Clipping a dog’s nails is one of my least favorite grooming tasks. My older dog, Bonkers, is really wriggly and only lets me clip his claws with a substantial amount of treats ready. And with my other dog, Chips the Dachshund, you can forget it! She doesn’t let me anywhere near her, no matter how much training I’ve done or with a tub full of her favorite beef liver snack. And I know I’m not alone.
Finding the best dog nail clippers can be a tricky task. With so many options, how do you know the best dog nail trimmer for the task? I take you through the importance of trimming your dog’s nails, how to clip them, and, most importantly, the best nail cutter for dogs. Let’s get started.
The Importance Of Trimming Your Dog’s Nails
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Long, unkempt nails can cause severe damage to your dog. When nails are long and constantly touching the ground, they push back into the nail bed and put pressure on the toe joint. Not only is this painful for your dog, but it can split the nails, realign their joints, make them more susceptible to injury, and discourage them from being active. In the long term, this can lead to secondary health problems caused by inactivity.
If you’ve never clipped a dog’s nails before, I advise having your veterinarian or a groomer show you how to trim their nails. Not only will this give you knowledge of how to do it, but it also gives you confidence. Dogs pick up on nervous energy, so having someone show you the first time is a great idea.
2 Types Of Dog Nail Trimmers
There are two types of dog nail trimmers:
- Nail Clippers. These can be either scissors or guillotine style. I use a guillotine-style clipper on my dog, Bonkers. I feel like they offer a cleaner and swifter cut when using one hand. However, many groomers prefer scissor-style dog nail clippers. After trimming, dog nails can still be sharp, so you can use a nail file to smooth the nail. Some nail trimmers come with a file, but you can also use a human nail file on your dog.
- Nail Grinders. Grinders (pictured above) file nails down with a rotary emery board. Owners who are anxious about clipping their dog’s nails or whose dog is squirmish or afraid of the clipping experience turn to nail grinders. If a grinder sounds more like what you’re after, head to our guide on the best dog nail grinders to see our top picks.
5 Best Nail Clippers For Dogs
I’ve chosen my top picks based on each tool’s quality, features, customer feedback, pricing, and other factors. So, let’s look closer at my recommendations for the best dog nail trimmers.
Best Overall Claw Clippers For Dogs: Coastal Pet Safari Professional Dog Nail Trimmer Review
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Coastal Pet Safari’s nail clippers have double stainless steel blades for sharp, precise cutting. The tension spring gives you more control and a cleaner cut. The scissor-style nail clippers have a safety stop so that you can protect your dog’s nails during grooming. They also have a non-slip and comfortable ergonomic handle to make the experience more comfortable for you. These clippers are available in two sizes: standard and medium/large. A few customers reported they weren’t as sharp as expected and had to sharpen them occasionally.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Double stainless steel blades | Some customers report they had to re-sharpen them occasionally |
| It has a tension spring | |
| Non-slip comfortable handle | |
| It comes in 2 sizes |
Our Personal Experience
My dog’s nails can be tricky to cut because some are black, making seeing the quick difficult. My husband uses these to trim our dog’s nails. Although my dog hates the process, the double blades of these trimmers ensure a clean cut, which makes the process go faster. There is one snip per nail, and no having to go back over to redo any. When she’s all done with her “pedicure,” she gets to enjoy a yummy treat afterward, so she doesn’t mind it too much.
