Is it better to clip or grind dog's nails?

Most dog owners are familiar with the nail-clipping process, which involves using a pair of special scissors or clippers to snip off the tips of the nails. However, some people prefer to grind their dog's nails instead. There are pros and cons to both methods. Clipping is generally faster and easier, but it can be tricky to get the right angle and avoid clipping too much of the nail. Grinding is slower but many find it simpler to control. It's also less likely to cause pain if you accidentally clip too short.

Is it safe to use a nail grinder on dog?

Well, the answer may depend on who you ask. Some veterinarians and dog groomers are perfectly fine with using nail grinders on dogs, while others feel that it is too risky. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to use one on your own dog. If you do decide to use a nail grinder on your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, make sure that you choose a good quality grinder that is specifically designed for use on animals. There are many different grinders on the market, and not all of them are created equal. Secondly, take your time when using the grinder. Don't try to rush through the process, as this could cause your dog discomfort or even injure them. Go slowly and carefully, making sure to only grind down the tips of the nails. And finally, make sure to have plenty of treats on hand to give your dog after they've had their nails done. This will help them associate the experience with something positive, and make them more likely to tolerate it in the future.

How do you know when a dog stops grinding their nails?

If your dog's nails are making an unpleasant grinding sound when they walk, it's likely time for a trim. Long nails can cause your dog pain and make it difficult for them to walk properly. A good rule of thumb is to check your dog's nails every few weeks and trim them as needed. You can also ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to properly trim your dog's nails.

How often should I Dremel my dog's nails?

How often you should Dremel your dog's nails depends on a few factors, such as the rate of growth and whether or not your dog is actively using their nails. If you have a fast nail grower, you may need to Dremel every 1-2 weeks. For dogs that use their nails more frequently, such as for digging or running, you may need to Dremel more often to keep them short. Always consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure how often to Dremel your dog's nails.

Does walking on concrete File dog's nails?

No, walking on concrete does not file dog's nails. In fact, it is the opposite! Walking on concrete actually grinds down and wears away at a dog's nails, causing them to become shorter and less sharp over time. So if you're looking to keep your pup's nails nice and trim, you're better off avoiding concrete altogether. Instead, try walking your dog on grass or dirt, which will be much gentler on their nails.

What to do if my dog won't let me cut his nails?

If your dog is resistant to having his nails trimmed, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. First, start by getting your dog used to the idea of someone handling his paws. Gently hold each paw for a few seconds at a time, and then give him a treat. Do this several times a day until he seems comfortable with it. Next, try trimming just one nail at a time. Once again, give your dog a treat after each successful nail trim. If he still resists, you may need to have a professional groomer or veterinarian do the job for you.

Is a Dremel better than Clippers for dog nails?

There are pros and cons to using either a Dremel or clippers for your dog's nails. Dremels can be quicker and easier to use, but they can also be more difficult to control. Clippers, on the other hand, can take a bit longer to use but are generally more precise. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for you and your dog.

The 15 Best Dog Nail Grinders of 2023

by Tom Ken

Keeping your dog's nails trimmed and tidy can prove challenging especially if you're used to doing it manually. Dog nail grinders can help simplify this part of the pet grooming process.

They are handy electric tools that rely on a motor to spin a grinding bit that files away nail sections gently and efficiently, without hurting your dog.

Some grinders also work well on other pets that have similar nail structures, including cats, rabbits, and even birds.

Check out our dog nail grinder review to learn more about the tools, including the ones that work best for your pet(s).

