Top 10 Best Dog Nail Clippers for 2020 Reviews

Effective dog care involves a wide range of features — among them, proper nutrition, regular exercise, obedience training, and grooming. Grooming includes nail clipping, hair trimming, among other components. Below, we are looking at nail clipping, in particular, and the best available dog nail clippers. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best available ones — starting with number one.

1. Epica #1 Best Professional Pet Nail Clipper

This nail clipper for dogs is designed to help you trim your pet’s nails safely and with precision. This is thanks largely to the semi-circular blade design. You are able to see exactly where you are cutting as the nails fit in the semi-circle of the clip. This clip is also safe for users thanks to the rubber-coated handles for a more secure grip and a safety lock feature that can be engaged when the clip is not in use. Best of all, at only US$9.50, this kit is a steal for all the benefits and features that come with it.

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2. Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer by Boshel

The Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer by Boshel nail clip comes highly recommended by professionals as safe and effective for professional at home grooming. This is due largely to the fact that many of the features and designs in this dog nail clipper system are modeled after the tools and devices used in a professional dog grooming setting. Additionally, they work almost as well.

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3. Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer

Manufactured by a company committed to innovation, quality, and safety, this nail clipper is perfect for both maintenance and trimming alike.

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4. Gonicc Dog Nail Clippers

With a customer satisfaction rating of 70% and over, this dog nail clipper kit is a great starter professional home dog grooming kit that dog owners like yourself will love. This nail clipper is described by some of even the most paranoid users as the perfect dog nail clipper thanks to being sharp and perfect for a good, clean, and safe cuts. They describe it as comfortable and safe to use on dogs of varying sizes and types.

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5. I-pure items Dog Nail Grinder

Admittedly, this clipper is as much as three times the price of some of the clippers in this list. As such, some users may find it to be too expensive when compared to similar items solely at face value. However, there is much value for money offered up by this option. For starters, this grooming kit boasts a more effective and safer diamond bit grinder for which no replacements are needed. With low noise technology innovation, this device gently and quietly removes thin layers of the nail.

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6. Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Pet Nail Grooming Tool

This pet grooming kit comes complete with 6-pk sanding bands that help facilitate the rotary tool provides a safe, less stressful and effective alternative to clipping nails. It uses a 60-grit sanding drum to comfortably trim your dog’s toenails. In a few minutes, you will be able to quickly and easily trim your pet’s nails. The rotary tool is made from high-density plastic and comes complete with a wide array of Dremel sanding drums and bands and two speeds RPM. The cost may prove to be relatively expensive when compared to many of the other dog nail grooming options on this list.

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7. INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder Electric Paw Trimmer

The INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder Electric Paw Trimmer is a reliable, safe and easy to use pet nails grinder that allows pet owners to have a ‘no fear’ experience when trimming their pet’s nails. This is due largely to the fact that using the right speed and port allows you to pace yourself and give your pet a comfortable experience.

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8. Millers Forge Quality Nail Clipper

A high-quality and straight-forward nail clipper, the Millers Forge Quality Nail Clipper works to get the job done. Made in Italy and complete with sharp stainless steels blades, this very affordable, no-frills trimmer is a popular choice among veterinarians and dog and pet groomers. In spite of its no-frills approach dog nail clipping, this clipper is still a widely popular option perhaps due to its affordability — being priced at only US$8.49.

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9. Dudi Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer

Costing users only US$6.99, this option is the most affordable in our list. Still, at this price point, this clipper packs all the latest features that you would expect a modern dog nail trimmer to have. Such features include its ergonomic design, its safety no-slip grip, and its sharp stainless steel blades. All of these features, along with many others, help ensure that this clipper offers you and your dog a comfortable and safe experience. Best of all, it caters to dogs of all sizes from small to large breeds

For the price point, there are hardly any cons with this option. This is definitely a value for money purchase that you will continue to benefit from over and over with your pet. Perhaps one of the only drawbacks lies in the fact that it is operated mechanically.

Check it out: /dudidognailclippersandtrimmer

10. Resco Original Deluxe Dog and Cat Nail/Claw Clippers

Priced at US$13.81, this clipper proves a very affordable and cost-effective option for pet owners and dog lovers everywhere. The design of this clipper, however, is very different from all the other mechanical, non-electric clippers on the list. Manufactured in the United States of America (USA), the Resco Original Deluxe uses a guillotine-style nail trimmer — a design or style that it invented in 1937 and has continued to use ever since.

