Best Dog Nail Clippers
Do you keep your pooch’s nails trimmed at all times? This is one of the responsibilities you have to take seriously as a pet owner if you want them to stay healthy and happy. The less often you do that, they may grow too long and would most likely hurt them by accident, make it increasingly challenging to walk, and can result in nail disorders. Can you see why this grooming task is important?
Now that we have established how critical it is to care for your pet’s nails, let us take a look at what nail trimmer for dogs are on the market. Of course, there are a lot of them from different brands, but not all of them are suitable for proper dog grooming.
From our findings, we discovered that there are factors that you have to take into consideration before making a choice as to what trimmer is the best for your pooch, and we took the liberty to highlight and explain those factors as comprehensively as possible. Taking them into consideration would help you make the right choice from our list of top products.
How Did We Pick the Best Dog Nail Clippers?
We constantly strive to put the interests of our readers above everything else. To make sure we do just that, we use informative and well-crafted articles to simplify the confusing maze you must navigate when choosing products to meet your needs. In a concerted effort to help you get the best from the market, we create product reviews by holistically studying the market and analyzing real customers’ feedback. In the end, you can be sure of a sincere and useful verdict from our team.
If you find our articles useful — please feel free to share them with your family, friends, and colleagues. Follow us on our social media platforms to read the latest online product reviews as they drop.
Best Overall
JW Pet Company GripSoft Nail Clippers Non-Slip Handle One Size Fits All
Key Features
- For cats and small dogs
- Short scissor style
- Non-slip rubber handle
- Small blades and safety stop
- Blades made from stainless steel
Why It is Better?
- Sharp, quick, and easy
- Safe and precise
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to control
- Works for both cats and dogs
- Why You Need Dog Nail Clippers?
- How to Pick the Right Dog Nail Trimmer
- Top 5 Best Dog Nail Clippers
- 1. JW Pet Company GripSoft Nail Clippers Non-Slip Handle One Size Fits All
- 2. Epica #1 Best Professional Pet Nail Clipper
- 3. Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper
- 4. Resco Original Deluxe Dog and Cat Nail/Claw Clippers
- 5. Shiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals
- Main Types of Dog Nail Clippers
- Dog Nail Clippers vs Nail Grinders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You Need Dog Nail Clippers?
A dog nail clipper is specially designed equipment for trimming dog nails. They are usually sharp, made of metal, durable, and reliable. They are not like the regular cutting object, they are designed to bring a level of convenience and effectiveness that is not common with other regular cutters. Let us spell out the reasons why you need dog nail clippers.
- Makes it easier for them to walk: When your pet’s nails are too long, walking could be a problem for them. With their paws on the floor, their nails would push into their toes, making it uncomfortable for them to move around.
- Prevents injuries: With so much pressure from the nails digging deep into the skin, it is likely that your canine might develop an injury if the nails are not trimmed. This can be a cut into the skin, or the nail might break, causing pain and bleeding. In a bid to adjust to the situation, your dog may develop an unusual and unhealthy body posture, which can result in other complications.
- Prevents micro-organic contamination: There are some micro-organisms present in nails, and they are always looking for a way to get into the bloodstream and wreak havoc through fractured skin. Treating such a health condition, in most cases, requires a lot of time and effort. It is better to avoid it by trimming your pet’s nails regularly.
- Makes it easier to handle aging: Trimming your pet’s nails should be a routine for you regardless of how old they are. If your dog is older, short nails make it easier for them to deal with old age. It would help them maintain healthy bone structure and reduce the likelihood of developing age-related issues.
How to Pick the Right Dog Nail Trimmer
With a lot of dog nail trimmers on the market, it is obviously difficult to pick one and just ignore the rest, especially when they all seem to be great products. The key lies in understanding your pet and working with that knowledge in making the right decision. To save yourself that hassle, we have come up with a list of everything you need to take into consideration when shopping for a clipper.
- Brands: If you know of a particular trusted brand of dog nail clippers that is getting good reviews, that may be a good place to start looking. If they are getting a lot of their customers excited, then they must be good at what they do. It does not hurt to take a look. Be sure that any brand you intend to purchase matches all or most other factors on this list before making your final decision. Some of the brands we recommend include Epica, Resco, and Millers Forge.