Editor's Recommendation: Top Dog Nail Grinders

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Preview
Product
Rating
Bestseller No. 1
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with LED Light - Upgraded 2-Speed Electric Pet Nail Trimmer...
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Bestseller No. 2
Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer- Safe & Humane Pet Grooming Tool Kit-...
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Bestseller No. 3
Furminator Nail Grinder Professional Grooming Tool for Pets, 8" L
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Bestseller No. 4
Oster 078129-511-000 Gentle Paws Nail Grinder, Black
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Bestseller No. 5
Pet Republique Dog Nail Grinder and Nail Clippers Series Size Option Dogs: Small, Medium,...
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Bestseller No. 6
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional 2-Speed Electric Rechargeable Pet Nail...
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7 Best Dog Nail Grinders: Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Bosch Dremel 7300-PT (Best Overall)	Powerful, multi-speed motor Rechargeable & highly portable Comfortable & safe trimming
	2. Casfuy N10 (Best Budget)	Affordable, safe & comfortable Reduced noise & vibration Advanced diamond bit grinder
	3. Dremel 7760-PGK (Most Speed Settings)	4 versatile running speeds Reliable clear-cap nail guard Quick & easy accessory changes
	4. Peteast Pet Nail Grinder (Longest Working Time)	A long 10-hour working time Powerful brass shaft motor Safety-enhancing LED light
	5. Oster 078129-600-000 (Safest)	Adjustable safety guard Effective nail filings trapping Multiple grinding bands
	6. Hertzko HNG-31 (Best for Painless Grooming)	Gentle & painless bit Reduced over-clipping risk Easy to clean
	7. Petural Dog Nail Grinder (Best Ergonomic)	Ergonomic & comfortable design Versatile multi-pet support Efficient brass motor

1. Best Overall: Bosch Dremel 7300-PT

Power Source: Rechargeable NiCad battery
Charge Time: 3 hours
Run Time: Variable
Running Speed: 6,500 RPM & 13,000 RPM

Bosch Dremel 7300-PT, our best overall dog nail grinder, is safe, efficient, and powerful. Its high 13,000 RPM grinding speed gets the job done cautiously and in minutes.

Also Read: The 15 Best Dog Tear Stain Removers of 2023

It comes with a rechargeable NiCad battery that supports tool portability and operational flexibility during the grinding process.

With an 8-inch length and 4.5-inch width, the tool is easy and comfortable to grip, enhancing grinding accuracy. It implements a 60-grit sanding drum for harmless, humane, and comfortable trimming.

On the downside, the Bosch Dremel 7300-PT clipper's 3-hour charge time may prove uncomfortably long. There's also no cover to trap the nail dust.

Pros:

Powerful 15,000 RPM max-speed motor
Portability-boosting rechargeable battery
Easy and comfortable grip
A safe 60-grit sanding drum

Cons:

Long 3-hour charge time
Lacks a nail dust cover

2. Best Budget: Casfuy N10

Power Source: 3 AAA batteries
Charge Time: 3 hours
Run Time: 2 hours
Running Speed: 2 speeds

Casfuy N10 is a budget nail grinder that features an advanced 2-speed switch and 3 grinding ports to support nail grinding in large, medium, and small pets.

This tool boasts of minimal noise output and reduced vibration to prevent pet stress during the grinding process. These capabilities fasten and simplify the entire grooming process.

It also implements an advanced diamond bit grinder to boost grinding safety and comfort for your pets. That's why it works great as a professional dog nail grinder.

Dissonantly, however, the Casfuy N10 does not come with a power adapter to support USB Charging. You get a USB cable only.

Pros:

Affordable, safe, and comfortable
Reduced noise and vibration
Multiple ports for different pet sizes
Diamond drum bit for precision trimming

Cons:

Does not include a power adapter

3. Most Speed Settings: Dremel 7760-PGK

Power Source: Rechargeable Li-ion battery
Charge Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Run Time: Variable
Running Speed: 8,000, 14,000, 21,000, and 24,000 RPM

Dremel 7760-PGK is a unique grinder that offers 4 versatile running speeds of 8,000, 14,000, 21,000, 24,000 RPM for superior dog nail grinding versatility.

Besides speed, the grinder comes with a clear-cap nail guard attachment that guides the paw to ensure the trimming angle is correct.

Its EZ twist nose cap helps with quick and easy accessory changes, making the grooming process easy, fast, and seamless. To prevent unexpected tool shutdowns, a handy battery life indicator has been included to help with convenient recharging.