In addition to its unique guillotine design, the clipper also uses a patented blade replacement technology. The clipper is recommended by veterinarians, vet techs, and dog groomers all across the world. It features a deluxe grip and premium powder coat which combine to lend itself to safety, performance, comfort, and lastly style.

The patented blade replacement technology allows owners to replace their blades without having to get a whole new trimmer which saves them money over time. The monies saved by simply replacing the blade ensure that this is an investment that pays for itself over and over. Features such as this and the lifetime warranty that the product comes with suggest that this is one clipper that is built to stand the test of time.

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Type of Clippers for Dog Nails

There are not that many types of clippers or cutters for dogs. They are basically divided into scissor type, guillotine type, and grinders. Files for dog nails usually fall into the grinder category. Each type of clipper is made by several brands. Every brand has a slight variation or added feature to help it stand out from the competition.

Scissors – This type of clipper can also be referred to as trimmers. Some people use the term Miller’s Forge Trimmers to describe a scissor style trimmer. Just as the name implies they are designed like scissors. Typically they will feature an angled bladed shaped specifically for the claws of a dog. Those new to trimming their pet’s nails are commonly referred to this type of trimmer for ease of use. People with large dogs with thick claws are also referred to this style because of the leverage you get with the design. Variations include ergonomic grips, rubber grips, quick stoppers and sensors, and built-in files for finishing. Certainly there are several other features available, these are just a few.

Guillotine – The type of trimmer is named as such because of the blade that comes down and does the cutting in the manner of a guillotine when depressing the handle. Traditional guillotine trimmers have a hole for you to place the claw or nail for cutting. Again, there are variations on this standard design. This type of cutter is best for a maintenance trim or cutting smaller nails. Large or thick nails tend to get smashed in the cutting process creating discomfort for your pet.

Grinders – This tool is most often battery operated. It has a small rotating head coated with a abrasive surface. It is very similar to the kind of hand grinders you see in a hardware store. The rotating, grinding head is placed on the nail until the nail reaches the desired length. The good thing about this type of tool is that you do not have to do any filing to finish off rugged edges left behind by scissor or guillotine trimmers. There is also less worry of cutting into the quick since it is a gradually process that allows you to see the quick appearing. The bad thing about this tool is the buzzing sound that can be disturbing to some dogs. It also takes longer than the other types of trimmers.

Files – Briefly mentioned before, files are mostly used as a finishing step after cutting. It is not uncommon for a dog’s claws to splinter or cut in a jagged manner. A file will smooth out any rough or jagged edges that can snag on carpeting or bedding potentially causing a painful, torn nail. Only very small teacup breeds, with very small and thin nails, can use a file in place of a trimmer.

Trimmer Brands and Pricing

There are several brands clippers, grinders, and files at several price points. Below are some the brands and average price range for each type of trimmers.

Scissor Clippers – Safari, Wagglies, JW Pet Company, Epica. Price Range – $6.00 to $22.00

Guillotine Clippers – Boshel, Fur Goodness Sake, Petspy, Master Grooming Tools, Petmate, Smizel. Price Range – $5.00 to $25.00

Files – Coastal Pet Products, Pet Nail, Four Paws Magic Coat, Dog Fashion Spa, Pet Zoom, ScratchPad. Price Range. $4.00 to $39.00

Grinders – Amir , Innopaw, Pedi Paws, Dremel. Price Range – $20.00 to $45.00

Selection Tips

First and foremost select your trimmers according to your budget. There is a wide price range for each type of trimmer, clipper, grinder, or file. Grinders are the most cost prohibitive, but if you shop around you can find one at a great deal on sale. Check the clearance selection at your local pet store or section if the best price is important. Even an inexpensive set of trimmers are better than nothing.

