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Dog Nail Clippers

Nail clippers for your dog may or may not be a necessity.  Some dogs wear their nails down naturally through daily activity and running on hard surfaces while others have nails that grow long and need clipping back on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not the dog runs on hard surfaces.  Clipping a dog’s nails is an important part of a dog’s grooming regime if they are not worn down naturally.  If they are allowed to grow too long, not only do they become sharp and scratch easily, but they can lead to lameness and can cause leg joint problems, not to mention that the paws become hugely uncomfortable and painful.

If you do have a dog whose nails do need clipping then you will need to decide what type of nail clipper is the most effective and comfortable to use.  You can use the standard dog nail clippers, of which there are many varieties available to choose from or, alternatively, there are now more brands of grinding machines available powered either by battery or by electric power cord.  Or, you may prefer to file the dog’s nails down using a special dog nail file.  It depends upon the type of nail, the length of added growth and how often clipping is necessary as to how much you might wish to invest in for a nail clipper and, to a certain extent, what the tolerance of the dog is to having his feet manicured.  If a young puppy is trained to having paws touched and played with, along with being introduced to nail clippers then you should not have any problems with doing this.

Before you start clipping, it is recommended that you read our page on Clipping Your Dog’s Nails and Dog Grooming Training.  It is important to help the dog feel as comfortable as possible so that there is no traumatisation from the experience.

Types of Nail Clippers

There are basically two styles of nail clippers that you can choose for your dog – the guillotine style or a scissor style which come in small, medium and large sizes depending on the size of your dog.

Guillotine Nail Clippers and Accessories

Guillotine Nail Clippers
Guillotine Nail Clippers

The guillotine type nail clippers are like those used to trim birds beaks.  The metal hole is placed along the dog’s nail to the point where it is to be cut.  It is important to be aware that placing the clippers too high up the nail may cause the nail to bleed.  You then pull the handles together and they cause the metal ring to retract and the blade cuts the nail off.

 

Cherrybrook - Quick Finder Nail ClipperQuickFinder Nail Clipper for Dogs is easy to use, simply insert claw and the QuickSensor light will turn green when it is safe to clip the nail. This stainless steel clipper gives a long lasting, sharp cutting edge to cut through the nail effortlessly. The non-slip handle is designed for maximum effectiveness and comfort.  If your dog has dark nails and you are not sure how far back to cut then this tool will tell you where to trim and thus minimizing the chance of making the nails bleed. Helps avoid cutting quick, capillaries and nerve bundles; for small sized dogs up to 40lb.

 

VPD Gripsoft Nail Clipper Jumbo Deluxe…………………………………………………………………………..
Gripsoft Nail Trimmer Jumbo Deluxe…………………..Resco Original Deluxe Dog, Cat, and Pet Nail/Claw Clippers. Best USA-Made Trimmer

From Vet Products Direct………………………………… …
Gripsoft is a quality brand of nail clipper.   ………..Resco Candy Colored Dog Nail Trimmer is a
This is a great tool for large breed dogs ……………guillotine style nail trimmer that is preferred
with thick nails, made for comfort and …………… by groomers, breeders, and veterinarians.
easy use at a very reasonable price.………………. ..Available in Raspberry Red, Electric Blue or
………………………………………………………………   Winner Circle Purple.

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Blade Replacement Kit for Resco Nail TrimmersBlade Replacement Kit for Resco Nail Trimmers
from: CherryBrook.com

This Blade Replacement Kit is for Resco Blade Ejector Trimmers. This kit is perfect for the regular consumer that is only cutting one or two dogs nails in the family. This product fits any Resco-Brand guillotine-style nail trimmer.

 

Scissor Nail Clippers

The scissor nail clipper is just that – a scissor-style nail clipper and can sometimes be easier to use than the guillotine type clipper, however it is a matter of personal preference.  You place the scissor at the point of cut-off and then cut like you would when using scissors.  Most of these dog nail clippers are available now with ergonomically designed handles so they make it for easier and more comfortable handling.  Depending upon the size of the dog these types of nail clippers come in sizes from mini/small for small dogs, medium for medium sized dogs and large sizes for larger dogs.…………………..VPD Gripsoft Deluxe Nail Clippers Medium

Gripsoft Deluxe Nail Clipper Medium.From Vet Products Direct..

Large, Medium or Small.

