The 6 Best Dog Nail Grinders of 2022 [+ How to Grind Your Dog’s Nails]

Dogs’ nails can be a serious problem when you have other dogs or children in the house, and they can be dangerous when they get too long.

They’re sharp, and when they click on the floor it sounds as if your dog is walking on razors.

If you’ve ever had to clip your dogs’ nails, you know it’s no fun for anyone.

Dogs don’t like grooming sessions, they can be extremely sensitive and may not like their paws touched and/or nails clipped.

This is why dog nail grinders are the ideal solution to Dremel your pet’s nails without any discomfort. They’re an essential tool for keeping your dog’s nails at just the right length for optimal health and safety.

Much like a manicure for humans, nail grinding is the process of smoothing the edges of a dog’s nails, preventing injury to both the dog and other people or animals.

If you have a dog and don’t know how to grind a dog’s nails, or If you are thinking about buying a nail grinder, then you are in the right place. I’ve done the research for you!

There’s a lot of variety in the market, but I’ll help you decide which one is best, but most importantly, which one is the perfect product for your pooch.

In this article, I will review the best dog nail grinders of 2021, and also explain what to look for when purchasing a nail grinder for your pet.

Keep reading to find out more.

Best Nail Grinder: Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer
2. Runner up: Petural Dog Nail Grinder Clippers
3. Best for Dark Nails: Furminator Nail Grinder Professional Grooming Tool
4. Best Corded: CONAIRPRO dog & cat Corded Nail Grinder
5. Best Low Noise: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
6. Best budget: Oster Gentle Paws Less Stress Dog Nail Grinder

What Is a Dog Nail Grinder?

A dog nail grinder is a grooming tool that uses friction to shape your dog’s nails and shortens them with material similar to sandpaper and is the best alternative to conventional nail clippers.

You get the picture, right?

In case you are misinterpreting a nail grinder, let us clarify that dog nail grinders are way different from nail clippers.

Nail grinder for dogs, also known as Dremels – after a leading nail grinding brand, is a safer and more convenient way of getting your pet’s nails done.

How Do Dog Nail Grinders Work?

Dog nail grinders work in a rotary motion and quickly wear down the grown nails little by little using friction. Nail grinders are electrically powered or feature rechargeable batteries. They are also equipped with safety guards that keep your dog’s toe at a safe angle and give you the confidence to perform worry-free grinding.

Why Is It Important to Trim Your Dog’s Nails?

Dog nail trimming is a part of dog grooming you must NEVER overlook.

Now, most of the folks may wonder, what about the outdoor dogs? After all, they don’t enjoy grooming procedures like nail trimming.

Yes, they don’t. Those outdoor doggies run around different surfaces and wear their nails naturally, but this is not the case with our housebound fellows.

Domesticated dogs don’t get that natural wear because they spend most of their time indoors on carpets or hardwood floors.

Ignoring your pet’s nail trimming can cause serious damages to his health, and the scratches you get are extra havoc.

1. Developing Flat Feet

Your dog carries himself the way his nails allow him to move with ease. Having long nails affects your dog’s feet bones alignments. Consequently, your dog appears flat-footed.

2. Joint Pain or Arthritis

Longer toenails change the natural alignment of your dog’s leg bones and cause the bones to twist. This can lead to joint pain or Arthritis. In severe conditions, it can also contribute to increasing the probability of broken legs.

3. Preventing Injuries

Overgrown nails can get entangled in things around, like carpet and bedding, and can cause serious injuries to your dog.

4. Reducing Furniture and Floor Damage

Your valuable stuff, such as hardwood floors and branded furniture is too at risk of getting scraped with your dog’s nails.

Pros and Cons of Using Nail Grinder for Dogs

Just like any other product in the world, dog nail grinders –even the best ones – also have their fair share of pros and cons. Read on to have a closer look at both.

Pros of Using Nail Grinder for Dogs

1. Helpful for Unsteady Handlers

While doing your dog nails, your hands can shake out of anxiety. It can also happen because it reminds you of the horrible accident of cutting your dog’s nails too short.

Managing your dog and the tool at the same time is no walk in the park. With a nail grinder, you get precise control over the equipment and can perform a one-handed grooming operation.

2. Useful for Distressed Furries

When it comes to nail trimming, mostly dogs start yelping and get panicked. It’s because they might have had a rough experience in the past, or simply they hate nail grooming.

Nail grinders  for dogs save you from this stress trouble. They keep your pet relaxed and make getting the job done easier.

3. Smooth and Rounded Shaping

Nail clippers are only somehow good for cutting the nails, but how many sharp ends they leave on your dog’s claws, you never know.

These small sharp ends act like little daggers. You are still at risk of getting scratched. If not you, then your furniture and carpet will surely get some scrapes.