– Kimberly Alt, Pet Insurance Expert & Writer For Canine Journal
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Best Nail Clipper With Light: iToleeve LED Dog Nail Clipper With Light Review
These dog nail clippers come with an LED light to help the quick become more visible during grooming. The light illuminates the nails, revealing the quick in lighter-colored nails, guiding you to the safest place to cut your dog’s nails. This nail clipper also has a safety guard behind the blades that you can use for guidance, preventing the nail from pushing through too far. It also comes with a safety blade lock, which could come in handy with little kids around. It comes with an integrated nail file to smooth sharp edges after clipping. Some customers were disappointed that this didn’t illuminate the quick in their dog’s dark-colored nails. Although it can help a little, the light is more effective for lighter-colored nails.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It comes with an LED light to illuminate their quick | It doesn’t light up the quick in dark nails |
| Has a safety guard | |
| Features a blade lock | |
| It also has an integrated nail file | |
| High-quality stainless steel for durability |
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Best Guillotine-Style Dog Nail Clipper: Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clippers Review
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Resco invented the guillotine-style nail trimmer in the 1930s and continues manufacturing it in the U.S. Many owners, including myself, prefer this style. The non-slip grips are comfortable, and the clippers are powder-coated to improve longevity. Resco’s option has patented blade replacement technology so that you can replace your blade at a fraction of the cost of a new nail clipper. Only a few customers reported that the handle covers came off, but most reviews don’t mention any issues. This option also comes with a lifetime warranty, and it is also available as part of a dog nail clipper kit that includes the nail cutter, spare blade, nail file, and a small tub of styptic powder.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The original guillotine-style nail clipper | Some customers found the handles slip off |
| Non-slip grips are comfortable | |
| Has patented blade replacement | |
| It comes with a conditional lifetime warranty | |
| Available as a kit, too |
My Personal Experience With Guillotine-Style Nail Clippers
I have always used guillotine-style clippers because I feel it’s easier to grip them with one hand than scissor-style dog clippers. Ensuring the clippers are sturdy in one hand is an essential factor for me because my dog Bonkers can be fidgety when it comes to having his claws clipped. However, most dog owners and professional dog groomers I know prefer scissor-style clippers for the same reason. Ultimately, finding the style that works best for you and your pup is important.
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Best Nail Clippers For Large Dog Breeds: Pet Republique Extra Large Nail Clippers Review
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Pet Republique’s clippers are my top choice for large and extra-large breeds because they are bigger than most nail clippers. The stainless steel is extra thick to cut through thicker dog nails. It also features a protective guard that helps to prevent overcutting. The non-slip rubber handles and built-in spring provide comfort while cutting. It also has a safety blade lock that makes it safe to store. A few customers stated that cutting through their extra-large breeds’ nails was difficult and required more strength than they expected.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made for large & extra-large breeds | It can be difficult to use on extra-thick dog nails |
| Extra thick stainless steel blades | |
| Features a protective guard | |
| Non-slip rubber handles for your comfort | |
| It has a safety blade lock |
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Best Nail Clippers For Small Dog Breeds: Gonicc Pet Nail Clippers Review
Gonicc’s pet nail clippers are made explicitly for small pets such as small dog breeds, cats, birds, and rodents. So, they are an excellent tool for multi-pet households. The scissor-style semi-circular blade makes precise cutting a little easier than the clunkier clippers you might use for larger breeds. The handles have a slip-proof coating that makes gripping them easier and safer. These are made for small pets with thinner nails and do not cut easily through thicker dog nails. Gonicc also has dog nail trimmers in bigger sizes for larger breeds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made for small pets | Not for medium or large breeds |
| Great for multi-pet households | |
| Slip-proof coated handles | |
| Available in bigger sizes |
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8 Steps On How To Clip Dog Nails
If you’re new to dog nail trimming or using clippers for the first time, follow these steps. If your dog is unsure or new to clipping their nails, have some tasty dog treats on hand to reward good behavior.
- You should always trim your dog’s nails in a quiet and calm environment away from distractions, so pick the right place. A non-slip surface is ideal.
- Make sure you have everything you need – clips, tasty dog treats, styptic powder, and a partner to help you control and soothe your dog if needed.
- Hold your dog’s paw with your thumb on the toe pad and your finger above the nail. Gently push the nail out.
- Clip your dog’s nails in thin slices straight across.
- Clip down to just above the quick (the pink area inside the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves).
- Do not clip past the nail’s curve, as this is usually where the quick stops. The quick is easier to see with light-colored nails. Dogs with dark nails sometimes have a chalky white inner ring right before the quick, so stop when you notice this.
- Repeat this process with each nail.
- Remember to clip the dewclaws on the inner side of the paw.
If your dog becomes frustrated and starts moving around, it’s a good idea to pause and let them become more comfortable. Once settled, carry on. We also have a specific guide on how to trim your dog’s nails for more information. Watch this video on how to cut light and dark-colored nails with tips on locating the quick.
What If My Dog’s Nail Bleeds?
If you accidentally cut the quick and your dog’s nail begins bleeding, don’t panic. I’ve clipped my dog’s quick before, and although it is momentarily painful for your dog, the uncomfortableness passes quickly. If your dog’s nail bleeds, it’s a good idea to have some styptic powder handy in case this happens. Styptic powder contains active ingredients to stop the nail from bleeding. Although styptic powder is best, you can apply corn starch on the nail until the bleeding stops.
