Once your dog’s nails start growing too long, they can cause some serious health problems, including infections. To prevent this from happening, you have to make sure you clip your dog’s nails on a regular basis.
You can take your dog to a groomer or clip them yourself using a nail clipper. The first option, however, is a lot more expensive than just doing it yourself. Fortunately, clipping your dog’s nails on your own is actually a lot easier than it seems. You just need to choose a good clipper. That said, we have reviewed some of the best dog nail clippers you can find on the market.
Top Picks
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How to Choose the Best Dog Nail Clippers
Before we get on our list, let us first know what you should consider when buying a dog nail clipper. They are as follows:
Type
A dog nail clippers are divided into three different categories which are the following:
Scissor
A scissor-type clipper allows you to exert mechanical force on your dog’s nails. There are two different varieties: small ones which are designed for small dogs and large ones for larger dogs. When picking a scissor clipper, make sure you choose one that’s appropriately sized for your pet.
The best part about scissor clippers is that they can be used for trimming not just dogs but cats and birds as well. However, their blades can get dull really fast and will, therefore, require regular sharpen if you use them regularly.
Guillotine
A guillotine clipper is spring loaded and can fit over the end of your dog’s nails. It’s the most preferred among groomers and vets mainly because it can also be used on cats.
Guillotine clippers come in a variety of sizes to cater to different pets. The problem with them is that you may have a hard time seeing how much nail is about to be clipped, making them not so ideal for uncooperative dogs.
Grinding tool
Clippers that belong to this category comes with a sandpaper or emery board where you can grind your dog’s nails easily. Most of them can be attached to the tools you already have, while some can be used as a standalone.
Comfort
You want to make sure that the nails of your dog are properly cut, which is why you should also consider the clipper’s comfort. Go for one that has a comfortable handle. Ideally, you want a handle that’s either rubberized or anti-slip.
Safety Features
As much as possible, you want to prevent overtrimming your dog’s nails as it can damage his nails and possibly lead to infection. You can find clippers that have a quick guard to prevent such thing from happening. However, some think that the quick guard can only affect their accuracy when trimming. Regardless, if you’re still new to clipping your dog’s nails, it’d be best to go for clippers with a quick guard.
Quality of the Blade
A nail clipper isn’t a clipper without a blade. You need to make sure you’re only picking a clipper that has a high-quality blade. When choosing a clipper, it’s important to look for one that has a high-quality stainless steel blade as it is rust-free and can stay sharp longer. This is actually important as a dull blade can be painful for your dog.
Now that we’ve discussed the factors you have to consider when looking for nail clippers, let’s now check our list of the top dog nail clippers on the market.
9 Best Dog Nail Clippers
GoPets Nail Clippers
The Perfect Fit for Your Go-lucky Pet
These clippers from GoPets are made of stainless steel, making them perfect for achieving sharp and clean cuts. According to the manufacturer, the clipper’s blade will remain sharp for years despite being used regularly. It comes with rubber insets for the handles to provide you with additional grip and comfort. Also, since they are long enough, you can actually enjoy extra leverage when clipping your pet’s nails.
The clipper has a locking mechanism that will keep the blades in a closed position when not in use. Additionally, it comes with a separate nail file to let you smoothen any rough edges after trimming.
Why We Like It:
- Its long handles provide you with extra leverage
- Includes a nail file in the package
- Its locking mechanism lets you store it safely
Millers Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Cheap Yet Highly Functional
The Millers Forge clipper is one of the most affordable clippers out there. Albeit sporting a very simple and less ergonomic design, it’s actually very effective when it comes to clipping your dog’s nails, particularly dogs of a large breed.
The problem, however, is that the handle isn’t really comfortable, causing your hand to get tired quickly when using it. In spite of that, it’s one of the most reliable clippers out there especially when we consider its price, durability, and effectiveness.
Why We Like It:
- Made of a high-quality material
- Its sharp blades can cut thick nails with ease
Safari 770045 Professional Nail Trimmer
Ergonomically Designed for a Superior Grip
The Safari 770045 is a scissor-type trimmer that’s made of stainless steel for long lasting sharpness and trimming effectiveness. The handles are rubber-coated and slip-resistant, making it easy to use the clipper without the worry of it slipping off your hand. It also has a quick guard, making it ideal for use by dog owners who are nervous or haven’t tried clipping nails before.
One of the reasons why a lot of dog owners choose the Safari clipper is because of its low price and the fact that it can be used for medium and large dogs.
