Keeping your dog’s nails at a suitable length is a crucial part of being a responsible pet owner, which is why it’s important that you have the best dog nail clipping tools for the task in your dog grooming products kit. Unlike their ancestors, our pet pooches’ days are mainly made up of taking naps in comfy dog beds, running on soft grass in the garden or local park, and relaxing by our feet indoors so their nails don’t get naturally as worn down as they would do if they were out in the wild. Back in the day, dogs had to run and hunt to grind down their claws, which is why modern-day pups need a helping hand to get their nails trimmed down.
Cutting your dog’s claws can be quite a daunting task. However, once you’ve got the right tools for the task at hand, it should be no different from picking up a pair of dog grooming scissors to give your dog a haircut. The best dog nail clipping tools are designed to make the task as easy as possible, with safety guards and guides to help you know where you should be cutting and make sure you’re not cutting their nails too short.
If you’re not sure where to start when trimming your dog’s nails, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to using dog nail clippers at home later on in this article. We’ve also got some top tips from tails.com Head Vet, Sean McCormack, to help you get started. However, if you’re in any doubt, always speak to your vet or a professional groomer before undertaking the task yourself.
Best dog nail clipping tools at a glance:
• Best overall dog nail clippers: Professional-Grade Dog Nail Clippers by Thunderpaws – View on Amazon UK
• Highly rated dog nail clippers: gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers – View on Amazon UK
• Best dog nail clipping set: YABIFE Dog Nail Grinder with Nail Clipper – View on Amazon UK
• Best electric dog nail grinder: Wahl Electric Nail Grinder – View on Argos
Whether you’re an experienced dog nail trimmer or a newbie to grooming at home, we’ve rounded up all the best dog nail clipping tools, including manual clippers and electric files which will make light work of keeping your hound’s nails in check and give you peace of mind that you’ve got the right equipment for the job.
The best dog nail clipping tools
Best overall dog nail clippers
AmazonThis Professional-Grade Dog Nail Clippers by Thunderpaws is our top pick for the best dog nail clippers because it provides all the best options whether you're a beginner or expert. Used by vets and groomers, you can trust this clipper for its easy use and high-quality stainless steel blades. You won't have to worry about slipping or hurting your pooch either as it comes with a safety stop guard and nail file. Your dog will be feeling pampered in no time!
Customer review: "These are one of the best clippers I have used to date. I use them on an adult German Shepherd who has titanium nails, and these clippers cut through them like paper. The quality of these clippers is amazing, I might even use them for some metal work considering how sharp they are."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safety stop guard
Cons
- It might struggle if your pooch has particularly thick nails
Highly rated dog nail clippers
AmazonWith over 64,000 reviews and an average star rating of 4.4, the gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers are a popular choice with paw-rents on Amazon. They're ergonomically designed with non-slip handles so they're lightweight and comfortable while also being strong. The blades are made from high-quality stainless and feature a safety stop blade to reduce the risk of cutting your pooch's nails too short.
Customer review: "I have a black lab with ebony nails where it's hard to see the cuticles. Fed up with groomers who don't do his nails correctly or make him bleed as they've cut too much off. Also, the cost! I have been nervous of cutting his nails but these are brilliant. Super sharp but with the safety bar, so you can't cut too much off. Being sharp means they are done before he realises what I'm doing. I turn his paws over and cut from underneath so I can see the cuticle. Brilliant product, thoroughly recommend."
Pros
- Highly rated with plenty real-life customer reviews
- Easy trimming
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the blade got dull fairly quickly
Best dog nail clipping set
AmazonLooking to stock up on a whole set for your dog? We recommend this YABIFE Dog Nail Grinder with Nail Clipper set because it has everything you need as a dog owner. With three different settings, you can work up to full power without scaring your dog and get used to the pace. You couldn’t need more, with a handheld filer and clipper also included; whether your dog needs a quick clip or a deep pamper, this kit will do it for you.
Customer review: "I have bought nail clippers from pet shops, pets at home etc and I haven’t been able to squeeze them shut myself to clip my dog's nails, he’s a big dog. These were so easy, and he doesn’t even mind the electric nail file to smooth them. Compared to how much it would be to pay for a dog groomer to do it, I am saving a fortune, well worth the money."
Pros
- Three adjustable speeds
- Low noise and vibration
Cons
- May take a while for your pup to warm to it
Best electric dog nail grinder
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
If you're looking for the best nail grinder to buy for your dog, we recommend this Wahl Dog Nail Grinder. This mains-powered nail grinder is a fantastic value as you will get two types of grinding stones along with a felt polisher and a great care guide. We'd choose this one if you’re looking for a new nail grinder for a larger dog.
Customer review: "I got this for my labrador, who is terrified of having his nails trimmed and cut. After 5 mins, he was settled and happy to have his nails filed. Can be loud when turned own."
