Dog nail clippers

Dog nail clippers: 13 tools at a range of prices

Dog nail clippers let you shorten your dog's claws at home, between visits to the groomer. The selection brings together thirteen tools: claw clippers with stainless steel blades, nail scissors, LED nail clippers and an electric nail grinder. Most are also suitable for cats.

Blade clippers, for a clean cut

Handled claw clippers are the most common tool. Six of them are entry-level models, including:

• the stainless steel claw clippers, with a built-in depth guard according to its product page, for dogs and cats;
• the professional claw clippers and file, supplied with its file, with an ergonomic grip and built-in safety stop;
• the safety version, with a blade-locking system, and its variant with a non-slip handle;
• the ergonomic model for cats and small dogs, and the small model, which its product page also recommends for rodents and birds.

For a bigger dog or thick claws, the curved stainless steel claw clippers are recommended by their product page for dogs and cats of all sizes. The robust, easy-to-handle non-slip professional model and the ergonomic 'precision and safety' model complete this family.

Nail scissors

Compact stainless steel nail scissors suit dogs, cats and small animals. They're for trimming the tip of a thin claw, on a puppy or a small dog.

Nail clippers with LED light

The light helps you see the claw clearly before cutting, especially a dark claw:

• the LED nail clippers with magnifier, with light and magnifier, for dogs and cats;
• the pet claw clippers with LED light, compact and lightweight.

The electric nail grinder

The quiet electric nail grinder with LED doesn't cut: it wears the claw down little by little. It has two speeds, a built-in light and USB charging, and its product page presents it as suitable for sensitive dogs. It takes longer than clipping, but lets you round off the tip of each claw after using clippers.

Which dog nail clippers should you choose?

• Small dog or puppy: nail scissors, the small claw clippers or the ergonomic claw clippers for small dogs.
• Medium dog: entry-level claw clippers with a safety stop or depth guard.
• Large dog, thick claws: the curved claw clippers or the non-slip professional claw clippers.
• Black claws: LED nail clippers, to spot the quick more easily.
• Dog that dislikes having its claws cut: the electric nail grinder, introduced gently.

How do you cut your dog's claws?

Each claw contains a living part, with a blood supply, that you mustn't touch. On a light claw you can see it as pink; on a black claw you can't, which is why an LED light or cutting a little at a time helps.

1. Settle your pet somewhere calm and well lit, and reward it after each paw. 2. Hold the paw without twisting it and isolate one claw. 3. Cut only the tip, in several goes if needed, without going too close to the quick. 4. Don't forget the dewclaw, higher up the leg, which doesn't wear down with walking. 5. Finish with a file or grinder so there are no sharp edges.

If you're unsure how much to remove, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the first time.

FAQ

Is it a good idea to cut a dog's claws?

Yes, when they don't wear down enough on their own: a dog that walks little on hard ground often has claws that are too long and touch the floor when standing still. You can also just file them.

At what age should you cut a dog's claws?

There's no set age for a pet. Getting a puppy used to having its paws handled early, with nail scissors or small claw clippers, makes later trims easier.

What's the best tool for cutting a dog's claws?

The one that matches the size of your pet and its claws: scissors for a small dog, blade clippers for a medium or large dog, an electric grinder for a dog that won't tolerate clipping. A model with a safety stop or light helps you avoid cutting too short.

To complete the look

Nail clippers are just one part of dog grooming. Also see our dog brushes, our dog wipes, the dog clippers, dog drying robe and dog blaster dryer for drying, as well as the dog toothbrush. After treatment, a dog recovery cone can help. The whole dog grooming range is online, and for cats, see cat brushes and care.

For the walk that follows, have a dog lead and dog harnesses; in summer, a cooling mat awaits back home. Everything else is in our dog accessories.