Dog and pet nail grooming tools come in a few different forms.
They can be used for trimming/cutting, grinding and filing.
In this guide, we look at what might be some of the best dog/pet nail grooming, trimming and grinding tools
We look at their features, and what they might each be for.
Let’s take a look.
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
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Best Pet Nail Grooming Tools
Our top rated list for clippers, grinders and file tools are:
Nail Clippers/Trimmers
- Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper (on Amazon)
- Andis Premium Dog Nail Clipper (on Chewy)
- Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs (on Chewy)
- Safari Professional Nail Trimmer (on Amazon)
- BOSHEL Dog Nail Clipper/Trimmer(on Amazon)
Nail Grinders
Our top picks are the cordless 7300-PT, and the Casfuy:
- Dremel 7300-PT Dog & Cat Nail Grinder Kit (on Chewy)
- Dremel 7300-PT Cordless Pet Nail Grooming Tool (on Amazon)
- Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder (on Amazon)
Other cordless grinders include the:
- Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer 7760-PGK (on Amazon)
- Dremel 7300-PGK Dog & Cat Nail Grinder Kit (on Chewy)
- Dremel 7300-PGK Pet Grooming Tool & Kit (on Amazon)
Read a Dremel pet nail grinder comparison guide here.
Although, to be transparent, Dremel has since released a newer 7350-PET model, which you can read about here.
Corded grinders options include:
- Wahl Ultimate Corded Pet Nail Grinder (on Chewy)
- Wahl Ultimate Pet Nail Grinder (on Amazon)
- Andis EasyClip 2-Speed Pet Nail Grinder (on Chewy) (corded grinder)
- Andis EasyClip 2-Speed Pet Nail Grinder (on Amazon)
Nail Files
- Safari Diamond Dog Nail File (on Chewy)
- Coastal Pet Products/Safari Diamond Dog Nail File (on Amazon)
Best Pet Nail Grooming Tools: Reviews
Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper
Features
Comes in 2 sizes – small/medium, and medium/large
The different sizes of clippers have their blades spaced according to the size of small to large dog nails
Clippers are made of stainless steel so they stay clean and sharp
You can lock these clippers in a closed position
Handle is made of rubber and comes with a red color
Comes with a lifetime warranty
View the Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper (on Amazon)
Safari Professional Nail Trimmer
Comes in 2 sizes – small/medium, and medium/large
The different sizes of clippers have their blades spaced according to the size of small to large dog nails
Clippers are made of stainless steel so they stay clean and sharp
You can lock these clippers in a closed position
Handle is made of rubber and comes with a green color
For best results, cut dog’s nails immediately after bathing
Safari Professional Nail Trimmer (on Amazon)
BOSHEL Dog Nail Clipper/Trimmer
Clippers are made of stainless steel so they stay clean and sharp
You can lock these clippers in a closed position
Handle is made of rubber and comes with a green color
Comes with a bonus nail file
For medium to large sized dogs
BOSHEL Dog Nail Clipper/Trimmer (on Amazon)
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder: Features
A cordless dog nail grinder that is reasonably lightweight and compact
Charges with a USB cable
The grinding piece that grinds the nails is a diamond bit – there’s a protective cover that goes over it whilst the grinder is in operation
Designed to be a low noise grinder
Has 2 speeds (choosable with the switch)
Has 3 nail ports
Adjust the speed and use a nail port to suit your dog’s nail size and hardness
Who Might The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Be For?
Those looking for a cordless nail grinder
Those looking for an alternative to the Dremel grinder
Those looking for a USB chargeable grinder
Those who want to use a grinder in addition to, or as a substitute for a pair of nail clippers or a nail file
Those looking for a 2 speed grinder
Who Might The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder NOT Be For?
Those who prefer a Dremel or another brand of nail grinder
Those who want zero noise – from using a pair of manual nail clippers for example
Should You Get The Casfuy Or A Dremel?