Pros
- Quiet motor
- Offers a good grip
Cons
- Mains powered so you need to trim your dog's nails near an electrical socket
Best dog nail clippers for puppies
AmazonEven little pups will need their nails clipped at some point, and that's where the Mikki Dog Claw Clippers will come in handy. The smaller size ensures you have precision cutting on tiny paws and the blades are micro-serrated to give a clean cut. Made from anti-rust steel, the blades are heat-treated for long-lasting strength and durability so you can achieve grooming salon results at home.
Customer review: "They are good clippers and they do the job as you would expect."
Pros
- Good size for small pups
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Some reviewers found them uncomfortable to hold after a while
Best dog nail clippers for small breeds
AmazonThese gonicc Professional Pet Nail Clippers for small dogs and pets are perfect for using on breeds of dogs like Yorkshire Terriers or Chihuahuas. They're compact and practical, and simple to use as they have a semi-circular angled blade so you're able to easily see what you're doing. The quality of the clippers means you’re still getting bang for your buck, but it makes your and your pooch’s life easier.
Customer review: "My chihuahua is 2.5kg with teeny tiny mittens and toe beans which makes cutting his nails quite the task. With these snippers it's easy and doesn't terrify him into hating me for the evening."
Pros
- Designed for small pets
- High-quality stainless steel blades
Cons
- Some reviewers felt they were a little flimsy
Best cordless nail grinder
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Trimming your pet's nails can be daunting, but it should be easier using the FURminator Dog and Cat Nail Grinder. It's battery-operated, which makes the tool cordless so you can trim your dog's nails wherever they feel at their most comfortable. It has two adjustable speeds and an integrated LED light to illuminate your pet's nails so you're in control of exactly where you're trimming.
Pros
- Designed for both dogs and cats
- Integrated LED light to help you see your pet's nails clearly
Cons
- No customer reviewers
FAQs
Why do I need to trim my dog’s nails?
Some dogs don’t need their nails trimmed if they’re energetic and have been out playing and on rough surfaces enough. On the other hand, if your dog hasn’t worn down their nails because they’re on soft surfaces, keeping calm or staying inside a lot, the tips of the nails won’t have been ground down sufficiently, and this can lead to problems. This is why keeping your pooch's nails trimmed is just as important as keeping their coat cut regularly with dog fur clippers.
When dogs’ nails get a little bit too long, they can get caught on various surfaces like furniture and carpets, which can be really painful – a bit like when we chip our nails a little bit too short! If it’s a severe outcome for your dog, this may even result in a trip to the vet. You might also find that your dog is struggling to walk with longer nails because it’s uncomfortable or awkward. If you can hear their nails clicking along the floor, this probably means it's time for a trim.
Not feeling up to the task? Remember that it’s important for your dog’s health to keep up with their nails, and if you can’t bring yourself to do it, don’t be afraid to ask the vet for assistance or seek out a professional dog groomer.
Best dog nail clipping tips with Sean McCormack
Still not sure what's the best clipping and grinding options for you? We spoke to Sean McCormack, the Head Vet at tails.com for his insight and tips. Here's what he had to say.
How can I make nail clipping stress-free for my dog?
"Some dogs really dislike having their nails trimmed, often because it freaks them out to have their feet handled, especially by a stranger. So my first tip is to get your puppy or older dog used to having their feet picked up, examined and nails inspected frequently using reward-based training. Plenty of praise and even some tasty treats are needed.
"Then, introduce your dog to the nail clippers, allow them to inspect them, sniff them, see them in your hands from time to time before you bring them near their feet. Again, reward for calm interested behaviour.
"Then, go through the motions that you are about to trim your dog’s nails but take it step by step and reward for each stage. Until you build up to actually clipping, just the tiniest tip off one nail. If your dog gets worried, go back a step. Having someone else to hold them gently and distract them with treats is a great way to take their mind off what’s going on. Then just do one nail at a time, especially if your dog reacts to it in a nervous way. Clip a nail, praise, reward, rest. An hour later, clip another, praise, reward, rest.
"It may take time but it’s all about training, repetition and positive reinforcement. And if you need guidance on how to clip, where to clip, and how to handle your dog safely for nail clipping your vet and nurse team at your local practice will be more than happy to help."
When should I be clipping my dog's nails?
"This totally depends on the individual dog. Some rarely need a clip, some quite often, and some just need their dew claws high up on the side of each leg trim. The reason the dewclaws get longer quicker is that they don’t touch the ground very often. For the same reason, a dog that is only exercised on grass or does very little exercise at all due to mobility issues may need far more frequent nail clipping than a dog exercising on concrete. The nails wear down quicker on hard surfaces.
"Generally you should be checking your dog’s nails every month or two and make sure none are becoming overgrown."
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.