Contrarily, nail grinders give your pet’s nails a smooth finishing. Good for you, good for your furniture!

4. No Nail Cracks or Nipping

Dog nails differ in their thickness. So does the amount of pressure you have to apply on the nail cutter to clip their nails.

The situation gets more problematic when you unknowingly hurt your dog’s cuticle or crack the nail. With nail grinders, you don’t need to worry about such cracks or pinches.

Cons of Using Nail Grinder for Dogs

1. Grinder Might Scare Your Pet Away

Dogs are innocent beings. They don’t tolerate forceful things. So, when you grab your dog’s paws for grooming, the pushy sensation booms their stress level.

Resultantly, they frighten off.

2. You Might Cut The Living Part, Called Quick, of Your Dog’s Nail

Cutting too far from the required area is the most common mistake that pet owners make. A dog’s nail consists of two parts, the quick – the living part of the nail that contains nerves supplies blood, and nourishes the nail, and the upper shell.
If not careful, you can hurt and damage your dog’s nerves.

3. Vibration and Noise

Nail grinders have a certain noise and buzz with vibration. It might make your dog feel a little uneasy.

4. Odor and Nail Junk

While grinding, you may experience an odor and feel the nail files hitting your face and making a mess. It’s awful but you can treat it by grinding in the open air and wearing some protective gear.

Top 6 Best Dog Nail Grinder Reviews

Below is our compilation of the best dog nail grinder that we carefully chose to help you deal with your pooch’s grooming issues.

1. Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer

Do you have to wrestle with your furry friend every time you try trimming his claws?

Gosh! Your dog’s grooming sessions would have worn you out. Well, now, no more bearing all that fatigue. Dremel dog nail grinder aces in portability, grip, and easy usage.

It’s a perfect nail grooming solution for your dog’s nails.

Even if you are a first-timer, grind your doggo’s nails with confidence with Dremel PawControl, hopefully, your dog won’t mind gentle scraping.

Features:

• The cordless anatomy of the tool and soft-grip material makes the grooming session a breeze.
• 7760 4V Li-ion cordless pet nail groomer, 9-piece accessories, USB charging cable, user manual, quick start guide, 2-year card, and 5V power adaptor, Dremel dog nail grinding kit includes everything you might need to safely trim your dog’s nails.
• For novice groomers, it features a 45-degree paw guide to provide the best possible trimming angle and reduce the chances of clipping the claws too short
• Seasoned groomers can utilize it free-handedly with sanding bands (replacements included)
• Has multiple grooming options with patented EZ twist nose cap
• Features a rechargeable battery with an LED indicator that charges in about three hours
• Contains variable speed slide switches for optimum control and customizability of speed

Pros:

• Easy-to-use
• Lightweight and portable
• Superfast
• Can be used with other Dermal accessories

Cons:

• Not for small dogs
• Only setting 1 and 2 are functional

2. Petural Dog Nail Grinder Clippers

Every dog owner feels a little afraid inside while clipping his pooch’s nails. Relatable?

It must be. The fear of hurting our pal makes us reluctant.

Take this stress out with Petural Dog Nail Grinder. It not only provides a non-traumatizing nail grinding experience but is also easy to control.

And that’s almost everything a dog owner wants, right?

Features:

• This solidly built electric dog nail trimmer comes in a protective case and boasts an ergonomic sleek cordless design that you can take anywhere
• Features a diamond bit grinder that provides protection to your dog’s fragile nail nerves and delivers precision and superior control to you
• The inbuilt brass motor is ultra-quiet and has low vibration levels
• Has a universal size (with 3 user-friendly ports ideal for small, medium, and large dogs) Also, it is equally efficient for cats, rabbits, and birds!
• 900mAH rechargeable battery provides a seamless 6-hour grooming service

Pros:

• Painless and soundless
• Quick and Easy Grind
• One-size-fit-for-all trimmer
• 100% Safe
• Adjustable speed

Cons:

• The motor is not as powerful as claimed

3. Furminator Nail Grinder Professional Grooming Tool for Pets

When your fur baby doesn’t like a nail clipper and hates getting his nails done, give him something new to experience. Yes, we are talking about Furminator Nail Grinder.

With this easy-to-handle nail grinder, bring your dog’s nails in shape without having to worry about nicking them accidentally.

More comfortable and safer!

Features:

• Innovative and ergonomic tool style ensures owner’s and pet’s safety
• Simplifies pet nail care with its high performing, powerful motor promotes comfortable nail grinding
• Integrated LED light increases the visibility and soft-grip handle to maximize the grooming ease
• Is cordless and includes 4AA-alkaline batteries for coherent grinding
• A two-speed option gives you the utmost control

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Isn’t wobbly
• Illuminates toe area
• Safe and painless

Cons:

• A bit loud

4. CONAIRPRO Dog & Cat Corded Nail Grinder

Performing safe, effective, and professional nail care was never that easier before CONAIRPRO professional dog nail grinder.