It probably comes down to a few factors:
Cost
Durability (how long the tool and it’s battery lasts for)
What’s included in the warranty
Size of the tool (the Casfuy dimensions might be slightly smaller)
In terms of performance – some Dremel tools may have slightly more power for larger or thicker dog nails (but the Casfuy is multi speed – so it has higher speeds for more RPMs)
The exception to that is if you use a Dremel tool that can also take other Dremel accessories and allow you to do other tasks and light projects around the house. There may be more value for money in a tool like this as the Casfuy is only a diamond bit – it doesn’t take other bits and attachments like some Dremels might.
If you want to check out some of the other Dremels made specifically for pet nail grinding and their features, you can do so in this comparison guide.
Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder
A cordless dog nail grinder that is reasonably lightweight and compact
Charges with a USB cable
The grinding piece that grinds the nails is a diamond bit – there’s a protective cover that goes over it whilst the grinder is in operation
Designed to be a low noise grinder
Only has one speed
Has 3 nail ports
Adjust the speed and use a nail port to suit your dog’s nail size and hardness
Who Might The Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder Be For?
Those looking for a cordless nail grinder
Those looking for an alternative to the Dremel grinder
Those looking for a USB chargeable grinder
Those who want to use a grinder in addition to, or as a substitute for a pair of nail clippers or a nail file
Those looking for a one speed grinder
Who Might The Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder NOT Be For?
Those who prefer a Dremel or another brand of nail grinder
Those who want zero noise – from using a pair of manual nail clippers for example
Those looking for a multiple speed grinder
Should You Get The Hertzko Or A Dremel?
It probably comes down to a few factors:
Cost
Durability (how long the tool and it’s battery lasts for)
What’s included in the warranty
Size of the tool (the Hertzko dimensions might be slightly smaller)
In terms of performance – some Dremel tools may have slightly more power for larger or thicker dog nails, and Dremels are usually also multi speed.
A Dremel tool may also take other Dremel accessories and allow you to do other tasks and light projects around the house. There may be more value for money in a tool like this as the Hertzko is only a diamond bit – it doesn’t take other bits and attachments like some Dremels might.
Wahl Ultimate & Classic Pet Nail Grinders: Features
Wahl Ultimate Pet Nail Grinder
A corded pet nail grinder (uses a 5 foot cord)
Works with sanding bands on a sanding drum
Has variable speed up to 13,000 RPM
Tool is 8.75 inches long, and weighs 5.7 ounces
Comes sold as a kit from some retailers – with drums, sanding bands, etc.
Has a warranty – but, check the warranty at your time of purchase
Wahl Classic Pet Nail Grinder
A cordless battery operated pet nail grinding tool (requires 2 C batteries which aren’t included)
Uses sanding bands on a sanding drum
Has an operational speed up to 5,300 strokes per minute
Has a safety auto stop feature, and also comes with a safety cap
Tool is 8.5 inches long, and weighs 9 ounces
Has a warranty – but, check the warranty at your time of purchase
Comes as a kit
We can see that some of the major differences between the two models are the speeds available, being corded vs cordless, and the weight of the tools.
Who Might The Wahl Pet Nail Grinders Be For?
The Wahl grinders use sanding drums and sanding bands as opposed to sanding discs, or a diamond bit. So, they suit people looking for that sanding method for grooming nails.
Additionally, they come in both corded and cordless models – so, there’s something for both preferences.
Who Might The Wahl Pet Nail Grinders NOT Be For?
Those who prefer a Dremel or another brand of nail grinder
Those who want zero noise – from using a pair of manual nail clippers for example
Those who live outside the US (the products we viewed are only under warranty in the US)
The Ultimate is a slightly higher priced grinder – so, it wouldn’t suit those looking for a lower priced grinder
Should You Get A Wahl Grinder, Or A Dremel?
Our opinion is the The Dremel 7300-PT is probably a better option than the Wahl Classic. The Wahl Ultimate offers a point of difference being a corded grinder.
