The 15 Best Dog Nail Clippers

What to Look for When Purchasing Dog Nail Clippers

• Style

When purchasing for a dog nail clipper, choose one that is easy for you to handle and use on your pet. Molly Bissantz, professional dog groomer and proprietor of Grooming by Molly in Boise, Idaho, states, “Guillotine and scissor clippers come in different sizes to fit the different sizes in dogs and cats.”

“When the handle is pressed together, the guillotine clipper works by pulling the blades together vertically.” It takes practice to learn this type of trimmer. Scissor type nail trimmers work similarly to scissors—they are simple to use and enable for small amounts to be removed at a time, reducing harm to the nail.”

“Electric grinders are wonderful for smoothing out the nail,” she says. “It may also be less harmful to the quick than nail clippers.” Many non-professional models, on the other hand, are big, loud, and not designed for high volume cutting.”

• Size

“The nail clippers must be suitable for the pet,” advises Bissantz. “On a dog with long, thick nails, little clippers will not work as well.” Large clippers on a small dog may make it difficult to determine where the quick is.”

• Sharpness

It’s critical to get nail trimmers with a sharp blade that can cut through nails without snagging. “The nail trimmer blades must be sharp or the nail will split, leave a very rough or sharp edge, or not cut through the nail,” adds Bissantz.

• a safeguard

If you’re not an expert dog groomer or nail trimmer, you should opt for nail clippers with a safety guard. “Many clippers have a quarter-inch guard on the back to help you avoid taking too much off the nail,” Bissantz adds. But keep in mind that the quick stop is merely a tip, not a failsafe solution to avoid over-trimming.

FAQ

Can human nail clippers be used on dogs?
If you don’t have dog nail clippers on hand, you might be wondering if you can use human nail clippers on your dog. It is conceivable, particularly on pups, small dogs, and cats, but Bissantz does not encourage it as a regular practice. “Because the pressure of the cut is different than with scissor or guillotine kinds, the nail from human nail clippers is more likely to split.”

What is the best way to sharpen dog nail clippers?
Sharp nail clippers produce clean, effective cuts, reducing discomfort for your dog and speeding up the process. If you’ve found that your nail clippers aren’t cutting as effectively as they used to, they may need to be sharpened. You’ll need a grinding stone, diamond tapered rod, or ceramic rod for this.

Begin by disassembling the clippers, then run the tool down each side of the blade, following the angle of its curvature, which is usually between 35 and 40 degrees. When reassembling the clippers, you should lubricate the spring to keep the equipment running smoothly.

Are cat and dog nail clippers interchangeable?
If your animals are of similar size, you can use the same nail clippers on both cats and dogs. Small nail clippers are required for cats, and these clippers are frequently suited for use on pups and small breed dogs. However, if you have a larger dog, larger clippers will be required, as cat nail clippers may likely struggle to cut through thick nails.

Reviews

Best Overall: Safari Nail Trimmer Professional Stainless Steel

• Scissor style
• Small/Medium or Medium/Large breed size
• All Life Stages | Material: Stainless Steel
• Size: 0.5 x 2.55 x 10.5 inches
• Angled blades are available.

What We Enjoy

• Affordable
• Sharp and long-lasting blades
• Simple to grasp
• There are several sizes available.
• It is also safe to use on cats.

What We Dislike

• The size of the safety stop may not be appropriate for every dog.

The Safari Professional Nail Trimmer checks all of the essential boxes for a grooming equipment. They’re strong and well-made, with sharp blades, a safety stop for guiding, and two sizes to fit your dog. They’re also pretty affordable as an added benefit!

These nail clippers contain a non-slip handle that lets you to hold them securely, as well as a tension spring that pushes them open after each cut, speeding up the procedure. They lock shut while not in use, and our tester discovered that they quickly cut through her dog’s nails without snagging during testing. However, we don’t think you should rely solely on the adjustable safety stop to keep your dog’s nails from being too short-you’ll also want to perform a visual check to avoid nicking the quick.

