How to Use a Dremel to Trim Rottweiler Nails

A Dremel rotary tool can be used to quickly file the tips of a dog's nails off and eliminates the chances of pinching the dog's nails. This is a particularly valuable tool for rottweilers, who typically have thick, hard nails. The Dremel can provide quick and painless nail grooming if used properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Dremel rotary tool
  • 1/2-inch sanding drum mandrel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the Dremel to your dog slowly. Some dogs have a negative association with nail grooming and will need time adjusting to a new tool. Keep the Dremel off. Let your dog smell it and touch it to your dog's body and nails. Make the Dremel an everyday household item. Some dogs may accept the Dremel right away, others may take days. Move forward when your dog is ready.

    • 2

      Familiarize yourself with your dog's nails. Each nail has a "quick" in it. This supplies blood to the nail and is quite sensitive. It will bleed if it gets an abrasion. This will hurt your dog and make it much more difficult to handle its nails later.

    • 3

      Touch the outside of the nail with the Dremel to grind it. If the dog is standing the Dremel should be perpendicular to the ground. Only hold the Dremel on the nail for a second or two. The nail will start to heat up and cause pain to the dog if it is held on each nail too long. It is better to do it for a short time and come back to the nail if necessary. Only do one or two nails at a time if your dog is acting worried.

    • 4

      Maintain the nails regularly. Keeping them trimmed will help your dog be at ease with the grooming. Regular maintenance also will prevent the quick from extending down into the nail. This will prevent you from getting the nails very short and can be difficult to overcome.