It probably comes down to a few factors:
Cost (the Ultimate is a higher priced tool)
Durability (how long the tool and it’s battery lasts for)
What’s included in the warranty
Size of the tool
Where you live (if Wahl tools are only under warranty in the US – you wouldn’t buy them if you live internationally)
You also have to consider which tools allow you to use other accessories and allow you to do other tasks and light projects around the house. There may be more value for money in a tool that allows this.
Andis Pet Nail Grinders: Features
EasyClip 2 Speed
A corded nail grinder that is 8.25 in. long
Weighs 0.4 lbs
Uses sanding bands
Has 2 speeds available – 7000, and 12,000 strokes per minute
Comes with a kit
A slightly higher price grinder compared to some of the other grinders on the market
Cordless
A cordless pet nail grinding tool
Uses a lithium-ion battery that has up to 3 hours of battery time
Uses sanding bands on a sanding barrel
Is 8.30 in. in length, and weighs 0.75lbs
Has 6 speeds between 7000 to 18,000 strokes per minute
Comes with a kit
2 Speed With Grinding Stone
A rechargeable cordless pet nail grinding tool
Uses a lithium ion battery, and comes with a charging adapter
Uses a grinding stone for nails
Has two speeds – normal and turbo
Designed more for small and medium sized pets
Who Might The Andis Pet Nail Grinders Be For?
Those looking for both corded and cordless pet nail grinders
Those looking for dual and variable speed grinders
Those looking for grinders that use sanding bands and grinding stones
Who Might The Andis Pet Nail Grinders NOT Be For?
Those who prefer a Dremel or another brand of nail grinder
Those who want zero noise – from using a pair of manual nail clippers for example
Should You Get An Andis, Or A Dremel?
Our preference is the Dremel PT-7300, or a grinder like the Casfuy.
However, the EasyClip 2 speed offers a corded option that the Dremel grinders don’t.
Also look at these factors:
Cost
Durability (how long the tool and it’s battery lasts for)
What’s included in the warranty
A Dremel tool may also take other Dremel accessories and allow you to do other tasks and light projects around the house.
Oster Pet Nail Grinder: Features
A cordless pet nail grinder
Uses AA batteries (but these batteries aren’t included)
Has two speeds
Uses sanding bands for nails, but also comes with a grinding stone
Who Might The Oster Pet Nail Grinder Be For?
Those who want a cordless grinder
Those who want a two speed grinder
Who Might The Oster Pet Nail Grinder NOT Be For?
Those who want a variable speed grinder with more than two speeds
Those who want a rechargeable battery grinder
Those who prefer a Dremel or another brand of nail grinder
Those who want zero noise – from using a pair of manual nail clippers for example
Should You Get The Oster Or A Dremel?
We like the value of the Dremel 7300-PT better personally, or even the Casfuy grinder.
But it can also come down to these factors:
Cost
Durability (how long the tool and it’s battery lasts for)
What’s included in the warranty
Size of the tool
A Dremel tool may also take other Dremel accessories and allow you to do other tasks and light projects around the house.
Furminator Pet Nail Grinder: Features
A cordless nail grinder
Uses AA batteries
Uses sanding bands to groom nails
Has two speeds
Has a LED light to illuminate work on front of grinder
Who Might The Furminator Pet Nail Grinder Be For?
Those looking for a battery operated grinder
Those looking for a 2 speed grinder
Who Might The Furminator Pet Nail Grinder NOT Be For?
Those who want more than 2 speeds
Those who want a corded grinder
Those who want rechargeable batteries
Those who prefer a Dremel or another brand of nail grinder
Those who want zero noise – from using a pair of manual nail clippers for example
Should You Get The Furminator Or A Dremel?
We prefer the Dremel 7300-PT and the Casfuy grinders over the Furminator.
Other factors you might consider when comparing the two are:
Cost
Durability (how long the tool and it’s battery lasts for)
What’s included in the warranty
Size of the tool
A Dremel tool may also take other Dremel accessories and allow you to do other tasks and light projects around the house.
Best Pet Nail Grooming Tools: Buyer’s Guide
Clippers vs Grinders vs Files – Which To Use?