Because of the double-bladed cutter, the Safari trimmer may be used with either your left or right hand. Furthermore, the stainless steel keeps their edge for a long time, giving a dependable, simple nail trimming technique that aids in maintaining a constant habit.

Best Budget: Nail Clipper by Millers Forge

• Scissor style
• Size of Breed: All sizes
• Adult life stage
• Stainless steel is the material.
• 5.5 x 3 x 0.5 inches in size
• Plier is the blade type.

What We Enjoy

• Sharp and long-lasting blades
• Simple to grasp
• Affordable

What We Dislike

• There is no quick stop or sensor.

The Millers Forge Nail Clippers are simple and inexpensive, making them ideal for at-home touch-ups. The handle of these stainless steel clippers has plastic grips and a spring-loaded cutting mechanism that opens the blade after each cut. The clippers come with a safety lock that keeps the clipper closed and may be removed if you do not want to use it.

These nail clippers are available in medium and large sizes, so they will fit most breeds, though they may not be suitable for extra-small or extra-big pups. Their heat-treated stainless steel construction is built to last for years.

Best Grinder: Dremel PawControl Pet Nail Grinding Kit 7760

• Grinder is a style.
• Size of Breed: All sizes
• All stages of life
• Plastic is the material.
• 8.25 x 2 x 0.75 inch dimensions
• Rotary blade type

What We Enjoy

• Cordless and lightweight
• Battery life is extended.
• Maintains appropriate nail angle
• Several grinding accessories are included.

What We Dislike

• Fairly costly
• There is no storage case.

Many experts advocate utilizing a dog nail grinder instead of regular clippers if you’re new to cutting your dog’s nails, as these equipment provide you more control over the nail-trimming procedure. Because it is lightweight, cordless, and adaptable, the Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder is an excellent choice for grooming your dog’s nails.

This nail grinder includes nine attachments, including sanding bands and discs. It also comes with a removable, one-of-a-kind cover that fits over the grinder and, when used, keeps your dog’s nail at the best angle for filing. The grinder is powered by a 4-volt battery that charges via USB connection and has a runtime of slightly under three hours per charge.

Best for Small Dogs: Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals with a Shiny Finish

• Scissor style
• Small breed size
• All stages of life
• Stainless steel is the material.
• Size: 3.7 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches
• Angled blades are available.

What We Enjoy

• Sharp and long-lasting blades
• Simple to grasp
• Plastic that has been recycled

What We Dislike

• Will not reopen after snipping

The Shiny Pet Nail Clippers are a tiny and reasonably priced option for small dogs and even cats. These scissor-style clippers include slanted stainless steel blades for the ideal cutting angle, as well as finger holes lined with an anti-slip grip. They have a semi-circular edge that provides a rapid and exact cut and are suitable for all tiny animals, including puppies and small dog breeds, cats, and even bunnies or hamsters. The main disadvantage of these clippers is that there is no spring mechanism, so you must manually open them after each cut.

Best for Large Dogs: Best Professional Pet Nail Clipper Epica

• Scissor style
• Large and Extra Large breed sizes
• All stages of life
• Stainless steel is the material.
• Size: 9.5 x 3.7 x 0.8 inches
• Angled blades are available.

What We Enjoy

• Sharp and long-lasting blades
• Simple to grasp
• Affordable
• Warranty for life

What We Dislike

• It is not enough to rely just on the safety stop to avoid cutting the quick.
• Users with little hands may find it too bulky.

If you have a huge or extra-large dog breed, such as a Great Dane or a Mastiff, you’ll need a strong pair of clippers like these. The Epica Best Professional Pet Nail Clippers are rather large and have solid stainless steel blades that can cut through even the thickest dog nails—our tester used them with no issue on her 100-pound Anatolian Shepherd.

The handles of these clippers are non-slip, and they contain a spring-action system that keeps them open. The high-quality stainless steel blades are resistant to dulling, and there’s even a safety edge to avoid over-cutting. However, because these clippers are rather huge, they can be a bit cumbersome to manage, especially if you have small hands.

