Types of Dog Nail Trimmers

Maintaining the correct toenail length is an important part of your dog’s health. Keeping the nails trimmed so they only start to touch the ground will avoid pain caused by overgrowth. A sharp nail clipper and cutting below the quick, which is the living part of the nail, will not cause your dog any pain. There are several methods and types of clippers available to make managing your dog's nails easier.

  1. Guillotine Style

    • This type of clipper includes a hole at the top of the clipper. Once you insert the dog’s nail into the hole, you squeeze the handles quickly making the blade cut through the nail like a guillotine. The clippers come in different sizes. However, sometimes the dog’s nail may be too large and thick, making it difficult to use this type of clipper. Regular sharpening or replacing of the blade is required to keep it sharp enough to cut smoothly. Using a dull blade can cause painful pressure on a dog’s toenail while squeezing the handles.

    Grinders

    • Groomers have used tools such as a rotary tool or dremel for grinding dog’s nails to the correct length for some time. When used properly, it is a quick and smooth method to remove excess growth. Several brands and styles made specifically for pets have recently gained popularity. These grinders operate by battery or electricity. A regular household dremel may be too powerful and can create too much heat for a dog’s nails. Because of the noise and the rapid movement of the rotating grinder, it requires time for your dog to get used to it. It is best to introduce your dog to it slowly and reward him with treats and hugs for encouragement.

    Pliers Style

    • The pliers-style clipper is spring loaded with two contoured sharp notches on each blade that encircle the dog’s nail. When you squeeze the handles, the sharpened edges of the notches cut through the nail. The visibility of the nail quick is easy with these clippers so you can see exactly where you are cutting. These clippers come in small, medium and large. The heavy-duty styles work best for thick nails. The cutting edge on the contoured notches is not replaceable like the guillotine style. However, you must sharpen or replace the whole clipper when the cutting edges become dull.

    Scissor Style

    • These look like a small pair of scissors except with contoured notches on each blade. Some people use them on small dogs or the very tips of nails. The best animals to use these scissor-style clippers on are small animals with small, thin nails, such as small birds and cats.