The robust Dremel 7760-PGK is not very pocket-friendly, though. It's also somewhat weighty at 1.35 lbs., especially when compared with other rival models.

Pros:

Multiple flexible speed settings
Accurate trimming angles
Quick and simple accessory changes
A handy battery life indicator

Cons:

Not pocket-friendly
Weighty at 1.35 lbs.

4. Longest Working Time: Peteast Pet Nail Grinder

Power Source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
Charge Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Run Time: 10 hours
Running Speed: 7,000 RPM and 8,500 RPM

Boasting of a 10-hour working time, the Peteast Pet Nail Grinder, our best cordless dog nail grinder, gets your pet's nail grinding done in minutes.

It is powered by a high-performance brass shaft motor, which combines power, minimal noise, and long service life to provide long-lasting reliability.

There's an LED light included to help boost trimming safety and accuracy by reducing the risk of clipping claws too short and hurting pets.

Noise output is also less than 40 dB, a feature that helps protect pets from anxiety and feature during the nail trimming process while making this tool one of the best quiet dog nail grinder.

On the downside, the Peteast Pet Nail Grinder's grit not very coarse, especially for large dog nails.

Pros:

Extended working time
High-efficiency motor
A safety-enhancing LED light
Minimal noise output

Cons:

Not ideal for large dog nails

5. Safest: Oster 078129-600-000

Power Source: 4 AAA batteries
Running Speed: Variable

The Oster 078129-600-000 nail grinder steps up your pet's safety through its adjustable safety guard, which prevents nail over-trimming.

This safety guard also captures nail filings, effectively prevents the messes that result from grinding, especially when grooming multiple pets in one session.

It runs on a whisper-quiet motor, which boosts pet comfort and enhances stress-free trimming.

Included with the grinder are a coarse stone, a fine band, and 2 coarse bands, which constitute everything you require for convenient and effective pet-nail trimming.

We didn't like the fact that the Oster 078129-600-000 batteries are not rechargeable. Besides, if your dog has long hair around the toes, it may wrap around the grinder, inhibiting grinding performance.

Pros:

Adjustable safety guard
Prevents nail filing messes
Enhanced pet comfort
Multiple grinding bands

Cons:

The batteries are not rechargeable
Long toe hair may wrap around the grinder

6. Best for Painless Grooming: Hertzko HNG-31

Power Source: 1 rechargeable AAA battery
Running Speed: Variable

Hertzko HNG-31 is a nail grinder that's both gentle and painless, for comfortable pet nail shaping, grooming, and trimming.

The grinder's diamond bit is designed to reduce the risk of over-clipping your pet's claws. You can use it on small and large dogs, cats, rabbits, and even birds.

Its motor is also super-quiet. The unit is effective at minimizing vibrations to further enhance pet comfort by eliminating fear and anxiety.

Cleaning the grinder has been made easy by the removable port cover, which exposes the grinding stone fully.

An issue you may not like about the Hertzko HNG-31 is its slippery plastic body. It has no anti-slip grip tabs. The speed is also fixed.

Pros:

Gentle and painless grinding
Reduces chances of over-clipping
Reduced vibration for pet comfort
Easy to clean

Cons:

Slippery plastic body
Fixed grinding speed

7. Best Ergonomic: Petural Dog Nail Grinder

Power Source: Rechargeable NiCad battery
Run Time: 6 hours
Running Speed: 9000 RPM

The sleek arc design of the Petural Dog Nail Grinder makes the tool very comfortable to grip especially if you do regular pet grooming at home.

It runs on a high-power motor which delivers 2 speed options, with a maximum limit of 9,000 RPM. The speed combines well with 3 grinding ports to boost the tool's versatility in grinding dog, cat, rabbit, and even bird claws.

Even at full power, the efficient brass motor on this grinder does a good job of containing noise output, creating a stress-less experience for your pet.

Even though the grinder comes with a USB charging cable, there's no power adapter to go with it.