Why We Like It:
- Creates a clean cut with its high-quality blades
- Features non-slip and ergonomic handles
BOSHEL Dog Nail Clippers
The Bestselling Clipper on the Market
The Boshel clipper has everything you could ever need in a clipper: locking handles, rubber grips, stainless steel blades, and a safety guard. It has an ergonomic design to make handling easy without having to worry about slipping.
Aside from its razor-sharp blades, it also has a safety stop that will allow you to cut off tiny bits of your dog’s nails every time when used. Hence, you don’t have to worry about cutting off too much nail. Additionally, it has a nail file to add a finishing touch to your pet’s nails.
Why We Like It:
- It has a user-friendly design to make grooming comfortable
- The safety stop significantly reduces the chances of cutting into the quick
- The razor-sharp blades provide a clean cut with every use
CleanHouse Pets Dog and Cat Nail Clippers
Professional Grade Clippers For Dogs, Cats, Bunnies & Other Pets
When your dog gets long nails it is so important to use the most efficient clippers on him. This avoids the pet getting stressed or hurt, as you accurately trim their nails quickly. CleanHouse clippers are designed to enable you to get the job done as easily as you can, for a grooming session free from stress.
One great benefit of the product is that the frame is stainless steel, which means they are rust-proof and durable. The handles are also comfortable to grip, so when you cut your dog’s nails you can do so with ease, without hurting your hands.
Owners with multiple pets will appreciate that the professional grade clippers can be used on dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets needing regular nail trimming. If you’re at all worried about using the clippers safely, you’ll appreciate the built-in safety switch which helps boost the safe use of the product.
Why We Like It:
- Professional grade
- Comfortable to use
- Safety Switch
- Stainless steel
What We Don’t Like:
- Safety guard may move after cutting
- May not provide a super sharp cut every time
DakPets Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer
Made for Safe and Professional Trimming While at Home
Featuring a quick guard, this nail clipper can effectively clip your dog’s nails without the risk of overcutting. This way, you can guarantee a quick, easy, and painless trimming on your dog. It even comes with a nail file to allow you to smoothen the nails after clipping.
It also features a user-friendly design to keep you comfortable as you groom your pet. The handles are ergonomically designed and made of a non-slip material to prevent slipping. As a tool that’s recommended by professional groomers and veterinarians, the DakPets clipper is surely a product that you might want to consider when clipping your pet’s nails.
Why We Like It:
- Features a safety guard to prevent overcutting
- Ergonomic handles and a user-friendly design
Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper
A Reliable Clipping Tool on a Budget
Millers Forge is known for producing high-quality clippers, and this is one of them. This plier style clipper comes with comfortable plastic grips that let you use the tool comfortably and easily. It has a spring-loaded mechanism to give you more cutting action. It’s also the most affordable product on this list.
It also has a quick guard that will help prevent overcutting. Lastly, it’s designed for use on almost any dog size except for very large breeds.
Why We Like It:
- Ideal for use on any dog size with the exception of very huge ones
- Comes with a lock to keep it closed when not in use
SHINY PET Nail Clippers
Ideal for Small Breeds
A scissor-type clipper, the Shiny Pet clipper is specifically designed for use on small dogs and even cats. It’s safe and easy to use on even the smallest paws. It is fitted with razor-sharp stainless steel blades that can cut nails safely and easily.
Additionally, the handles are made of 100% plastic which is then finished with a non-slip coating to provide you with a secure grip while cutting your pet’s nails. If you’re looking for a clipper for your small pet or even puppy, this can be an excellent option.
Why We Like It:
- The blades are hypoallergenic
- Ergonomically designed handles which are non-slip as well
- Eco-friendly construction using 100% recycled plastic
Resco Original Dog and Cat Nail/Claw Clippers
Resco is known for their guillotine-type clippers. This one in particular features clinical-grade steel blades that can effortlessly cut nails, providing your dog with a clean cut every single time. It also features a specially engineered cutting system to make sure that each clip is both quick and painless.
That aside, the Resco clippers have handles with powder-coated grips to make sure they won’t slip off your hands accidentally. However, compared to the other products on this list, it doesn’t have any quick guard owing to the fact that it’s a guillotine-type clipper. As such, you have to pay extra caution when clipping your dog’s nails.
