works well on thick nails
Budget-friendly
Cons
Not recommended for very large dogs
Here we go from a simple nail clipper to a different kind of product with the ConairPRO Professional, which is a dog nail grinder. This option is a safe alternative to the nail clipper, as it allows the dog’s nails to be filed without cutting too short and touching the sensitive nerve. This premium product is, therefore, particularly appreciated by owners of anxious dogs. However, since it is an electric nail grinder, you must plug it in to use it. Although the cord is eight feet long, it can be annoying for some users, who will prefer to look to battery-powered options. Nevertheless, the motor is quiet enough to avoid further terrorizing the already stressed dog, which is a nice bonus. But keep in mind that this product is not very effective for large dogs with very thick nails, as you may spend a lot filing each nail.
Sharp blades
Easy to use
Works well on thick nails
Budget-friendly
- Sharp blades
- Easy to use
- Works well on thick nails
- Budget-friendly
Not recommended for very large dogs
- Not recommended for very large dogs
Breed size: All sizes
Dimensions: 12.13 x 12 x 7.88 inches
Material: Plastic
Pros
Quiet motor
Lightweight
Works well on white and dark nails
Helps eliminate the risk of cutting nails too short
Cons
The cord may be annoying for some users
May not work for big dogs with thick nails
- JW Pet Company Deluxe Nail Trimmer for Dogs – Best for Large Dogs
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Breed size: Large, extra-large
Dimensions: 4.75 x 7 x 1 inches
Material: Plastic
The JW Pet Company Deluxe Jumbo is a guillotine-type nail trimmer. It is small enough that you can grip it securely, while still being suitable for trimming the nails of large and very large dogs. The blade is indeed reinforced to make cutting very thick nails easier and safer. However, although this product is very effective the first few times, the material does not seem strong enough to withstand many uses. So, while inexpensive, you may need to replace this nail trimmer after a while.
Quiet motor
Lightweight
Works well on white and dark nails
Helps eliminate the risk of cutting nails too short
- Quiet motor
- Lightweight
- Works well on white and dark nails
- Helps eliminate the risk of cutting nails too short
The cord may be annoying for some users
May not work for big dogs with thick nails
- The cord may be annoying for some users
- May not work for big dogs with thick nails
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Breed size: Large, extra-large
Dimensions: 4.75 x 7 x 1 inches
Material: Plastic
Pros
Comfortable handle
Suitable for large and extra-large dog breeds
Sharp blade
Cons
Not sturdy enough to withstand a lot of use
The Bissell Dog Nail Clippers are an affordable option for small dog breeds. Its ergonomic handle allows for a solid grip, while the built-in angled safety guard lets you trim your dog’s nails safely. It even includes a file to finish nail trimming in style! It is very easy to use and is suitable even for large cats. However, it will not be useful for trimming your little kitten’s claws, despite what the product claims suggest. In addition, it is not suitable for left-handed people.
Comfortable handle
Suitable for large and extra-large dog breeds
Sharp blade
- Comfortable handle
- Suitable for large and extra-large dog breeds
- Sharp blade
Not sturdy enough to withstand a lot of use
- Not sturdy enough to withstand a lot of use
Breed size: Small
Dimensions: 8 x 3.5 x 1 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Pros
Can also be used for big cats
Ergonomic handle
Includes built-in angled safety guard
Cons
Not suitable for left-handed people
The Dremel 7300-PT Dog & Cat Nail allows you to transform into a professional groomer in just a few minutes! In fact, this cordless rotary file offers two speeds to gently file your dog’s nails, regardless of their size. No more sharp claws from a shoddy blade! Plus, this option is relatively quiet, which is a good thing for more anxious doggies. The battery is rechargeable and has a battery life that will allow you to care for two to three dogs before recharging. Nonetheless, this tool can be a bit overwhelming and difficult for novice users to use. Its high cost is also not for everyone, especially if you have little experience trimming your dog’s nails with such a tool.
Can also be used for big cats
Ergonomic handle
Includes built-in angled safety guard
- Can also be used for big cats
- Ergonomic handle
- Includes built-in angled safety guard
Not suitable for left-handed people
- Not suitable for left-handed people
Breed size: All sizes
Dimensions: 8 x 4.5 x 2.58 inches
Material: Plastic
Pros
Files nails safely and quickly
Wireless design
Effective for all breed sizes
Cons
Can be a bit scary for first-time users
Expensive
Another guillotine nail clipper is Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clipper, which is generally very popular with experienced users. It allows among other things to cut the nails of the dog using less pressure and with more precision. The rubber handle allows a firm and solid grip, even when the tool is wet. In addition, the blade is made of durable and sharp stainless steel. As an added bonus, you can replace the blade if it becomes dull, making it a durable product over the long haul. However, while this option is great for medium to large dogs, it is not appropriate for smaller dogs.