- Safety: There are a few things that determine how safe a dog nail trimmer is. First, it must be sharp. If it is blunt, it would not cut the nails seamlessly. It would grab the nails too hard and may cause harm to your dog. A nail guard also ensures safer clipping of the nail. This prevents over trimming of the nails.
- Blade quality: If the quality of the blade is great, then the clipper will be as well. The qualities to look out for in a blade include consistent sharpness, rust-free, and durability. The most common material used to make blades is stainless steel.
- Comfort: When we talk about comfort, we are referring to a trimmer that is easy to handle without slipping or hurting your hand. One with a rubber covering or anti-grip handle would do. Also, the appropriately longer the handle, the easier it is to cut through nails seamlessly.
- Size: can play a role in how effectively you can trim your canine’s nails. If the tool is too small, it can only work for small dogs and would most likely not go well with a big dog. A big cutter, on the other hand, can work for both small and large-sized pets.
- Type: You need to understand the different types of nail clippers for dogs on the market and consciously go for the one that will work for you. The most common of them all are scissors clippers–they work like scissors and are most suitable for bigger dogs that have thick nails. It lets you apply some extra force when required. There is the guillotine type–this one is more effective for smaller dogs with soft nails. It gently slices off the nails. Another common type is the grinder tool–it is also great for bigger dogs with thick nails. As the name implies, this tool works by grinding off the excess nail as opposed to cutting it out. It does take a little more time compared to the other types.
Top 5 Best Dog Nail Clippers
What is the best dog nail clippers for you and your pooch? Well, the answer to that question is quite particular to you and your pet. Whatever your answer is, based on the information we have given so far, we are sure you would find something suitable in our review list below. We selected the best five clippers on the market based on factors like functionality, efficiency, budget, safety, material, design, and so on. Here they are.
1. JW Pet Company GripSoft Nail Clippers Non-Slip Handle One Size Fits All Review
Key Features
- For cats and small dogs
- Short scissor style
- Non-slip rubber handle
- Small blades and safety stop
- Blades made from stainless steel
We Like
- Sharp, quick, and easy
- Safe and precise
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to control
- Works for both cats and dogs
We Don’t Like
- Does not work for big dogs
- No blade locking feature
After all is said and done, we have decided on JW Pet Company GripSoft Cat Nail Clippers Non-Slip Handle as our best pick. First of all, this product works more effectively for cats of all sizes and smaller dogs, so take note of that. When used properly, you are sure to get a smooth and reliable performance. It is made from stainless steel with a rubber handle that makes for a firm grip while working with it. The stainless steel is high-quality, which means that you will enjoy great durability and consistent sharpness.
The blades may be small, but it comes with a safety stop (when both handles come together) and reduces the possibility of injury when cutting. Other advantages of this particular product include ease of maneuvering. The rubber handle makes for a firm grip, which makes it easier to control while trimming. It is made of high-quality materials and designed with the safety of your pet in mind. This is also such a great product for you if you are on a budget. You get the best without sacrificing quality or going over your budget.
2. Epica #1 Best Professional Pet Nail Clipper Review
Key Features
- Scissor-style trimmer
- Safety lock
- Rubber-coated handle
- 100% lifetime warranty
- Longer handle
- Blade made of steel
We Like
- Effective for professional use
- Easy grip and maneuver
- Durable and long-lasting
- Sharp cutting edge
- Suitable for both small and big dogs
We Don’t Like
- May not work for very large dogs with thick nails
- Cutting edge could be sharper
The second-best pet nail clipper on our list is the Epica #1 Best Professional Pet Nail Clipper. It is designed like a pair of scissors with appropriately long handles covered with rubber for easy maneuvering and firmer gripping. There is a safety lock to prevent injuries and a sharp steel blade for effective trimming. It is specially designed for medium to moderately large dogs with thick nails.
Users have attested to the reliability of this product. The high-quality stainless steel does not need to be sharpened, it is fast, and it does not take a lot of effort to cut thick nails. This trimmer may not be the cheapest on the list, but it is cost-effective, which is a plus.
If you must use this product, you must know that it may not work well for very large breeds of dogs with much thicker nails. Using it on them might cause pain and make their nails brittle because the cutting edge is not sharp enough to handle such nails.
3. Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper Review
Key Features
- Designed for large and extra-large dogs
- Blade made from German stainless steel
- Plier-styled design
- Spring-loaded cutting mechanism
- Rubber-covered handle
- Built-in guard and safety lock
We Like
- Durable materials
- Sharp cutting edge
- Convenient and efficient
- Extra cutting power
- Firm rubber grip
- Moderately long handle
We Don’t Like
- May be too stiff
- Design lapses
If you have a large dog, then Millers Forge dog nail trimmer is the product for you. It was designed with specific features that make it suitable to handle the thick nails of large breeds and cut them seamlessly without hassle. It is a typical plier-style design with a blade made of German stainless steel. It is moderately long and easy to maneuver. The grip is excellent thanks to the durable rubber-covered handle.
It has a spring-loaded cutting mechanism for more precise and effective trimming for dogs of all sizes. The materials are durable, the cutting edge is sharp enough to handle thick nails, and it is effective. One good thing about this product is that it is not just effective, but also one of the cheapest out there. Its only lapse is the handle, which can be a little stiff and cause your hand to tire easily. That aside, this is a great product that can serve you and your pet for a long time.
4. Resco Original Deluxe Dog and Cat Nail/Claw Clippers Review
Key Features
- Available in different sizes
- Comes with a replacement blade and gold medal styptic
- Bonus nail file
- Guillotine-style trimmer
- Limited lifetime warranty
We Like
- Durable and long-lasting
- Suitable for dogs, cats, and other pets
- Bonus accessories available
- Rubber-coated handle for safe gripping
- Delivers smooth, sharp, and quick cuts
We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for smaller dogs
- Cutting edge could be sharper
The Resco Original Deluxe Dog and Cat Nail/Claw Clipper is one of the best nail clipper for dogs out there and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great product with some extra accessories to go with it. You do not have to spend extra money for styptic and a file because they are included in the pack to ensure safety and a more perfect finish. This product comes in different sizes for moderate to big dogs. It may not be such a great fit for your pet if they are small-sized with rather soft nails.
It is made with strong stainless steel that can cut through tough nails consistently for years. The company even offers a limited warranty on this product if you purchase one. This guillotine-style trimmer is suitable for all pets and is easy to work with as well. The rubber-coated handle makes it easy to grip and the cutting edge is sharp enough to deliver smooth, quick cuts.
5. Shiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals Review
Key Features
- Angled scissor-style design
- Suitable for small pets
- Stainless-steel razor-sharp blades
- Ergonomic design
- Rubberized handle
- Comes with an instructional e-book
We Like
- Comes with a lifetime money back guarantee
- Aesthetically appealing
- Sharp cutting tool
- Easy to handle and work with
We Don’t Like
- Does not work for large dogs
- Design lapse
The last, but not least, of the best nail clippers for dogs on our list today is the Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals. It is very effective for cutting the nails of small dogs and other small animals effectively. Plus, it has an aesthetically appealing design that is ergonomic and quite easy to work with. The handle is proportionately long enough with a reasonably wide opening where you can slide your fingers and work it like a pair of scissors. The handle is rubberized for this purpose, giving you a firm grip on the product once you get it right.
The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel and is angled slightly for extra convenience when trimming your canine’s nails. This product is used the way you use a pair of scissors, but since it is not a pair of scissors, we advise that you check out the e-book for the manufacturer’s instruction on how to make use of it. With this product, you will enjoy a lifetime money back guarantee, which counts for something.
Main Types of Dog Nail Clippers
With different designs of dog nail clippers in the market, you may get confused as to which one to go for. There are two major types that you should be aware of.
- Guillotine Clippers:
This type of clippers looks somewhat like a clipper, but with a different approach. It has an opening at the blade area where you can insert your pet’s nail. Then, squeeze the handle to bring the blade through the opening and cut off the nail in a snap. This design is most suitable for regular to medium-sized pets and is probably the most common as well.
This type of clipper is very effective, but you must be careful when using it to ensure that you are doing it right. A wrong move with this tool can crush the nails of your pet and even injure them in the process.
Here are four simple steps on how to use guillotine clippers.
