Best Dog Nail Clippers
To make sure any pet pawrent can quickly find the right nail trimming tool, we’ve put together a list of the best dog nail clippers for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
No one likes clipping dog nails — least of all dogs. Clipping dog nails is one of the most stressful grooming procedures, both for the pet owner and their pooch, but with the right tools and a bit of practice, nail clipping can be a stress-free task. The main issue that makes clipping dog nails so stressful and scary is the fact that it’s too easy to make a mistake and cut more of the nail than you should’ve. This means hitting the quick- or, in other words, cutting a bundle of nerves and blood vessels, leading to a lot of bleeding and pain for your pooch. Unfortunately, the fear of hitting a dog’s quick doesn’t mean you get to skip on nail clipping- this is a key step in any canine’s grooming routine.
1. Editor’s Choice: Zen Clipper Precise & Zen Clipper Precise Junior
Nail trimming is an essential part of grooming your pet. It is certainly something that you can pay professional groomers to do, but, once you understand how to do it, is a simple procedure that can be done effectively and conveniently at home with the right tool. Clipping your pet’s nails can save you money and the time and hassle of bringing your pet into the groomer or vet for the job.
The Zen Clipper Precise and the Zen Clipper Precise Junior is the perfect tool that will help you perform the task with confidence and peace of mind in the comfort of your own home. This clipping tool is designed for safety and ease of use with an adjustable blade opening that prevents the nail from being cut too much, allowing for precise control, even if your pet is being not cooperative. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the blades are long-lasting and provide a sharp clipping edge. The clippers have a cushioned non-slip handle that is durable, ergonomic, and easy to use. These clippers are suitable for almost any average-sized pet, from dogs to cats, birds to reptiles. You will be confident with your purchase as the company offers a lifetime consumer warranty for registered projects and a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.
2. Runner Up: BOSHEL Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer with Safety Guard
Easy to use, powerful, and convenient, BOSHEL dog nail clippers are suitable for dogs of all sizes- and pet owners with varying levels of nail trimming experience. If you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find these ergonomically designed clippers are comfy to hold and have an impressive cutting power- the 3.5mm thick stainless steel blades will cut through your pooch’s nail like it’s made from butter. The safety stop serves as a quick sensor and it’s especially handy if you’re not experienced or have a dog with dark nails, as it prevents you from quicking your dog. As a bonus, you get a small file (conveniently stored inside the plier handle) to get that perfect mani-pedi finish. Highly rated and popular with dog owners, this nail trimmer boasts a 4.5 rating and over 39,000 reviews- a testament to its efficiency and ease of use.
3. Best for Big Dogs: Andis Premium Dog Nail Clipper
Trimming nails of large breed dogs can be particularly tricky- but these dog nail clippers can make the task bearable. Specially designed to slice thick and large nails efficiently and fast, Andis clippers feature a safety guard that makes sure that the quick is not hurt during the speedy trimming process. The metal plate behind the blades prevents you from cutting too deep and causing a bleeding injury to your pet’s paw. Additionally, the ergonomic design and spring-loaded mechanism make cutting much easier and less straining- you won’t tire out quickly when handling these.
4. Best for Small Dogs: JOFUYU Nail Clippers for Small Dogs
Tiny pooches might seem like less work in the nail grooming department, but that’s far from the truth. Their petite paws and tiny nails need extra care and attention as you have to be very precise on such a small space. Sure, there’s less nail to cut but it also means that hurting the quick is just that easier. That’s why these small scissors style dog nail clippers are a perfect choice- they are specially designed for nails of small animals. The non-slip handles give you a firm grip so you can be precise, and the angled, sharp, semi-circular stainless steel blades are sharp enough to trim the nail without crushing it. To boot, you can choose between a flat or curved handle to suit your needs- whatever feels more comfortable in your hand.
5. Best Basic: Resco Original Deluxe Dog Claw Clipper
Pop the nail in, press, repeat. That’s all it takes to get a perfect paw-icure! The guillotine style is ideally suited for medium and large dogs, as the sharp and powerful blades tackle their thick nails with ease. Made in the USA, these professional dog nail clippers are top of the line and provide superior performance. The micro-honed, replaceable cutting blade slices off nails without a hitch — just make sure not to get carried away and accidentally quick your pooch. You can choose between regular or large size to get a tailored match to your pet’s needs: regular is suited for dogs weighing between 10 and 50 lbs, and large is a better fit for dogs weighing over 50 lbs.
