Your favorite friend deserves to be spoiled, from their nose to their toes! Keeping up with your dog’s nails may seem like a tedious and difficult task, but with the right tools it can be easy.
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed allows them to safely move around slick surfaces, takes pressure off their toes and protects your home. Dog grooming is an important part of pet ownership and starts with learning about common choices for nail trimmers for dogs.
Finding Nail Clippers for Dogs
There are two main types of nail tools for dogs: clippers and grinders.
The clipper tool can either be the scissor or the guillotine style. Scissor clippers, similar to household scissors, work well for larger dogs that have thicker nails. Guillotine clippers are better for medium to small dogs, such as border collies. Dog nail clippers are a fast and easy way to shorten the nail in one snip.
A nail grinder can be used to smooth over the edges of the nail, since most clippers leave jagged edges. They can also be used as the main tool for trimming the nails for all sizes of dogs. However, some dogs do not like the quick and sometimes loud noise that clippers make. They may respond better to the softer vibrations from a grinder that has a more consistent sound and feeling.
Most dog groomers are likely to have both to accommodate for their varied clientele. Owning dog nail clippers and a nail grinder is one way to ensure your dogs are comfortable and heathy. When buying dog nail clippers, ensure the blades are sharp and the handle is sturdy. The safer and more confident you are trimming your dog’s nails, the more comfortable they will be!
Tips to Keep Your Pup Calm During Nail Trimming
- Talk to them! Your calm voice can create a calming environment for them.
- Rub their paws and reward them before beginning.
- Try to only clip their nails when they are calm. If they get scared or aggressive, stop and give them a few moments to relax.
- Give them a treat (peanut butter, toy, etc.) to keep them distracted.
- Don’t get frustrated with them! Dogs need understanding and trust during stressful situations, just like humans do.
