How to Cut Dog Nails With Dremel

If your dog is nervous or doesn't like having its feet handled, cutting your dog's nails is a job best left to professionals. However, using a Dremel rotary tool can be much less traumatic to your dog and a more gentle alternative to cutting. Small portions of nail can be removed slowly with the Dremel's sanding motion. If you get your dog used to this procedure, grooming its nails can be a pleasant task for both of you.

Things You'll Need

  • Dremel tool
  • Sanding disk
  • Tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your time to get the dog comfortable before you proceed, and be relaxed and calm. Let your dog smell the Dremel before you turn it on, then turn on the Dremel tool at a very low speed. Let it run for a few moments to familiarize your dog with the noise.

    • 2

      Lift your dog's paw and inspect the hair around the nail. Push the hair back if it is close to or covering the nail. Tape the hair back if it is long to ensure that it doesn't get caught in the Dremel's movement. Repeat with all paws and nails.

    • 3

      Sit on the floor with your dog, and place the dog in front of you. Pick up one of the dog's rear paws and hold it loosely in your hand. Turn the Dremel on low and place the sanding disk to the nail. Use a tapping motion or a quick side to side motion to slowly sand your dog's nails to the desired length. Remove only small amounts at a time.

    • 4

      Repeat step three with the remaining paws. Finish by sanding any rough edges of the nail. Ensure that you do not sand so much as to cause the dog's nails to bleed.