6. Best Professional: Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs
Affordable and sharp, these basic dog nail clippers are an all-around good choice. If you don’t need any bells and whistles, and your pooch has light nails, then the Safari nail trimmer will suit you just fine. The stainless steel double-bladed cutter with a tension spring cuts nails with precision and swiftness, regardless whether they’re brittle or thick and strong. There is also a safety stop that makes sure you’re not cutting too generously in one go. Available in standard and large size, Safari dog nail clippers are suitable for canine claws of all sizes.
7. Best Easy To Use: Allstar Innovations PetiCare The Illuminated Pet Nail Clipper
More is more- simple as that! This guillotine-style nail clipper comes with various bonus features that aim to make nail trimming a pain-free process- both for you and your four-legged bestie. Unique in many aspects, The Illuminated Pet Nail Clipper boasts a built-in bright LED light and a magnifying glass to help you see the quick, even in darker nails. With a directed light and magnified view of the surface, you won’t have to worry about cutting back too much of the nail and exposing the nerves and vessels. This nail clipper is suited for dogs of all sizes, but you might want to invest in a special extra large clipper if you have a giant breed dog as their nails are quite thick and can be a challenge for a regular clipper such as this one.
8. Best Budget: Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper
When it comes to dog nail clippers under $10, Epica is one of the best nail trimmers out there. Available in small to medium and medium to large, these plier-style clippers fit all pooches. The tempered stainless steel blade is sharp enough to cut through any claw, and it won’t get dull after a few uses like many other cheap clippers. The combination of rubber-coated handles and spring mechanism makes clipping a breeze- no need to strain your hand trimming your dog’s nails.
9. Also Consider: SHINY PET Nail Clippers for Small Breed Dogs
With over 10,000 reviews and a stellar rating of 4.7 stars, this dog nail clipper is deservedly considered one of the most popular choices on the market. The sturdy stainless steel angled blades are ideal for cutting small nails with ease and precision. The sharp semi-circular blade grips the nail and slices of the tip with one gentle squeeze. There is no safety guard, though, so make sure to go slowly if your dog’s nails have grown long and need more than a regular trim. The anti-slip handle and comfy finger rests help you steady your arm and deliver a precise “blow” to that micro claw.
10. Honorable Mention: FURminator Nail Clippers For Dogs
For dog nail clippers, one of the most important things is that they are sharp enough- you don’t want to crush the nail. FURminator nail clippers slice the tips clean off, making the whole ordeal hassle-free and faster. The adjustable guide will help prevent quicking, as it will force you to cut only smaller portions of the nail in one go. Just get a good grip on the handles (the rubber and anti-microbial plastic ensure it) and get to sniping! These nail clippers will suit most adult dogs, but if you have a toy breed or a petite pooch, you might want to get specialized extra small clippers for a safer and easier use.
11. Best for Multi Pet: Gorilla Grip Premium Dog and Cat Nail Clipper
Suited for first-timers and experienced pet owners alike, these handy nail clippers make nail trimming a worry-free experience. The ergonomic handle is designed to give you a firm grip thanks to its optimal shape and slip-resistant silicone grip and ensures absolute safety with its click slide lock that keeps the blades closed when the clippers are not in use. The size of these nail trimming clippers is suited for medium to large dogs: the thick 3.5 millimeters stainless steel blades will easily cut through for a precise and painless operation. To boot, there’s also a guard to prevent you from cutting too deep into the nail and hurting your pet’s quick. And for that perfect finish for smooth nails, these clippers hide a nail file in one of the handles.
12: Best Illuminated: Helishy Illuminated Pet Nail Clipper
One of the most difficult things about cutting your pet’s nails- and there are quite a few difficult things about it- is visibility. Avoiding the quick and making sure your pet’s nails are perfectly trimmed is all that more difficult if your dog’s nails are dark or if they are small- let alone both. Luckily, this clever design is there to make matters clearer thanks to its built-in, super bright LED light. The light is pointed at an angle that will illuminate the nail directly and make it so much easier for you to hit the mark. Additionally, to ensure good visibility, the blade cap doubles as a magnification lens: it will magnify the nail 5 times, giving you a clear vision of where the quick is and how much to trim. The hardened steel blade in guillotine-style will give a precise and quick cut so everything goes fast and smooth- these clippers are literally designed to make your life easier. A versatile design that’s easy to use, this nail clipper will suit the needs of most dogs without any issue.
13. Best Set: Peroom Dog Nail Grinder
What could be better than a pair of easy-to-use, efficient, sharp dog nail clippers? Nail clippers that double as a nail grinder. Yes, that’s possible with a clever design: one of the handles of these nail clippers conceals a nail grinder that will help you trim and shape your pet’s nails in between regular clippings. A nail grinder can also smooth out freshly cut nails or be used instead of the clipper, on those days when you’re not in the mood for the clipping. Packed with useful features, this 2-in-1 nail trimming tool can be used on dogs of all sizes (the grinder is fully adjustable) and boasts a built-in LED light for better visibility with darker nails. Quiet, fast, and multi-functional, this handy little tool will quickly become a favorite.