Files nails safely and quickly
Wireless design
Effective for all breed sizes
- Files nails safely and quickly
- Wireless design
- Effective for all breed sizes
Can be a bit scary for first-time users
Expensive
- Can be a bit scary for first-time users
- Expensive
Breed size: All sizes
Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches
Material: Plastic, stainless steel
Pros
Prevents nails from splitting or splintering
Replaceable blades
Rubber handle provides a firm grip
Cons
Takes practice to use safely
Prevents nails from splitting or splintering
Replaceable blades
Rubber handle provides a firm grip
- Prevents nails from splitting or splintering
- Replaceable blades
- Rubber handle provides a firm grip
Takes practice to use safely
- Takes practice to use safely
Buyer’s Guide: What to Know About Buying Dog Nail Clippers
Types of Dog Nail Clippers
There are three types of dog nail clippers:
Nail clippers
Guillotine
Grinders
Nail Clippers: Perfect for Large Dogs and for Beginners
Because large dogs have thicker nails, the way this tool is designed allows more force to be applied and a cleaner, safer cut. Some models also have additional protection that avoids cutting the nail too far.
Nail clippers
Guillotine
Grinders
- Nail clippers
- Guillotine
- Grinders
Guillotine: Best for Small and Medium Dogs
As the name suggests, you use this tool by inserting your dog’s nail through a small opening. Then, by squeezing the handle, you slice the nail, just like a guillotine. It is arguably the most popular model among dog owners.
However, the guillotine is not suitable for large dogs as there is a risk of crushing the nail instead of cutting it if you do not use this product properly. Thus, this product is more suitable for experienced users.
Grinder: More Reassuring for Some Anxious Dogs
If your dog hates the nail clipper and shows signs of anxiety when you hold it, you may have better luck with a grinder. Its gentle action, similar to sandpaper, gradually shortens the nail and slightly reduces the chance of cutting the quick of the nail. It works for those big, thick nails that some large dogs have.
It does have a few drawbacks though: it is slower to use, produces dust, and can still scare some dogs.
How Do You Choose the Right Dog Nail Clippers?
In addition to the type of nail clipper, there are other criteria to help you choose the best nail clipper for your dog’s needs:
Versatility
If you are a true animal lover, you may have several dogs in the house, which are not necessarily of the same breed, and therefore are not similar in terms of weight or size. Some models only fit one size, or two. Other options are suitable for all dogs and even other animals, especially cats. It’s up to you to see what works best for your pets.
Security
Trimming the nails should be done with some caution and in a calm manner.
Look for options that have:
A safety guard or cutting guide: this allows you to assess the correct cutting length, and not to go beyond it.
A locking system: this keeps the nail clipper closed when you’re not using it.
Ergonomics
To ensure your comfort while using the nail clipper, look for options that have:
Non-slip handles: it is preferable to equip yourself with a nail clipper with rubberized handles, to ensure a solid grip.
A spring: its purpose will be to facilitate the reopening of the clamp, and to make you gain in working speed while reducing the force required. This will help you focus more on your dog and less on your hands.
Material
Stainless steel is essential for the blades to be sharp enough, in addition to being a robust material.
A safety guard or cutting guide: this allows you to assess the correct cutting length, and not to go beyond it.
A locking system: this keeps the nail clipper closed when you’re not using it.
- A safety guard or cutting guide: this allows you to assess the correct cutting length, and not to go beyond it.
- A locking system: this keeps the nail clipper closed when you’re not using it.
Non-slip handles: it is preferable to equip yourself with a nail clipper with rubberized handles, to ensure a solid grip.
A spring: its purpose will be to facilitate the reopening of the clamp, and to make you gain in working speed while reducing the force required. This will help you focus more on your dog and less on your hands.
- Non-slip handles: it is preferable to equip yourself with a nail clipper with rubberized handles, to ensure a solid grip.
- A spring: its purpose will be to facilitate the reopening of the clamp, and to make you gain in working speed while reducing the force required. This will help you focus more on your dog and less on your hands.