Clippers use a scissors like motion and cut straight through the nail.
Grinders grind or sand the nail as opposed to cutting it.
Files gradually file the nail down.
…
An advantage to using clippers is that there isn’t the noise of an electric or battery operated grinder to worry about. There can be significant force required with clippers for bigger and thicker nails though
An advantage to a grinder is that they don’t require as much impact force as a pair of clipper, and they can also round off or smooth off the nail. A disadvantage is that some pets might be slightly scared of an electric grinder or scared of the noise
An advantage of a file is that there’s no electric grinder noise. A disadvantage is that they might not be good for anything more than rounding off a nail – as opposed to cutting or grinding off larger amounts of nail
…
Generally, most owners might use a pair of manual nail clippers/trimmers, or a basic/affordable grinder with a sanding bit (on a sanding wheel) or a grinding stone
Types Of Dog/Pet Nail Grinders
The two main types are cordless, and corded pet nail grinders.
Cordless nail grinders might be categorised by the type of battery they use – replaceable, or rechargeable (lithium ion).
Beyond that, grinders might be categorised by the type of grooming bit they use – sanding bands, sanding discs, or a grinding bit/grinding stone.
Some Of The Features To Look Out For, Or Consider
Whether the grinder is corded or cordless
The type of battery it uses
How long the battery lasts in operation
How long the battery takes to charge
How a tool recharges – via AC charger adapter, via USB cable, or something else
The number of speeds the grinder has – two speed, one speed, variable speed
The length, and weight of the grinding tool
Whether the grinder uses grinding discs, sanding bands and drums, or grinding stones
Whether the tool comes with a kit
Whether other bits can be used with the tool to use the tool for other activities other than grooming nails
The price of the tool
What the warranty includes and how long it is
What country the tool can be used in
The number of grinding ports the tool has
The size of pet the tool is designed for – small, medium or large
Why We Like The Dremel & Casfuy
The Dremel PT-300 and the Casfuy are both affordable, reasonably reliable, can be used for a range of sizes of pets, and have decent value overall.
The Dremel PawControl 7760-PGK is also worth looking at because it has a rechargeable lithium ion battery.
Options Other Than Nail Grinders
Nail Clippers
Nail Files
How To Cut Your Dog’s Nails
Two important things when understanding how to cut your dog’s nails are:
1. Before attempting to trim your pet’s nails – go see your pet’s vet and ask them to show you a safe way to do it, and what tools to use.
They can show you important things such as where the nerve is in your pet’s nail, and how to avoid it.
They can show you how much nail to cut off, and where to cut with the clippers
2. The clippers you buy should come with nail clipping instructions – pay attention to these instructions for how to use the clippers you buy, and particularly how to use them safely
In general, a dog has a section of their nail called the ‘quick’, which is located deep within the nail.
The quick is the blood suppy and nerves to your dog’s nail, and if you clip it, it will cause pain and damage to your dog’s nail area.
Around the quick is the hard shell of the nail that can be clipped.
With most nail clippers, you can angle the clippers slightly, with the top side of the clippers closer to the outside of the nail.
You can clip off small parts of the nail shell.
When you get close to the quick, you should be able to see a very small white dot or white area.
When you see this white area, you can stop clipping as any more clipping means you risk cutting the quick.
Alternatives To Nail Clippers
Some people aren’t comfortable with, or prefer not to use nail clippers.
Common alternatives to nail clippers are:
- Dog Nail Files
- Dog Nail Grinders like the Dremel 7300 PT Pet Nail Grooming Tool (on Chewy) / Dremel 7300 PT Pet Nail Grooming Tool (on Amazon)
The benefit to files and grinders is you don’t have to cut all the way through the nail with one motion.
You can gradually remove smaller layers of the nail at a slower rate.
You can also round off the nail, whereas with a clipper you can only get a straight line cut.
It’s important to note as well that most dogs who get regular exercise are going to naturally round off and wear down their nails by walking on pavement and harder surfaces (but you may still clip or grind down the nail).
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