- Hold your pet’s paw in a comfortable position
- Extend the claws by squeezing it at its center pad
- Place the nail in the tool and inspect to make sure it is placed right
- Squeeze the handle for a clean cut
Important tips to take note of is to clip the nail in a perpendicular manner from top to bottom and not from left to right as that can crush the nails. Also, make sure that the blade is not facing the dog, it must always face towards you.
- Scissors clippers:
Some of the best dog nail clippers come in this design, especially those used for larger breeds with thick nails. They look like a small pair of a regular scissors, but instead of a straight cutting edge, the scissor clippers come with a semi-circular shaped blade. It is easier to use compared to guillotine clippers, and it is less likely to crush nails. If you are not experienced in clipping dog nails, it is better to get a pair of scissors that come with a stopper to prevent clipping the nail too far by accident.
Here are the quick steps for using scissors clippers.
- Hold your pet’s paw in a comfortable position
- Extend the claws by squeezing it at its center pad
- Set the stopper or quick guard
- Place the nail in the tool and inspect to make sure it is placed right
- Start opening and cutting in a smooth motion.
Always apply caution when using the scissors type, especially if there is no quick guard.
Dog Nail Clippers vs Nail Grinders
Now that we have established the fact that it is important to keep your canine’s nails groomed, let us talk about the best way you can do that. Should you use clippers or nail grinders? Here, we have compared these two and these are some of the points we have come up with. Clippers are the most common types. They do not take a lot of time to work with and make little to no sound. They are more suitable for pet parents on a budget, work by either manual power or electricity, and are safe to work with so long as you do it right.
Grinders, on the other hand, take more time, make a buzzing noise when in use, and cost quite a lot of money. They are less prone to accident, safer, a more acceptable alternative, and produce a clean end result. Whichever one you decide to use, it is important that you apply caution in each case no matter how safe you think it is. If your pet is not open-minded when it comes to clippers, you should try grinders, which are a better alternative. Note that you may have to get your pet familiarized with the sound first. Some of them find it scary at first.
Frequently Asked Questions
This content has addressed the factors that you need to consider while choosing a clipper for your pet. We understand that you may have some peculiar questions on this matter, so we have selected some of the most frequently asked questions to answer in hopes that they would address any queries you may have.
Yes, you can sharpen your dog nail clippers just like you sharpen any other sharp cutting object. To sharpen the clipper, you may have to take them apart to expose the blades on each handle. With a sharpening tool, can then sharpen the blades. You can take your tool to a groomer to help you out with it if you think you cannot do it yourself.
Professional dog nail clippers would, of course, do a better job because they are high quality tools. Some of the most common brands among groomers include Roscoe, Millers Forge, Epica, and so on. Aside from having a quality tool, it is also important that you understand the skills involved in clipping dog nails.
It may be hard to locate the quick if you are new to the whole grooming nails thing, especially if the nail is dark in color. To avoid cutting the quick, hold your dog’s nail against a light source, flexing the paw so you can see the underside where the veins should be visible. If you still have a doubt, the best thing to do is cut a little per session, just enough to remove excesses that may tamper with their posture. If you clip the quick by accident, your dog would bleed a lot, cause your pooch a lot of pain, but it would eventually clot before they would bleed to death.
It is an added safety bonus if you can get a clipper with a quick guard, but it is crucial to note that quick guards are not foolproof. Familiarizing yourself with the location of your pet’s quick is the best way to avoid cutting into it. The guard would only do so much.
It depends on what type of dog or pet you have. The size of your pet, color of the nails, thickness, how acceptable your pet is of the tool, and your nail cutting skill plays a role in your decision making. Fortunately, we have addressed all of these factors in this piece to help you make the best decision for your pooch. If you have further concerns, please feel free to contact us and we would be glad to address them.
Conclusion
We honestly believe reading this piece would give you all of the information you need to make the right decision as it concerns grooming your pet’s nails. There are quite a few things that you have to consider and research before making that payment. We have done all of the required research for you and we are sure that applying what you have learned from this piece will help you make the right decision.
We encourage you to pick any of our top five tools, but be sure you are picking them based on what is best for you and your pet. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, and the fact that it worked for Jane does not necessarily mean it would work for John. Another point that you need to consider are your grooming skills. Read through the guide online and follow the instructions to make sure you are using the tool correctly. Some of these tools have one two bad reviews because the customer did not know how to use them.