Pros:

Comfortable and ergonomic design
Versatile multi-port motor
Grinds multiple nail types
Minimal noise output

Cons:

Lacks a power adapter

Other Recommended Dog Nail Grinders

8. Bousnic Dog Nail Grinder

The Bousnic Dog Nail Grinder implements a quiet and low-vibration motor to ensure your pet remains calm during the nail trimming process.

This grinder features a high-quality drum bit that provides safe and efficient grinding performance, effectively boosting safety while reducing clipping stress.

Its battery is rechargeable. An indicator light at the bottom will notify you when the unit is charging. The compact unit, which measures 6.5 inches in length, is also highly portable.

Key Features

Quiet, low-vibration motor
High-quality grinding drum
Convenient rechargeable battery
Compact and highly portable

9. Casifor Dog Nail Grinder

The long 10-hour working time of the Casifor Dog Nail Grinder makes it an ideal tool for extended clipping and grinding, especially for professionals.

It is built on the premium step-less speed regulation system, which allows speed regulation based on nail hardness, for enhanced trimming safety and efficiency.

This grinder's motor is impressively quiet, outputting only 40 dB of noise even under boosted torque. The tool's quality is guaranteed by its unrivaled lifetime replacement service.

Key Features

Long 10-hour working time
Efficient step-less speed regulation
Low-noise 40 dB motor
Unparalleled lifetime replacement service

10. Ruff 'N Ruffus Dog Nail Grinder Kit

The Ruff 'N Ruffus Dog Nail Grinder Kit offers robust accessories, including a bonus grinding wheel, trimming shears, and a premium storage pouch, for convenient pet grooming.

You can count on the tool to grind through the toughest of nails, thanks to its adoption of a premium diamond grinder bit.

Its motor is designed to produce up to 40% less noise than standard grinders, effectively boosting pet comfort.

Being both cordless and rechargeable with up to 6 hours of working time, the grinder guarantees operational convenience.

Key Features

A multi-accessory grooming kit
Premium diamond grinder bit
Reduced noise output
Cordless and rechargeable

11. Oneisall B95

Oneisall B95's 7000 RPM speed supports accurate trimming while its 8000 RPM speed ensures quick and safe dog nail grinding, effectively reducing the risk of overcutting.

You'll find it easy to hold and grip in your hand, which makes for smooth and near effortless nail trimming operations. Cleaning this grinder has been made easy and fast. Simply wipe it using paper or cloth.

The grinder's motor is also very powerful, allowing the grinder to work efficiently on different-sized nails on multiple pet types including dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits.

Key Features

Accurate and fast nail trimming
Easy to grip and maneuver
Simplified and fast cleaning
Grinds multiple nail types

12. ConairPro Dog & Cat Grinder

The highly versatile ConairPro Dog & Cat Grinder offers you 2 interchangeable finishing stones and 4 grinding bands for safe, precise, and professional-quality pet nail grinding.

It features a protective adjustable cover that boosts safety when trimming your dog's nails. This capability complements the tool's quiet operation to ensure pet comfort during nail grinding.

These dog and cat grooming tools are made using premium and high-quality materials to ensure equipment durability and long-lasting performance.

Key Features

Versatile and professional kit
Adjustable protective cover
Quiet and comfortable operation
Premium and durable construction

13. Andis 65880

The Andis 65880 dog nail grinder upholds operational comfort and control by capitalizing on its ergonomic design.

You get this clipper in a comprehensive 13-piece kit that includes a large sanding attachment with 3 sanding wheels, a small sanding attachment, a detachable energy-saving power supply, a wrench, and a soft storage kit.

It can also be used with detachable clippers from other brands, making it very versatile. At 8 ounces in weight, you won't stain using this grinder.

Key Features

Superior operational comfort and control
A comprehensive 13-piece set
Compatible with other detachable clippers
Lightweight at only 8 ounces

14. Boshel Dog Nail Grinder

The cordless Boshel Dog Nail Grinder is ideal for animal trainers because of its ergonomic design and powerful motor, which excels across small, medium, and large dog nail grinding.

