Best Dog Nail Grinders in 2021

Best Dog Nail Grinders Review

Hearing the sound of your dog’s nails click on the floor as they run towards you is a sign that their nails are getting too long. If you let your dog’s nails grow too long, it can impede their range of movement. If you find your dog scratching at the floor, sofa, or chair, then you know it’s time for a nail cut, as this is a natural response when their nails are too long. This means it’s time to trim their nails and any dog owner knows that it isn’t an easy task.

Any dog owner who has tried to use a regular nail clipper will know how difficult it is to keep your dog still; luckily, there is an easier option. Instead of struggling with your dog, you can use a pet nail grinder; they work like a powered nail file that uses friction to shape and shorten your dog’s nails. They allow trimming sessions to be a much calmer experience for you and your dog.

Your dog needs a nail trim every four to six weeks. To achieve a successful nail trimming session, allow your dog to sniff and inspect the tool before turning it on, and if your dog can tolerate the feel and sound, then you’re good to go. Nail grinders make it impossible to cut your dog accidentally, and this makes it a safer choice.

BUYING GUIDE FOR THE BEST DOG NAIL GRINDER

What Is A Dog Nail Grinder?

A dog nail grinder is a grooming, rotary power tool that uses friction to trim and shape your dog’s nail. It uses a material similar to sandpaper, and it is a better option than regular nail clippers. Dog nail grinders are also known as Dremels, named after a leading nail grinding brand.

How Do Dog Nail Grinders Work?

They work in a rotary motion that quickly trims your dog’s nail by using friction. They are powered by electricity or use rechargeable batteries. They also come with safety guards that ensure your dog’s toe is at a safe angle from the nail grinder and assuring you that you won’t injure your beloved pet.

Importance Of Trimming Your Dogs Nails

Trimming your dog’s nails is a part of grooming that you shouldn’t overlook. Most dog owners may be wondering about outdoor dogs that don’t get grooming procedures such as nail trimming.

They don’t get regular nail trimming, but they run around on various types of surfaces do; their nails tend to wear off naturally, but it’s not the same for indoor dogs. Indoor dogs don’t get to wear down their nails naturally, mainly because they spend all their time indoors where there are hardwood floors or carpets. Neglecting your dog’s nails can cause serious health problems, and the scratches you’ll get would be worse. Below are some of the issues that arise with extra long nails.

Flat Feet

Dogs move according to how their nails allow them to move with ease. If your dog has long nails, it will affect your dog’s feet bones alignment, which will cause your dog to look flat-footed.

Injuries

Overgrown nails can easily get tangled in things around the house, like your carpet and beddings, and this could lead to severe injuries. The nails can also grow inward toward the paw and dig into the paws’ soft flesh, causing your dog to feel discomfort when moving about.

Arthritis or Joint Pain

Long nails can change the alignment of your dog’s leg bones and cause the bones to twist. It can lead to Arthritis or joint pain; in severe cases, it can also increase the chances of broken legs.

Floor and Furniture Damage

Leaving your dog’s nails to overgrow will cause them to destroy your valuable property, such as your hardwood floors or branded furniture, as they are at risk of getting scraped.

DOG NAIL GRINDER Vs. TRADITIONAL CLIPPERS

Choosing between a dog nail grinder and a clipper will depend on your dog’s personality and grooming preference. If your dog is scared of loud sounds and skittish, it will be best to avoid using a nail grinder and go for a clipper instead. If you opt for a clipper, we suggest that you go very slowly when cutting and cut tiny bits of nails every week to avoid injuries and discomfort.

It is better to cut off a small portion of the nail so that your dog quick can retract from the edge of the nail, allowing you to cut off more the next week. If you cut a large number of nails off at once, you could risk cutting your dog’s quick. In other cases, you can decide to use both a nail clipper and nail grinder; the clipper can be used to clip bits of nail off, while the grinder can smooth out the nails to avoid sharp edges.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANATGES OF USING A DOG NAIL GRINDER

There are numerous advantages of using a dog nail grinder, but they also have their downside. We’ll be covering some of them below.

