How to use a dog nail grinder
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Dog nail grinders: What you need to know
There all kinds of questions you may be asking yourself when it comes to dog grooming, in particular when you are considering how to care for your dog’s claws.
Should you choose battery operated dog nail clippers, a pet nail file or a dog nail grinder? Ultimately, you won’t know until you try all the options available. There’s no one size fits all approach, as every dog is different. You might have two greyhounds that love the sound and feel of a nail buffer for dogs, and a chusky who prefers the clippers, or a dachshund that adores the attention no matter what you use.
Some dogs hate having their nails cut, getting so wriggly that they might hurt themselves on the sharp edge of the scissors you’re using. It can be distressing for both you and your dog, especially as you know that they trust you and you accidentally hurt them.
Rather than resigning yourself to asking ‘Can I use a nail file on my dog?’ or letting your dog’s nails grow so long they tear holes in fabric and skin, consider using a dog nail grinder rather than scissors or electric dog nail clippers. Nail grinders are inexpensive, easy to find online or in stores and great for nervous dogs or wriggling puppies.
Tips for using a dog nail grinder
Grinding your dog’s nails is fairly easy. No matter which brand you choose – from Dremel, Conair, Pedipaws and Oster, to name a few, there are some simple rules to follow to make sure both you and your dog remain safe:
- Grinders spin fast, using their speed and abrasive material to buff dog nails shorter without any jagged edges. If your dog has long fur, make sure it’s out of the way by holding it back or trimming it, especially if it’s on their paws or in between the pads of their feet. If the fur gets caught in the grinder, your dog will be hurt and it will be hard to untangle the fur without pulling further
- Try to have someone else with you to help. Your dog may dislike the heat of the battery nail filer on their nails and may be alarmed by the noise or even smell of the nail sander. It’s hard to grind a dog’s claws down so much that you cut down to the nail quick, or the live part of skin that grows the nail, but it can happen. Having someone around will make sure the two of you have a secure hold on your dog and won’t grind down too close to the nail bed
- Don’t get hold of your nail grinder and immediately aim to start grinding your dog’s nails the second you get home. The act of putting something close to the nail may frighten your dog, so allow them to become used to the sensation of the vibrating head of the nail smoother against their body in short bursts before trying to trim all their nails.
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What kind of dog nail grinder should I get?
Whether you’ve heard of a Dremel nail drill, been recommended the Oster dog nail grinder, or you’re looking for Pedipaw nail trimmer reviews, our handy guide will help you find which one is the perfect painless solution for your pet.
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For the nervous owner
If you’re a dog grooming beginner and have found that your dog is very particular about what they let near their nails, try the Oster pet grooming range. Oster are a trusted name and their grinders come with several different kinds of sanding heads, as well as a safety feature that stops the head from spinning if anything gets wrapped around it. The kits are on the pricier side but the safety feature is unique enough to justify the cost.
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For small adjustments
A Pedipaws nail grinder is better for smaller breeds or dogs who don’t need a huge amount of nail to be removed. The sander is finer, so it’s best for removing snags and breaks rather than grinding off a significant portion of the nail. It’s also a more cost-effective option than other brands.
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For humans and pets alike
The Dremel pet nail trimmer is a favourite for many owners. Plenty say that using a Dremel on their dog’s claws was less painful than they expected, for both them and their dog, or that the dog was not frightened of the motor noise because it was quiet. Aside from the price that commands such good reviews, the downside of using a Dremel for your pet’s nails is that it may be difficult to get hold of.
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For those who like to handle what they’re buying
The Wahl pet nail grinder is sold in shops around the UK, making it a great choice if you want to see the grinder before ordering it. Mains-powered, it’s stronger than battery-powered pet nail clippers. If your dogs aren’t bothered by the noise, you can also make full use the selection of heads, with a choice of coarse, fine and a felt polisher which acts as a nail buffer for dogs.