This 2-speed cordless motor is very powerful, producing 8000 RPM of raw power to guarantee fast, painless, and professional nail grinding for your pets.

It is a low-noise tool that ensures pet calmness during the grinding process. You'll get the grinding job done in ultimate safety and calmness.

Key Features

Ergonomic easy-to-use design
Powerful 8000 RPM motor
Fast, painless, and professional grinding
Low noise output for pet calmness

15. Wahl Professional Animal 5973

The Wahl Professional Animal 5973's motor outputs speeds of up to 13,000 RPM to help deliver effortless nail grinding, shaping, smoothing, and trimming across pets of all sizes.

This tool is completely maintenance-free, runs quietly, and weighs only 5.7 ounces, making it one of the lightest clippers available today. Operational comfort is guaranteed by this clipper.

It also comes with an automatic safety-stop feature that helps in preventing accidental hair pulling and winding.

Key Features

A high-performance 13,000 RPM motor
Multi-purpose grinder, shapers, and smoother
Maintenance-free and smooth running
Lightweight at 5.7 ounces

How to Buy the Best Dog Nail Grinders

1. Power Source

The 2 main power source options for pet nail grinders are corded electricity and batteries. Corded grinders require to be plugged into the main power supply for them to run.

While these can be very powerful, their flexibility and maneuverability may be limited by the power cord.

Battery-powered grinders are more portable, flexible, and maneuverable than corded ones. You need, however, to be conscious of battery life and working time.

When choosing a battery-powered grinder, go for one with a long working time, such as the Peteast Pet Nail Grinder, which runs for 10 hours on a single charge.

2. Speed

Nail grinders run on motors that rotate the grinding wheel at certain speeds. The motor speed is measured in RPM and may vary across different grinder models.

A grinder multiple speed options can be advantageous for different nail grinding scenarios. Higher speeds are great for fast and painless grinding.

Slower speeds are ideal for precision grinding, especially when looking to avoid over-clipping a nail. With its 4 speed options (8,000, 14,000, 21,000, and 24,000 RPM), Dremel 7760-PGK is one of those grinders that offers high operational versatility.

3. Noise

Grinder motors do generate some degree of noise when running. More noise can also be created when the grinding bit and nails come into contact.

It's very common for grinder noise to scare dogs or make them anxious, sometimes causing the animals to reject the tool entirely.

To avoid such scenarios, get a grinder with minimal noise output. A loudness of below 50 dB, such as the 40 dB one of the Peteast Pet Nail Grinder, is likely within a dog's comfort levels.

You may, however, need to prepare your pet for the sound by simplify letting the tool run for a short period while next to the animal, before grinding nails.

4. Safety Guard

To keep your pets safe during the nail grinding process, some grinders feature protective enhancements such as safety guards.

These guards are designed to guide paws into the grinding ports through the right trimming angle. The net effect is the prevention of grinding accidents that could hurt your pet.

Guards also help prevent over-clipping of nails, effectively preserving pet comfort, during and after the process.

5. Durability

It's imperative to get a well-built and durable nail grinder because such will provide long-lasting and reliable service.

Metallic grinders are durable because of their resistance to impact damage. Even though most grinders are enclosed in a plastic housing, they can still uphold sturdiness and ruggedness.

The build quality of grinding bits also affects durability. Diamond bits are preferred because of their superior strength and grinding capacity.

6. Ergonomics

Ergonomics and handling are both important when working with grinders. They influence operational comfort.

An ergonomic grinder will fit comfortably and firmly in the hand. It offers high resistance to slipping, during the grinding process.

For superior ergonomics, consider getting Petural Dog Nail Grinder. Its sleek arc design help solidifies grip and enhances tool control.

FAQs

1. Are Nail Grinders Safe for Dogs?

Yes. When used correctly, nail grinders are highly effective in trimming overgrown claws not just on dogs, but also on other pets such as cats, birds, and rabbits.

For maximum pet safety, approach the nail slowly and grind for a few seconds at a time, with pauses in between.

