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Being a proud pet owner means going above and beyond to ensure your furry friend is happy and healthy, and a dog nail grinder is part of that equation. You take them for walks, fill up their water dish, give them belly rubs, and so much more. Granted, some things are easier said than done when caring for your dog, like keeping their paws properly maintained. Whether you’re between trips to the local pet spa or ready to fly solo when it comes to trims, the best dog nail grinder will make an at-home manicure quick and easy.
- Best overall: Dremel 7350-PET
- Best for large dogs: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
- Best with safety guard: Oster Gentle Paws Premium Nail Grinder
- Best with a guide light: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with 2 LED Light
- Best nail clipper-and-grinder set: Boschel Dog Nail Clippers and Grinder
How we chose the best dog nail grinders
There are a few things you should think about before buying a new dog nail grinder. First, ensure you understand when and how you should use this helpful tool for dog grooming. Understanding the ins and outs of caring for your pup’s nails will help you narrow down the right dog nail trimmer for you. You’ll also want to consider your dog’s age, temperament, and nail type as you consider one of these dog essentials. These are just some factors we considered when researching the best options for giving your best friend an at-home spa treatment. We combined this research with critical recommendations and user reviews to narrow down our selection.
The best dog nail grinders: Reviews & Recommendations
One of the most important things to be aware of is their individual grooming needs, including nail length. That’s why a dog nail grinder is one of the essential dog products you’ll need if you want to take care of grooming yourself.
Best overall: Dremel 7350-PET
The Best in the Business
Pros
- Made by a well-known tool company
- Designed with two rotation speeds
- Cordless and battery-powered
Cons
- May run out of power
- Will need to buy replacement discs
Why it made the cut: Made by a trusted name in tools, this nail grinder is cordless and comes with a 60-grit sanding drum and two rotation speeds for easier trimming.
Specs
- Power: Nickel-cadmium battery
- Speeds: One
- Good for: All dogs
The Dremel 7350-PET is one of the best dog nail grinders on the market. A 60-grit sanding drum and one rotation speed (12,000 rotations per minute) bring enough power to file down tough nails on large dogs or gently sand down your tiny dog’s talons. The rechargeable battery can last about an hour and a half, and each unit comes with a charging stand equipped with an LED indicator light. It also comes with five sanding disks, so you’ll start your journey stocked up on replacements.
Best for large dogs: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
Runner-Up
Pros
- Works for range of dogs
- Quiet
- Comes with diamond-built grinder for thick nails
Cons
- Slower speeds
Why it made the cut: This nail grinder is designed with three settings to customize grooming for large dogs and small dogs.
Specs
- Power: Rechargeable AAA batteries
- Speeds: Two
- Good for: Multiple breeds
The Casfuy nail grinder promises a gentle yet powerful grind with minimal vibration and noise to keep your pup calm during upkeep. The built-in battery is USB rechargeable and lasts up to two hours. This trimmer has two speed settings and three ports. The first port, a notch in the included protective sleeve, is designed for small pets, the second port for medium-sized dogs, and the unprotected diamond-bit nail grinder is perfect for big dogs with thick nails.
Best with safety guard: Oster Gentle Paws Premium Nail Grinder
Great Guard
Pros
- Comes with safety guard
- Collects nail filings
- Quiet
Cons
- Not the best for large dogs
Why it made the cut: The grinder comes with a safety guard and is designed for small to medium-sized dogs and cats.
Specs
- Power: Rechargeable AA battery
- Speeds: Two
- Good for: Small to medium dogs, some cats
The Oster Gentle Paws nail grinder has a two-speed design and includes one fine and two coarse sanding bands. An adjustable safety guard will help you feel confident and protect your pet from any accidental nicks. Best of all, the removable safety guard will collect the nail filings, so all you need to do is remove the cap over the trash, and clean-up is complete. This nail grinder is best for small to medium-sized dogs, and Oster says it can even be used on some very patient cats.
Best with a guide light: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with 2 LED Light
See What You’re Doing
Pros
- LED light helps you see what you’re doing
- Diamond bit allows for more powerful grinding
- Quiet
Cons
- Grinding process can take a while
Why it made the cut: For skittish pups, this nail grinder comes with a guide light and has three rotation speeds for better customization.
Specs
- Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (USB)
- Speeds: Three
- Good for: Small, medium, and large dogs
This dog nail grinder from GHG features a diamond bit, a rechargeable battery, and a quiet motor that produces under 40 decibels of sound. It has three rotation speed settings and three grinding ports to suit your pet’s size and nail thickness. A LED light located under the grinder shines directly on your pet’s paw, brightly illuminating the quick, so you know where to cut. Turn the light on and off at will, depending on which pup you’re trimming or the natural light in the room.
Best nail clipper-and-grinder set: Boshel Dog Nail Clippers and Grinder
Best of Both
Pros
- Comprehensive kit
- Features three ports for range of dog sizes
- Comes with nail file
Cons
- Just two speeds
Why it made the cut: This set comes with a grinder and clippers, a diamond bit for tough nails, and a nail file for rough edges.