The next thing to consider is nail size and thickness. If you have a very large dog with very large and thick claws you will want to choose from the scissor style trimmers. It is easier to get large nails in the open end of the scissor style. They will provide greater leverage to cut through thick and strong nails. In addition, the cutting edge on both sides cut from the front and back at the same time instead of using one blade to cut through the entire nail as with the guillotine type clipper. Smaller nails are better suited to the guillotine type cutter since they are not as thick as larger nails

The last thing to consider is your dogs temperament. Are they used to having nails trimmed? Are they new to the nail cutting game? If you dog is hyper or hates to have its nails cut you should avoid using a grinder. A grinder not only makes a buzzing sound, but the tool creates a vibration against the nail as it sands or grinds away the layers. However, if you are notorious for hitting the quick a grinder is more gradual allowing you time to see the quick before hurting your pet. Scissor style cutters with a quick stop or sensor are the best bet if you have a pet that hates their manicure/pedicure. The open end of the scissor is easier for inserting the claw and the sensor will keep you from cutting the quick from a last minute movement.

Common Questions and Answers

Is there a particular angle to use when cutting a dog nail?

There is not a particular angle that you need to use. The best way to cut the nail is from below where it is easier to see the entire nail and the quick. If you trimming gradually until you reach the quick match the natural angle of the nail. This is especially helpful if the nail has taken a bit of a curve because of over growth.

What is the best nail clipper for dogs?

There are a number of factors that you should combine to determine the best clipper. The size and thickness of your dogs claws, you and your dog’s patience level, and your budget. Weight these factors together to find the best clipper. Take note, however, even if you weigh all of these factors carefully trial and error might be the only way to determine what is actually the best clipper or trimmer for you and your dog.

Can you use a human nail clipper on your dog?

If you have a very small teacup breed of a dog that has very small and thin nails it might be possible to use clipper designed for human fingernails. You would also need a very calm dog that is used to having its nails cut. Fingernail clippers have a very narrow opening making it difficult to insert even the calmest dogs nail. Even if you have a pet with thin, small nails and an excellent temperament most groomers and vets will advise against using human nail grooming tools.

Does cutting your dog’s nails hurt them?

Cutting your dog’s nails should not hurt at all, but there are several ways you can accidentally hurt your dog while grooming the nails. The most common way that you can hurt your dog is by accidentally cutting the quick. The quick is easy to see in dogs with white or light colored claws. Dogs with dark or black color nails have a quick that is very difficult to see. You must take special care to avoid the quick in dark or black claws. The best way to do this is to gradually trim the nail until you start to see a small dot in the center of the nail. This is the beginning of the quick. Once you see this small dot stop immediately. Another cut, even a slight trim, will most likely cause your dog pain. It is worth noting that if you have a dog with overgrown nails the quick will overgrow with the nail. Gradually cut a overgrown nail back week after week. The quick will shrink in relation to the length of the nail. After a week has gone by you can trim again and the quick will be further back. How many weeks it will take depends on the length of the overgrow.

If your trimmers are not adequate they can smash your dogs nail instead of cutting them through. Bad cutters can also cause your dogs nails to splinter or cut with a jagged edge. If a large jagged edge is not filed down the nail could easily snag resulting in a torn or ripped claw. This is extremely painfully and can cause a lot of bleeding, even more than nipping the quick. Worst case scenario it rips your dog’s nail out completely. This is a major injury that can easily become infected without constant care and cleaning.

There is another way you can accidentally hurt your dog during a nail groom. Dogs that are not used to nail grooming can be afraid of the process and the tool itself. It is not uncommon to cause discomfort to a dog by holding them to tightly while grooming. This is especially true for a scared or hyper-active pet. Be sure to give plenty of encouragement, love, praise and even treats during the process, even for experienced dogs. It is also a good idea to get your dog used to the tool. Place the trimmers by your dog and allow the pet to smell and touch the tool. You can even give your pet a pet with the tool in your hand. If you are using a grinder turn the tool on to be sure the noise will not be a problem. Give a test run to also ensure the vibration does not frighten your pet.

Can you use regular household scissors to trim dog nails?

Even the smallest canine nail will be a challenge for a pair of scissors. Much like your own fingernails, scissors will only bend and smash the nail. This will most likely cause mild discomfort to extreme pain to your dog. Most importantly, it will also most likely fail miserably. The only potential result is causing your canine a phobia to having its claws trimmed. In all cases it is more than a bad idea.

Susan McDonald

Susan McDonald is best known for her unique ability to connect with and train dogs. Growing up her friends and colleagues used to call her “The Dog Whisperer”. In college Susan majored in Veterinary Medicine, however instead of becoming a Veterinarian, Susan decided to pursue starting her own dog training business. Susan freelance writes for several online dog topic publications including FuzzyFacesDogTraining.com in her spare time.