How to Trim Pet Nails With a Dremel

If your dog's long nails don't get worn down by activity, they can grow into the bottom of its feet, causing pain, difficulty walking, and possible infection. Clipping nails can be tricky, because if you cut them too short, you can cut the quick, the soft inner part of the nail that has blood vessels and nerve endings. If you cut into the quick it will bleed, and the wound may become infected if not treated correctly. Trimming with a Dremel is less risky. A Dremel is a rotary pet nail grooming tool made by the company of the same name.

Things You'll Need

  • Dremel Cordless Pet Nail Grooming Kit
  • Flour, corn starch or styptic pencil
  • Cotton balls
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Instructions

  1. Trimming Your Dog's Nails With a Dremel

    • 1

      Check the sanding band on your Dremel. If it is worn, replace it with a new one.

    • 2

      Let your dog sniff the Dremel to get used to it. Turn it on and off so your dog can get used to the sound.

    • 3

      Hold your dog's paw gently and push back any hair around the nail you're trimming. Press lightly on the paw just above the nail to separate that nail from the others.

    • 4

      Determine if you can see the quick. In dogs with clear nails, look for a pink color. Plan to trim the nail back no closer to the quick than about 2 millimeters, or 1/12 of an inch. In dogs with darker nails, plan to grind the nail in small increments, checking to see when a gray or pink oval is visible through the nail.

    • 5

      Place the Dremel against the nail and grind the nail tip back parallel to the toe pads. Do not use a great deal of pressure.

    • 6

      Pause frequently and check to see if you are coming close to the quick. This is particularly important if your dog does not have clear nails. If the nail is clear, stop trimming about 2 mm before the visible quick. If the nail is black, grind until you see a small oval or a dot in the middle of the nail, which means you're close to the quick.

    • 7

      If you accidentally trim into the quick and the nail bleeds, apply pressure with a cotton ball for about 15 seconds. If bleeding continues, use a styptic pencil or apply flour or cornstarch.

    • 8

      Give your dog a treat or offer praise after trimming a few nails. Start by trimming one or two nails in the first session. Trim more nails per sitting as your dog gets used to the Dremel.