Choosing the Best Dog Nail Clippers: Scissors, Pliers, or Guillotine?
If not clipped regularly, dog’s nails can grow abnormally long, making it difficult for your pooch to walk, or even creating wounds on paws (ingrown nails can be a big problem). That’s why, no matter how much both you and your dog hate it, you’ll have to get used to using dog nail clippers on a regular basis. Of course, not all dog nail clippers are made alike, from variations in the design to those in quality, and your choice can make all the difference. For instance, if you have a dog with black nails, it’s a must to get dog nail clippers with a quick sensor or safety guard. It’s virtually impossible to see the quick in dark nails, so having additional safety measures is always a good idea.
There are three main basic designs of dog nail clippers: guillotine style, pliers style, and scissors style. Guillotine dog nail clippers sound scary, but they are not- it’s just you place your dog’s nails inside an opening and a blade slices it down, similar to the way guillotine works. These dog nail clippers get the job done fast, but they also make it easier to quick your dog, so they are not recommended for absolute newbies. The most popular choice are the so-called plier style dog nail clippers, which take up after the handy tool, as they also have two legs, often connected by a spring, that control the opening of the blade. These convenient clippers come in all sizes and in various designs. Lastly, for toy dog breeds, small dogs, and cats, the “weapon” of choice are usually the scissor-type dog nail clippers. They are the smallest and resemble regular scissors when it comes to the handle part, but with the classic rounded clipper blades for nail trimming.
How often should I cut nails for my dog?
Generally speaking, you should clip your dog’s nails at least once a month. However, not all dogs have the same activity levels: if your pet is very active and often runs around outside where concrete surfaces could help their nails file down naturally, it can be more than a month before you need to grab the clippers for a trimming session. A good rule of thumb is to never let your pet’s nails touch the floor, so as soon as you notice them get long enough to make contact with the walking surface, it’s time to grind or cut the nails.
How to use dog nail clippers properly?
Dog nail clipping can be a challenging task if you’ve never done it before, but it doesn’t take long to get the hang of it. There are a few types of nail clippers out there, but the most popular by far are guillotine and scissors or pliers type of clippers. For the guillotine clippers, you need to place the nail between the stationary ring and the cutting blade and squeeze the handles to move up the blade and cut the nail. In the case you are using pliers type dog nail clippers, you place the open blades at a right angle with the nail between them and squeeze. The same is true for the scissors type dog nail clippers as they function very similarly, the main difference being that they are more suited to small breed dogs. In any case, it’s important to make sure that your pet is calm and still (preferably lying or sitting) and that you don’t cut too far back as you could hit the quick and cause bleeding: take off just a few millimeters and repeat rather than cutting off a chunk in one go.
Can I use human fingernail clippers on dogs?
No, you should never use your own fingernail clippers to cut your dog’s claws. Not only that dog nails are much thicker than your own, but the shape of human fingernail clippers is not suited to the shape of a dog’s nail. Using human fingernail clippers wouldn’t it just prove to be ineffective but it could also injure your pet by breaking off or damaging the nail.
What types of dog nail clippers are there and which one should I use?
When it comes to nail clipper types, the 3 designs stand out the most: the guillotine, the plier, and the scissor type. Guillotine is more suited to large breed dogs (even though there are smaller models to accommodate the needs of small dog owners) and it’s easy to use, as well. The plier-style of dog nail clippers is the most popular ones and will suit a wide range of dogs, from small to large breeds with thicker nails. Finally, scissor style nail clippers for dogs are generally aimed at toy breeds, puppies, and small breed dogs as they are small, sharp, and easy to maneuver around a petite paw and tiny nails.
How often should I replace dog nail clippers?
Not all dog nail clippers are made alike- while can withstand a year or more of heavy use, others get dull after a couple of uses, which is why you should always opt for high-quality materials and design if possible. Generally, you should replace dog nail clippers when you notice a dent, chip, or any kind of damage on the blades. If they are just dull, they can be sharpened back to their previous state and serve you well again. If you clean and maintain your dog’s clippers after every use, you will significantly prolong their service life.
What will happen if I don’t cut nails for my dog?
Overgrown dog nails are not just a beauty issue but they can also be quite painful, impact your pet’s ability to walk, and -if severely neglected- they can even grow so long inwards that they pierce the paw pads, causing discomfort, extreme pain, and even infections. It goes without saying that you should regularly trim your pet’s nails, even if it is stressful and challenging- this is one of those steps in your pet’s grooming routine you should never skip.
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A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.
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