2. At What Angle Should You Grind Your Dog's Nail?

Regular grinding will give you an idea of the best entry angle for a dog's nails. It also helps you determine the nail length that necessitates trimming.

Grooming experts recommend that you trim your dog's nails at a 45-degree angle. Besides getting the angle right, you should avoid overly fast grinding to maintain the ideal nail length.

3. How Often Can You Grind a Dog's Nails?

Generally, dog nail grinding should be done every 1-2 months. This pacing helps prevent overgrown nails, which can prove difficult to trim.

Another way to tell it's time to trim your dog's nails is when you hear them hit the floor and produce a 'clicking' sound.

4. Do Large and Small Dogs Need Different Grinders?

No. Most modern grinders are designed to work on both small and large dogs. You can get a model with multiple speeds or power levels to match the demands of different dog sizes.

You can then use lower power settings on small dogs and higher power for grinding the thicker nails common in large dogs.

Buy on Etsy

Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional 2-Speed Electric Rechargeable Pet Nail - Walmart Link

Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with 2 LED Light - New Version 2-Speed Powerful Electric Pet Nail - Walmart Link

Casifor Dog Nail Grinder and Clippers Quiet with 10h Working Time Professional Pet Nail - Walmart Link

Razoo Dog Nail Grinder, Upgrade 2-Speed LCD Nail Clippers for Dogs, Rechargeable with Low - Walmart Link

Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless Pet Dog Nail Grooming & Grinding Tool, Safely & Humanely - Walmart Link

GHG Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional LED Lighting 3-Speed Rechargeable Pet Nail - Walmart Link

Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer- Safe & Humane Pet Grooming Tool Kit- - Walmart Link

the Peteast Pet Nail Grinder - Walmart Link

the Petural Dog Nail Grinder - Walmart Link

The Bousnic Dog Nail Grinder - Walmart Link

the Casifor Dog Nail Grinder - Walmart Link

The Ruff 'N Ruffus Dog Nail Grinder Kit - Walmart Link

ConairPro Dog & Cat Grinder - Walmart Link

Boshel Dog Nail Grinder - Walmart Link

The Wahl Professional Animal 5973's - Walmart Link

Petural Dog Nail Grinder - Walmart Link

the Bosch Dremel 7300-PT - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional 2-Speed Electric Rechargeable Pet Nail - eBay Link

Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with 2 LED Light - New Version 2-Speed Powerful Electric Pet Nail - eBay Link

Casifor Dog Nail Grinder and Clippers Quiet with 10h Working Time Professional Pet Nail - eBay Link

Razoo Dog Nail Grinder, Upgrade 2-Speed LCD Nail Clippers for Dogs, Rechargeable with Low - eBay Link

Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless Pet Dog Nail Grooming & Grinding Tool, Safely & Humanely - eBay Link

GHG Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional LED Lighting 3-Speed Rechargeable Pet Nail - eBay Link

Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer- Safe & Humane Pet Grooming Tool Kit- - eBay Link

the Peteast Pet Nail Grinder - eBay Link

the Petural Dog Nail Grinder - eBay Link

The Bousnic Dog Nail Grinder - eBay Link

the Casifor Dog Nail Grinder - eBay Link

The Ruff 'N Ruffus Dog Nail Grinder Kit - eBay Link

ConairPro Dog & Cat Grinder - eBay Link

Boshel Dog Nail Grinder - eBay Link

The Wahl Professional Animal 5973's - eBay Link

Petural Dog Nail Grinder - eBay Link

the Bosch Dremel 7300-PT - eBay Link

Conclusion

If you want the best nail grinder for dogs, choose our top pick, the Bosch Dremel 7300-PT. It is a powerful, fast, and highly portable unit that works great on other pets as well.

If you're on a budget but desire premium value from a nail grinder, you can't go wrong with Casfuy N10. It is a low-noise and low-vibration tool that implements a premium diamond grinding bit.

And for operational versatility, especially when grooming multiple pets, the Dremel 7760-PGK grinder offers 4 speed options for different grinding requirements.