Best Automatic: Rotating Pet Nail File by Bell + Howell

• Grinder is a style.
• Breed Dimensions: All Dimensions
• All stages of life
• Plastic is the material.
• Size: 7.3 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches
• Rotary blade type

What We Enjoy

• There are two speed settings.
• The cap retains the nail at the right angle and protects the skin.
• Replacement rollers are included.
• LED light built-in

What We Dislike

• There is no rechargeable battery.
• Some animals loathe the sound.

Does your dog despise getting their nails clipped? If so, the Bell + Howell Paw Perfect Rotating File is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to complete the task. This grinder has numerous unique features that allow you to nearly painlessly trim your dog’s nails, and it functions rapidly to minimize stress on your animal.

This grinder includes a high and low setting and a lid with slots for small, medium, and large dog nails. The slots assist you in achieving the proper angle while keeping your dog’s skin and fur away from the grinder, and there’s even an automatic LED guide light to help you see what you’re doing. The tool contains a textured, non-slip handle and three replaceable rollers, including fine and super fine grits. It is powered by three AA batteries.

Best Guillotine: Original Resco Dog, Cat, and Pet Nail/Claw Clippers

• Guillotine style
• Medium or large breed size
• Adult life stage
• Plastic and stainless steel are used.
• 5 x 3.75 x 0.63 inch dimensions
• Type of Blade: Guillotine

What We Enjoy

• Prevents nail breaking and splintering
• Replacement blades
• Warranty for life

What We Dislike

• To use safely, practice is required.

Guillotine nail clippers allow you to cut your dog’s nails with less force, but they can be difficult to learn and are best used by experienced pet parents. If you prefer this type of instrument, the Resco Dog Nail Clippers, which come in two sizes and have sturdy steel blades that give exact cuts, are an excellent choice.

The Resco Clippers contain guillotine-style blades that rapidly and cleanly cut through your dog’s nails. Furthermore, you can replace the blades on these clippers if they become dull, allowing you to use them for many years to come.

Best with Safety Guard: Nail Clippers by GoPets

• Scissor style
• Small or large breed size
• Stage of Life: Al
• Plastic and stainless steel are used.
• 8 x 3.3 x 0.5 inch dimensions
• Angled blades are available.

What We Enjoy

• Can be used on both small and large animals.
• Sharp and long-lasting blades
• Simple to grasp
• Nail file is included.

What We Dislike

• more expensive than the competitors

Overcutting your dog’s nail can be uncomfortable, which is why many people choose to use clippers with a safety guard, such as the GoPets Nail Clippers. Behind the blades of these clippers is a metal plate that stops your dog’s nail, ensuring you only cut off small amounts at a time. This will assist you avoid cutting into the quick and keep your dog comfortable during the procedure.

These clippers are available in two sizes and are composed of sturdy stainless steel for a quick and clean cut. They have ergonomic, non-slip handles that provide a secure grip, as well as a handy nail file that fits right inside the handle, allowing you to swiftly smooth out any rough edges.

Best with Light: Casfuy Nail Grinder for Dogs

• Grinder is a style.
• Breed Dimensions: All Dimensions
• All stages of life
• Plastic is the material.
• Dimensions: 6.89 x 2.95 x 1.38 inches
• Rotary blade type

What We Enjoy

• LED light built-in
• Diamond grinding wheel that is long-lasting
• Cap includes ports for small, medium and large dog nails
• There are two speed settings.

What We Dislike

• Can snag fur without cap

When your dog’s nails are black in color, it can be difficult to detect the quick and know where to clip. Fortunately, the Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder has an LED light that illuminates your dog’s nails, providing you with increased sight as you work. The equipment includes a diamond grinding wheel and operates silently to reduce your dog’s stress. It also has two speeds.

This grinder includes a removable top with ports for small and medium dog nails, as well as the ability to remove the cap to cut giant dog nails. The tool charges by USB connection and has a battery life of about three hours per charge.

Conclusion

In the end, we are grateful that, out of the hundreds of websites available, you continue to pick ours, BestForPets (bestforpets.org), to read evaluations of the best dog nail clippers.

It is my hope that by reading this post, you will be able to locate the item that is ideal for your pet.