Best overall: Dremel 7350-PETBest for large dogs: Casfuy Dog Nail GrinderBest with safety guard: Oster Gentle Paws Premium Nail GrinderBest with a guide light: GHG Dog Nail GrinderBest nail clipper-and-grinder set: Boschel Dog Nail Clippers and Grinder
The best dog nail grinders: Reviews & Recommendations
Best overall: Dremel 7350-PET
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 batterySpeeds: OneGood for: All dogs
Pros
Made by a well-known tool companyDesigned with two rotation speeds Cordless and battery-powered
Cons
May run out of powerWill need to buy replacement discs
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
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 batteriesSpeeds: TwoGood for: Multiple breeds
Pros
Works for range of dogsQuietComes with diamond-built grinder for thick nails
Cons
Slower speeds
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
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 batterySpeeds: TwoGood for: Small to medium dogs, some cats
Pros
Comes with safety guardCollects nail filingsQuiet
Cons
Not the best for large dogs
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: GHG Dog Nail Grinder
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: ThreeGood for: Small, medium, and large dogs
Pros
LED light helps you see what you’re doingDiamond bit allows for more powerful grindingQuiet
Cons
Grinding process can take a while
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 speeds 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
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: TwoGood for: Dogs and cats of all sizes
Pros
Comprehensive kitFeatures three ports for range of dog sizesComes with nail file
Cons
Just two speeds
While grinding your dog’s nail can be safer than clipping, sometimes it’s helpful to keep both tools on hand. This set from Boshel is suitable for both 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
There are a few things you should think about before buying a new dog nail grinder. First things first, make sure you understand when and how you should use this helpful tool for dog grooming. Understanding the ins and out 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.
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 more time 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 you 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 make sure 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 have an impact on 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 a bit anxiety-provoking, especially if you have a hard time 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.
Final thoughts on the best dog nail grinders
Just like us, dogs need a certain amount of upkeep to make sure they are not only looking but feeling their best. The best dog nail grinder will make it easy for you 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 that is 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.