Advantages of Using A Nail Grinder

• If you tend to have shaky hands due to anxiety or you simply don’t have steady hands, then using a nail grinder would be much easier and safer. Handling your dog and a tool at the same time is no easy task, but a nail grinder will offer you precise control over the tool and allow you to perform a one-handed grooming job.
• It is useful when dealing with distressed dogs. Some dogs start whining and yelping when it comes to nail trimming, mainly because they have had a rough experience with nail trimmings, or they simply don’t like it. Nail grinders tend to eliminate this trouble as your pet remains relaxed, and you can avoid cutting into the quick.
• Clippers are mainly good for cutting nails, but they tend to leave sharp edges on your dog’s claws. These sharp edges tend to act like little pins, and you run the risk of getting scratched or have your carpet and furniture scraped. On the other hand, grinders allow you to smoothen the edges of your dog’s nails, making them look nicer and preventing any sharp edges from ruining your carpet and furniture.
• Different dogs have varying nail thickness, and so does the amount of pressure needed to make a cut using a clipper. The situation gets worse when you mistakenly cut your dog’s cuticle or crack their nail. Using nail grinders prevents these issues, so you won’t have to worry.
• Using a nail grinder is cost-effective. Going to the vet for regular grooming appointments can be quite expensive. Having a nail grinder at home will offer you the same results at less than half of the price.
• Nail grinders are ideal for large dogs as their nails may be too thick to cut with a clipper. A nail grinder will allow you easily trim your dog’s nails.

Disadvantages of Using A Nail Grinder

• A nail grinder may scare your dog away. Some dogs get nervous when they hear the sound a nail grinder makes or feel the vibration, so you can never be too sure how well your dog may take the nail grinding process. You can try calming your dog by giving lots of treats and praise as you start to trim their nails.
• Dog owners usually make the mistake of cutting the living part, which is known as quick. A dog’s nail has two parts, the quick part containing the nerves that supply blood to nourish the nail and upper shell. Ensure you are careful when grinding; you should be able to see a small dot in the middle that should let you know when to stop grinding. Grinders can still injure your dog’s quick if you’re not careful, but they are less likely to cause harm than a clipper.
• Grinding your dog’s nail can cause an undesirable odor to arise, and you could also feel the nail files hitting your face and creating a mess. You can remedy this by grinding your dog’s nail outside. You can also decide to wear a mouth cover or eye gear.

FACTORS TO NOTE WHEN SELECTING THE BEST DOG NAIL GRINDER

Buying a dog nail grinder might not be the most difficult decision to make, but there are certain factors you need to note in order to choose the best tool for your dog.

Power or Speed

Dog nails are similar to human nails as they are made from an intense protein known as Keratin, just like human nails. However, humans have one layer while dogs have two layers. This is why it is important that the nail grinder you get has enough power to trim your dog’s nail. Keep in mind that puppies have softer nails than adult dogs, so they require different power settings to grind nails. It will be best to find a nail grinder that comes with multiple power and speed levels, as it will allow you to speed up or slow down the grinder. It also comes in handy if you have dogs of varying sizes.

Noise and Vibration

Dog nail grinders make some noise, and dogs tend to be sensitive to loud noises or vibrations. Some dogs may have no issue with the sound, but others make freak out. Ensure you opt for a nail grinder that has a quiet motor, a grinder that has less than 50 decibels should be alright so you can have a less stressful grooming session.

Wired or Wireless

Like with any other equipment, the wireless option allows you to move around without any hindrance. On the other hand, wired equipment usually has more power. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

Ease of Use

A nail grinder should be lightweight and comfortable to hold. Nail grinding takes a while, so it’s best that you opt for one that’s comfortable to handle. If your nail grinder is heavy, it would be harder and uncomfortable for you to grind your dog’s nail.