Nail Files

A nail file may be something else you wish to keep in your dog grooming equipment box.  Sometimes after the nails have been clipped using nail clippers it leaves the edges of the nail with sharp flat edges.  A good quality nail file can be used to smooth and round off these edges to finish the job off properly.  Some of these have ergonomically designed handles for handling ease.  You may prefer to purchase a nail file which is dual-sided – one having a coarser side and the other side has a finer surface.  Why not consider adding these novel nail files to your grooming box?

Groomers-Online Warren London Nail File…………………………………………..BASS Brush Nail and Pad Buffer ……………………….
Warren London Nail File…………………………………….BASS Brush Nail and Pad Buffer
from Amazon.com……………………………………………..from Cherrybrook.com
is specifically shaped to fit………………………………….
The BASS Nail and Pad Buffer is a great way
various dog and nail sizes.……………………………….. .
to groom your pet’s nails and pads.
Ideal for keeping nails……………………………………….
Great for those pets who strongly dislike
healthy and free from sharp…………………………….. .nail clippers or older pets with arthritis in their paws.
or ragged edges…………………………////////…….. .. ..It features a long handle for extra flexibility
and

………………………………………………………………………   .comfort so that you can work with your pet’s
…………………………………………………………………….  .  .normal movements; not against them.

…    .                       

..
Nail Grinders

pPETS-12554222t300x300A nail grinder is an alternative trimmer to the nail clipper or file.  The dog’s nail is placed gently against the rotating emery disk and it gradually files the nail down as far as you wish.  There are several varieties of nail grinder – some are electric and need to be plugged into a power point, others are battery operated and some come with two speeds.  As with any grooming tool, it is important to gradually introduce and train the dog to enjoy the experience.  Grinders can range in price, depending upon the brand and features.  Cheap is not always the best so hunt around and read the reviews on the products.  We have a few of the better ones listed below.

………………..…………….…………..

Styptic Powder or Gel

It only takes a small twitch or movement from the dog just as you clip the nails and you may find that the nail has been cut too far back and starts to bleed.  If the quick has been cut into considerably then there will be quite a strong pouring out of blood.  If you have only caught the edge of the quick then you will find that there won’t be very much bleeding at all.  It is always recommended that if you do regularly trim your dog’s nails back that you have a container of styptic powder or tube of styptic gel on hand.  A little dab of powder or gel wiped across the bleeding nail will plug it up and stop the bleeding very quickly.  For more serious bleeding it may be necessary to use a little more than a dab.

Cherrybrook - Kwik Stop Gel……………………………………Cherrybrook Kwik Stop Styptic Powder

Kwik Stop Gel and Kwik Stop Styptic Powder from Cherrybrook.com quickly and effectively stops the bleeding caused by nail trimming.

Kwik Tips Styptic Nail Caps SM
from: CherryBrook
Kwik Tips™ Styptic Filled Nail Caps provide a unique, convenient, no-mess method to help stop minor bleeding fast. Filled with the Original Kwik Stop® Powder, each single use cap also helps to relieve pain and start the healing process. Perfect for first aid kits, travel, hunting, dog shows & performance events, service dogs, and everyday use.

  • Eliminates powder spills
  • With pain relieving benzocaine
  • Nail cap helps prevent blood stains on carpets and upholstery
  • Stops bleeding fast
  • 4 single use nail caps with applicator per box
  • Available in extra small, small, medium and large sizes

Accessories

From time to time, you may require replacement parts for your dog nail clippers or grinder.  Rather than buy a new one, it is possible to purchase replacement blades for guillotine nail clippers and nail grinders.  Whilst you are considering what to purchase, consider these options:

Oster Replacement Grooming Bands Pet Nail Grinders, Pack of 6 from Amazon.com

The Oster Replacement Grooming Bands are compatible with Oster Nail Grinder and Oster Gentle Paws Cordless Nail Trimmer. Includes three 60 grit and three 100 grit bands.

 

Oster Replacement Grooming Drum Nail Grinder and Gentle Paws Rotating Nail Trimmer

This grooming drum can be used with both the Nail Grinder Kit and Gentle Paws Cordless Nail Trimmer and holds 1/2″ sanding sleeves.

 

Oster Replacement Grinding Stones for Oster Nail Grinder and Gentle Paws Rotating Nail Trimmer

Replacement grinding stones for Oster Nail Grinder 078129-101.

 Cherrybrook Creative NailsBeautify your dog with these dazzling nail colours from Cherrybrook.com!

 

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