The Anatomy of the Dog’s Claw: A Quick Overview
By familiarizing yourself with the basics of the anatomy of your dog’s nails, you will be less afraid of accidentally touching a more sensitive part and injuring your dog.
The dog’s nail consists of two main parts:
The quick: A sensitive, pink-colored living tissue that contains nerves and small blood vessels. It is clearly visible on white nails, but it is more difficult to distinguish on black nails.
The outer and inner shell: A horny part, which envelops and protects the living part (quick). It is made of keratin, a protein that is also found in the hair, skin, and horns of most animals, including humans. As it contains neither nerve nor blood vessel, it is also called “dead part”, because the dog does not feel anything at this level.
When a nail grows, it is mostly the horny part. However, when the nail is several months long, the living part also eventually grows and spreads into the dead part: thus, a large part of the nail can become sensitive over time. Hence the importance of regularly trimming your dog’s nails!
The quick: A sensitive, pink-colored living tissue that contains nerves and small blood vessels. It is clearly visible on white nails, but it is more difficult to distinguish on black nails.
The outer and inner shell: A horny part, which envelops and protects the living part (quick). It is made of keratin, a protein that is also found in the hair, skin, and horns of most animals, including humans. As it contains neither nerve nor blood vessel, it is also called “dead part”, because the dog does not feel anything at this level.
- The quick: A sensitive, pink-colored living tissue that contains nerves and small blood vessels. It is clearly visible on white nails, but it is more difficult to distinguish on black nails.
- The outer and inner shell: A horny part, which envelops and protects the living part (quick). It is made of keratin, a protein that is also found in the hair, skin, and horns of most animals, including humans. As it contains neither nerve nor blood vessel, it is also called “dead part”, because the dog does not feel anything at this level.
How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails?
It is best to start trimming and trimming your dog’s nails at a young age when he is easier to handle. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, the majority of dog owners should eventually be able to trim their pet’s nails without too much difficulty:
When you are ready to begin trimming, gently grasp your dog’s paw and press lightly so that the nail becomes more prominent. If your companion’s nails are white, look for the pink line where the nail meets the paw: this is the living part, or the quick. Therefore, it is important to cut above this area to avoid bleeding.
Dogs’ black claws can be more difficult to cut because you can’t see where the quick starts. So, you should proceed very slowly, cutting only one small piece of nail at a time. If your dog is very cooperative, you may be able to cut while looking under the nail at the same time to make it easier to see the quick. However, it is probably best to leave this task to your veterinarian, especially if you have little experience.
Hold your dog’s paw firmly and cut off the end of the nail. It’s always best to start slowly, trimming the nail only a little at a time so you don’t cut too far.
If your dog stays still and cooperates, be sure to praise him profusely. For dogs who hate the trimming process, it is better to trim only one nail per day to make sessions more manageable.
Related Read: 10 Best Dog Nail Grinders: Reviews & Top Picks!
- When you are ready to begin trimming, gently grasp your dog’s paw and press lightly so that the nail becomes more prominent. If your companion’s nails are white, look for the pink line where the nail meets the paw: this is the living part, or the quick. Therefore, it is important to cut above this area to avoid bleeding.
- Dogs’ black claws can be more difficult to cut because you can’t see where the quick starts. So, you should proceed very slowly, cutting only one small piece of nail at a time. If your dog is very cooperative, you may be able to cut while looking under the nail at the same time to make it easier to see the quick. However, it is probably best to leave this task to your veterinarian, especially if you have little experience.
- Hold your dog’s paw firmly and cut off the end of the nail. It’s always best to start slowly, trimming the nail only a little at a time so you don’t cut too far.
- If your dog stays still and cooperates, be sure to praise him profusely. For dogs who hate the trimming process, it is better to trim only one nail per day to make sessions more manageable.
Conclusion
Just like you take care of your nails regularly, your dog’s nails need the same treatment. Too long, they can cause health problems and discomfort to your companion. Besides, it is normal if you feel nervous when learning to cut your dog’s nails for the first time. But with the right tools, like the Safari Professional Nail Trimmer (our top pick!) or a more economical option like the Millers Forge Nail Clipper, you’ll feel more confident.
However, if you feel that your dog is really not enjoying the sessions or is showing signs of aggression, seek further advice from a dog trainer or veterinarian.
- Related read: 10 Best Nail Clippers for Dogs with Black Nails
