Using a Dremel Tool to Trim a Dog's Toenails

A Dremel tool trims dog toenails effectively and efficiently making routine pedicures easy and safe. Common toenail clippers operate by the pressure of two blades squeezed together to cut through the nail. With clippers it’s easy to cut off too much nail and cause the quick to bleed, whereas a Dremel trims the toe nail without bringing pressure to bear on the dog’s toe or suddenly chopping off too much. Using a Dremel you can better control of how much of the toenail gets removed, trimming slowly for touch up jobs and finishing touches or grinding quickly when trimming longer nails.

Things You'll Need

  • Dremel rotary tool with sand paper bit
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce your dog to the Dremel with patience, dog treats and lots of praise. Start with a Dremel that's turned off and use treats have your dog familiarize itself with the tool. Encourage your dog to approach the tool and touch or sniff it and reward her with a treat and praise each time or she comes closer to the new object. After your dog becomes fairly well used to the tool repeat the process while the Dremel is turned on.

    • 2

      Plug the Dremel into an electrical socket, but keep it turned off and, with dog treats close at hand, welcome your dog over to the area where you will be doing the toenail trimming. Reward the dog with a treat and lots of praise when they approach.

    • 3

      Grasp your dog with a firm yet friendly embrace and reward them with a treat and lots of praise. You can use any position you choose to hold your dog still and may find some holding techniques better suited to your dog than others. Just be sure you have a secure hold on them to prevent the inevitable wiggling from getting out of control and the dog escaping.

    • 4

      Hold your dog firmly gripping her leg and paw, turn the Dremel on and begin sanding away the tip of the toenail. Use circular motions maintaining an even amount of sanding around the entire nail tip.

    • 5

      Finish by praising your dog profusely and giving them a treat and lots of attention.