Why We Like It:
- The blades are made of clinical-grade steel for maximum sharpness and durability
- Comfortable, non-slip handles
- Blades can be replaced easily
gonicc Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer
Nail Clipping Made Easy
If you are having trouble cutting your dog’s nail, then this clipper is perfect for you. The gonicc don Nail clipper is no doubt one of the best nail clippers in the market. It comes with a hidden nail file that’s conveniently attached in the handle, allowing you to polish the nails to perfection.
Aside from that, it also features a high-quality stainless sharp blade which allows for a good and clean cut without causing any bleeding on your dog’s nails. Lastly, it has ergonomically-designed non-slip handles which are both comfortable and lightweight, making them perfect for smooth and easy nail clipping.
Why We Like It:
- Offers a safety stop-blade or known as “guard” that helps you know far to cut to reduce the risk of cutting the dog nails way too short
- Perfect as a regular grooming tool
- Effortless to use and gets the job much faster compared to other tools
- Includes a free nail file attached to the handles
FAQs
Q: How to use dog nail clippers?
A: If you haven’t tried clipping your dog’s nails before, you may feel a bit intimated and nervous. However, it’s not really that hard to learn, and before you know, you’re already cutting your dog’s nails like a pro.
Before you start, you have to make sure that your pet is in a comfortable position. After that, take his paw and spread his toes using your fingers. Use only one hand for spreading the toes, as you’ll be using the other for trimming.
Next, firmly grip the clippers in one hand and make sure that its blade is facing you. This will prevent you from cutting a quick. It’s always a good idea to teach your dog that clipping is just normal and he shouldn’t be afraid.
Q: How often should I clip my dog’s nails?
A: How often you clip your dog’s nails will depend on a number of factors. If he walks a lot outside, then you’ll have to trim his nails regularly. However, if your dog stays inside of the house most of the time, the rule of thumb would be to start clipping his nails at least once a month. This will be a good start so you can figure out your pet’s nail growth speed and find out when exactly should you trim his nails.
Q: How to make my dog sit still?
A: Nail trimming is a process that should be done with extreme care and precision. However, most dogs aren’t used to clipping, which is why you have to train yours to sit still as you start clipping.
To do this, you have to make him associate the clipping process with something good. You need to reward him with treats to achieve this. Make sure you pet your dog following a successful trimming process (they have to be assured that they did well).
It’s not easy to reward once the trimming’s done at first, hence you have to start by giving him small treats after each clipping. This way, he will then start looking forward to trimming his nails.
Q: Can I use my own scissors?
A: You shouldn’t use any sharp objects other than a dog clipper for cutting your dog’s nails. Dog clippers are designed to efficiently cut your dog’s nails without the risk of cutting them quick. If you use any other tools, you run the risk of accidentally cutting your dog’s quick which can lead to infections.
Q: How to stop dog nail from bleeding?
A: Accidents do happen, so if you accidentally cut your dog’s quick while clipping, you have to use a clean cloth immediately for compressing the cut. If it’s a tiny cut, you can rub a clean bar of soap on it. However, if it’s a major cut, wrap an ice enclosed in a cloth around it to stop the bleeding.
Afterward, dip your dog’s nail into a small amount of styptic powder. Keep on repeating until the bleeding stops. Make sure you don’t wipe away any blood before you dip your dog’s nail as it can help with the clotting.
Once the bleeding is stopped, wrap the cut using a clean cloth then try to have your dog rest for at least 30 minutes. Next, wash his nail using a lukewarm water and cover it with a bandage to prevent him from licking it.
If the bleeding still doesn’t stop, contact your veterinarian right away.
Q: How to sharpen dog nail clippers?
A: With frequent use, your dog nail clippers will start to become dull. As such, you won’t be able to effectively trim your dog’s nails, not to mention it might also cause pain and bleeding when you trim. To sharpen your clippers, simply follow these steps:
- If your clipper has a lever design, make sure you remove it first. This can be done by pressing the two parts of your clipper together by using a tool such as a plier.
- After removing the pin, you may then separate the blades.
- Using a sharpening tool, gently sharpen each blade.
- Simply put them back to the clipper by following the steps in reverse.
Final Words
Nail trimming is no doubt important for your dog as it will help keep his nails the right size at all times. Aside from that, it can also affect your dog’s health. Therefore, whenever you notice that your dog’s nails are starting to grow long, don’t hesitate to trim them right away.
With the best dog nail clippers on the market, you can surely achieve a clean and safe cut on your dogs. And just like choosing dog brushes, dog nail grinders, or dog shampoos, you have to make sure that you can give your dog what he needs when it comes to his hygiene and health.