If the bleeding continues, your pup’s pain doesn’t pass, or you are still concerned, it’s best to seek medical attention from a vet. They can advise you on what to do and maybe take them in for an examination.
Styptic Powder: Chew + Heal Labs Styptic Powder For Dogs Review
Chew + Heal styptic powder for pets helps stop bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes. This blood clotting powder is fast-acting and helps provide pain relief. Styptic powder is a great product to have when clipping your dog’s nails, just in case you clip the quick. It’s also an excellent product for your pet’s first aid kit for other minor cuts and grazes. All you need to do is use a moist cotton applicator, dab some powder on it, and press down on the wound for around 10 seconds.
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Does Pet Insurance Cover Nail Clipping?
Pet insurance does not cover nail clipping because these are routine cosmetic services. Just like your health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of your haircuts or nail appointments, pet insurance for dogs does not cover dog nail clipping costs. Some pet wellness plans offer coverage for grooming services, including nail trimming, either as a standalone product or as an add-on to your insurance policy. See our insurance guide regarding nail clipping costs for more information. To get a complete picture of what pet insurance does and does not cover, you can read our guide on what pet insurance covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that clipping a dog’s nail can be an anxiety-laden activity for some dog owners, which is why many of our readers still have questions. If you don’t see your question below, please ask us in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
How Do I Trim My Dog’s Nails Safely?
Cutting your dog’s nails in a calm and quiet room is essential. I also advise using a non-slip surface, such as a carpet or a rug, rather than hard flooring, especially for senior dogs or dogs with joint problems. Follow the eight steps above, cut their nails bit by bit, and be wary of the quick. Last but not least, be patient with your dog if they’re struggling with it.
How Do I Cut My Dog’s Black Nails?
Cutting a dog’s black nails is much more challenging than cutting light-colored nails because you can’t see where the quick finishes. Clipping a little bit of the black nail at a time is important. Once you can see the white, chalky ring in the nail, it means the nail vein is near, and it’s time to stop. Sometimes, using a flashlight can make the quick more visible. But slow and steady wins the race when clipping a dog’s black nails.
Why Won’t My Dog Let Me Trim Their Nails?
There might be a few reasons your dog won’t let you clip their claws. It could be a brand-new experience for them. If so, they need you to show them the ropes and that it can be an enjoyable experience. Some dogs have had a negative experience with nail cutting. And some dogs don’t like it. My Doxie is a typical Wiener who hates anyone clipping her nails for no apparent reason. According to my dog groomer, Doxies and other small breeds are notoriously hateful of nail trimmers. If, like me, you have no luck persuading your dog, it’s not an issue, so don’t worry. Letting your groomer handle it is sometimes better than putting your dog and you through the trimming trauma.
Should I Give My Dog Treats When Trimming Their Nails?
When trimming your dog’s nails, it’s important to have tasty dog treats on hand. Even if your dog seems fine with nail trimming, rewarding good and patient behavior every time is essential. I stopped giving my dog Bonkers treats because he seemed okay with it. But he quickly learned nothing was in it for him, so he stopped letting me do it until I began rewarding him again. I don’t usually give in to his doggy demands, but if it means I can keep his nails short and healthy, I don’t mind. If your dog needs more distraction, I’ve found it helpful to let them lick dog-safe peanut butter off a silicone lick mat while you clip their nails.
Other Must-Have Grooming Products For Dogs
Dogs require other grooming requirements besides keeping their nails trim and healthy. Their coats also need regular maintenance, and we have an article on how to groom your dog step-by-step with our top grooming tools. We also have tips for bathing your dog and the best dog shedding brushes to keep their coats looking and feeling their best. Establishing a regular dental cleaning routine is crucial, too, so head over to our guide on how to brush your dog’s teeth.
Do you use any of the above dog nail clippers? Perhaps you use another nail cutter for dogs that we should consider adding to our list. Let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Bonkers doesn’t mind having his nails clipped, but only if treats are involved. Chips is a typical Dachshund and hates having her nails clipped, so Emma takes her to the groomer. Emma is passionate about sharing her doggy knowledge and experiences with her readers. She works with a dedicated and professional team at Canine Journal to provide the best, most up-to-date, and relevant dog content for their readers.