Specs
- Power: Rechargeable battery (USB)
- Speeds: Two
- Good for: Dogs and cats of all sizes
While grinding your dog’s nail can be safer than clipping, sometimes it’s helpful to keep both tools on hand. This Boshel set is suitable for cats and dogs, with sharp blades and a safety stop on the clippers. The diamond bit grinder has a two-speed motor with a rechargeable battery and three ports suitable for any size dog. This pet nail grinder set also includes a mini nail file to round out any sharp or uneven edges when you’re trimming dog claws.
What to consider when searching for the best dog nail grinders
Why is it important to cut my dog’s nails?
A domesticated dog needs assistance when it comes to taking care of health and hygiene. Just like we need to bathe, cut our hair, and trim our nails to keep up not just our appearance but maintain our overall well-being, dogs rely on the same routine for the exact same reasons. While frequent walks on pavement or concrete can help naturally file down a dog’s nail, dedicated filing or clipping is critical. If your dog’s nails get too long, that can start to affect their gait and stress their joints. Beyond that, if their nails continue to grow, they can puncture their footpads or injure themselves when scratching. While the best thing you can do is regularly take your dog to a professional groomer, an at-home nail grinder means you can keep them in tip-top shape, even if the pet spa is all booked up.
How do I even use a nail grinder?
A nail grinder uses a high-speed rotating head with a textured bit, much like sandpaper, to gently file down canine nails. While they take longer to complete the task than trimmers, a doggie nail file can be a safer alternative, especially for sensitive dogs. All you need to do is hold the grinder up to your dog’s nails and gently move the tool back and forth. Your nail grinder should be light, easy to grip, and either come with a power cord or long-lasting batteries that are rechargeable or replaceable, so you don’t need to stop mid-trim. It’s a good idea to acclimate your pup to the sound of the grinder before taking it to their nails, and it’s never a bad idea to prepare treats for them post-pedicure.
A grinder results in smooth nail ends, eliminates cracking, and gives ample time to assess how close you are to the quick. The quick is the pink part of the nail that delivers blood. While you want to ensure you don’t grind this area down, regular nail trimming will naturally cause it to recede, which is beneficial! If you’re feeling particularly nervous about over-trimming, look for a grinder that comes with a guard, which will put a physical barrier between you and a sensitive part of the nail.
What size dog do you have?
Generally, the size of your dog will tell you about their nail thickness. Small dogs typically have thinner nails that don’t need a super coarse grinding bit or multiple speeds. Larger dogs have thicker nails that need a little more power behind the grind. Multiple grinding speeds can help whittle down tough areas, and a diamond or stainless-steel sanding drum will increase efficiency. A really powerful grinder has the potential to heat nails to an uncomfortable degree, so it’s a good idea to work in quick bursts and pay attention to any intense heat coming off of their nails. Age and breed can also impact your dog’s nail density. Before purchasing, we recommend palming your dog’s paws and scoping out the tool’s specs to double-check the grinding gear can handle the trim.
Does your dog have dark fur and/or dark nails?
Trimming your dog’s nails on your own can be anxiety-provoking, especially if you have difficulty distinguishing the nail from the fur. If Fido is rocking a dark nail-dark fur combination, consider investing in a nail grinder equipped with an automatic LED light. This guiding light will illuminate everything you need to see to protect your puppy from any inaccuracies.
Related: Give your pet a treat after the trimming with the best dog puzzles
FAQs
The dog nail grinders on this list start at around $23, with our final topping out at over $35. The combo kit tops the list but comes with a nail grinder, clippers, and nail file.
Just like human nails, dog nails will continue to grow until they are filed or cut down. Dog’s nails can receive free filing from frequent walks on rough surfaces, like sidewalks or rocky terrain, but that’s typically not enough. You’ll want to trim your puppy’s nails regularly to prevent them from growing too long and getting in the way of their walk, or worse, scraping and puncturing their foot pads.
On average, you should be cutting dog nails every one or two months, depending on how fast they grow. If they go on frequent walks across concrete, this time might be extended. Generally, when you can clearly hear your dog’s nails scratching against the floor when they run up to greet you, they could probably use a trim.
No, grinding a dog’s nails should never hurt them. Just ensure you have proper control over the grinder and a good handle on your canine’s paw. Trimming and grinding do not hurt or irritate your dog, but the vibration and noise of the machine can scare some dogs. If possible, start grinding down their nails when they are a puppy, or, if you’re well past that stage, let them get used to the noise before starting on their paws.
Final thoughts on the best dog nail grinders
- Best overall: Dremel 7350-PET
- Best for large dogs: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
- Best with safety guard: Oster Gentle Paws Premium Nail Grinder
- Best with a guide light: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with 2 LED Light
- Best nail clipper-and-grinder set: Boschel Dog Nail Clippers and Grinder
Just like us, dogs need a certain amount of upkeep to ensure they are looking and feeling their best. The best dog nail grinder will make it easy to take care of your pup from the comfort of your home. A particularly useful tool for older dogs, you can ensure their happiness and safety in between trips to the groomer. Just make sure you grab a grinder suitable for your dog’s size and temperament before setting up a spa day and pampering your pooch. We’re sure your furry friend will thank you later in the form of slobbery kisses and tail wags.
Related: Learn more about your canine’s genetics with the best dog DNA test