Durability

Nobody wants a tool that will give up after a few uses; that’s why it’s best to opt for a durable nail grinder. It should be made from high quality materials such as plastic with high density. You could also choose a diamond bit nail grinder as they last longer.

Safety Guard

Making sure your dog is okay is of utmost importance. It is vital that you ensure that you do not cut too far in and cause damage to your dogs quick; if not, bleeding and infection could occur. Make sure you choose a nail grinder that comes with a safety guard option to prevent hurting your dog during the grinding process.

Ports

The majority of dog nail grinders come with three ports for small to medium and large for different sizes of dogs. Ensure that the grinder you choose is a perfect fit for your dog’s size.

Charging Time and Runtime

If you own one dog, you don’t have to worry about the runtime. However, if you have multiple pets, it may be best to opt for a nail grinder with a lengthy runtime. It is also important to check how long it would take for the grinder to charge fully.

Portability and Weight

If you have trouble lifting and using heavy equipment, it will be best to choose a lightweight nail grinder and easy to move around.

Ease of Cleaning

Nobody wants a pet grooming tool that’s difficult to clean up; it will discourage you from using the tool. Make sure you choose a dog nail grinder that’s as easy to clean as it’s easy to use.

Replacement Discs

Ensure that you can always find replacement discs for the grinder you choose before paying for the tool.

Price

Compromising on your pet’s care to save a few dollars is never the best option, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank before getting a good quality dog nail grinder. Look for all the important features you need in a nail grinder, see if it matches your budget, and choose the one that best suits your needs.

HOW DO I GRIND MY DOG’S NAILS AT HOME?

To achieve a stress-free nail trimming session, follow the simple steps listed below.

• Slowly introduce your dog to the grinder so that he gets accustomed to the sound and smell. You could also entice your dog by placing the grinder with his favorite treat. Once your dog gets familiar with the grinder and feels safe, you can begin the process of nail grinding.
• Select an area that’s comfortable for your dog, somewhere they feel happy and relaxed. To warm up your dog for what comes next, turn on the grinder and let your dog spend some time to get used to the sound. you can also adjust the speed setting of the grinder, and once your dog is relaxed, you can start grinding nails.
• Ensure you use the grinder from the bottom of the nail tip and gently move it upwards. Be careful and grind in a circular motion to achieve a smooth finish. It’s also advisable to split the process into shorter sessions to not overheat the grinder.
• To grind your dog’s nails, take hold of their paw and lift it, push back the hair on the paw, place the grinding part on the tip of the nail, grind slowly to the desired length, and round the tip using the grinder.
• Follow the process for all four legs, and very soon, there would be no more clicking sound around the house.
• Make sure you give your healthy dog treats at intervals. When you’re done grinding, clean the grinder wheel with a clean cloth to get rid of any nail dirt and debris.

DOG NAIL GRINDING TIPS

• Ensure You Watch Your Handling Position: Handling the grinder in the right way is highly important. For optimum control, hold the grinder higher upwards and towards the top of your dog’s nails.
• Watch Out For Overheating: Dog nail grinders tend to get hot, which is why it’s advised not to keep the grinder on your dog’s nails for more than two seconds at a time. Make sure you hold back to avoid overheating; repeat the process until you get your desired result.
• Protect Your Dog’s Fur: If your dog has long hair, you need to think of trimming it or finding a way to hold it back before grinding his nails, to prevent the fur from getting caught in the grinder.
• Keep Your Dog Stress Free: Some dogs feel at ease when in a seated position with their paws out, but others prefer their paws being bent backward. Find out the position your dog likes best, so he remains comfortable while you grind his nails.

Now that you have gone through the buying guide, you should know all the features that a good quality dog nail grinder should have and how to select the best nail grinder for your pet. To make it easier for you, we have provided you with a comprehensive list of the best nail grinder for dogs; it explains their features in detail and what makes them suitable for use. Let’s check out the list.

Below is a comprehensive list of the best dog nail grinders. Having this information will allow you to choose the most suitable option for you and your pet.