It takes a while to properly trim the dog nails, especially, if they are pretty long. But things become a child’s play when you have the right tool. Isn’t it?

CONAIRPRO is a quality product that allows you to groom your furry like a pro without any hassle of changing batteries.

Features:

• CONAIRPRO is a corded nail grinder. On/Off switch locates on the front of the unit
• The compact and lightweight tool is enclosed in a protective adjustable cover for a safe grooming process
• Comes with easy to change attachments, such as two interchangeable finishing stones and 4 grinding bands
• The quieter motor keeps your furry relaxed

Pros:

• Durable
• Easy-to-use
• Protective cover safeguards against over grinding
• Ideal for dogs of all sizes

Cons:

• Corded
• Single grinding speed

5. Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder

Are you a pet parent who is always on the go?

Traveling with your four-legged friend brings a lot of challenges, and nail clipping is the BIGGEST of all.

So, whenever you and your doggo are moving around, Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder takes care of your pet’s nail hygiene by delivering the most comfortable pet claw grinding. Trim your pet’s nails anywhere with the cordless Casfuy dog nail grinder.

Features:

• The tool has an efficient design – well enough to handle with both hands
• Uses the most advanced diamond drum bit grinder to perform the safest, painless, and precise grinding
• the motor features a whisper-quiet technology that produces low noise and vibration
• has 2-speed switch for speed adjustment according to nail hardness and three grinding ports to match your pet’s size
• includes a light indicator at the bottom and a built-in rechargeable battery that can last 2 hours after a 3-hour charge

Pros:

• Vet recommended
• Adjustable
• Super low noise
• Rechargeable and portable

Cons:

• Some users found the product is underpowered and slow

6. Oster Gentle Paws Less Stress Dog Nail Grinder

For those looking for something versatile, Oster Gentle Paws Nail Grinder is probably the best choice.

This grinder works in a rotary motion and takes the grooming process beyond comfort by letting you adjust the safety guard and carry out an effortless nail grooming.

This particular grinder is suitable for dogs and cats alike.

Features:

• Has whisper-quiet technology for stress-free pet nail grinding
• Contains an adjustable safety guard that ensures appropriate trimming. Also, captures nail files
• Comes with a coarse stone, fine band, and two coarse bands for effective grooming of all breeds of dogs and cats
• The rotary tool has a 2-speed design and features a battery-powered cordless operation for easy one-handed operation

Pros:

• Rapid action
• Setting 1 is free of noise
• Versatile

Cons:

• Weak motor
• Unused nail holes allow the waste to fall out

How to Grind a Dog’s Nails Step by Step

If you use the right approach, grinding your dog’s nails won’t take a toll on your nerves. Below is the step-by-step guideline you can act upon while you get grinding.

Step 1

Introduce the grinder to your dog and make him accustomed to its sound and smell. You can also lure your dog by putting his favorite treat with the grinder. Once your dog is familiar and feels safe around the grinder, you can begin working on the nails.

Step 2

Make your dog comfortable and select a place where your dog feels the happiest. To warm up, turn the grinder on and let your pet have some moments with the sound. Meanwhile, you can adjust the speed settings of the tool. When you find that he is relaxed, start grinding the nails off.

Step 3

Use the grinder from the bottom of the nail tip and slowly move it up. Be gentle and grind in a circular motion to get a smooth finishing. Split the process into short sessions to avoid overheating.

Step 4

Always include a tasty treat in the intervals. After grinding, clean the grinder wheel with a cloth to remove the nail dirt and debris.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Nail Grinder

Here are factors you should consider before buying a nail grinder.

1. Power Setting

Not every dog’s nails have the same thickness.

Just like human babies have softer nails and grownups have thicker nails, canines, too, have distinct nail textures. Therefore, they need different power settings to grind the nails.

Consider a nail grinder with multiple power settings to handily adapt to the speed your dog’s nails require.

2. Noise

Dogs can be hypersensitive toward loud noises or humming vibrations. Try opting for a nail grinder with low noise levels, ideally less than 50 decibels, for a non-anxious grooming session.

3. Comfort

Grinding is a slower process as compared to clipping.  Due to the longevity of the task, go for a tool that’s comfortable to handle.

4. Corded or Cordless

Are you ‘stick with a wall and have no issues’ kinda person? If yes, then a corded grinder will do the trick for you. While, on the contrary, go with the cordless one. They are great for owners who don’t like to groom in some confined area.

5. Safety Guard

Your dog’s well-being is of the utmost importance. Make sure you look at the safety guard option to ensure that your dog doesn’t get hurt and no hair is damaged during the grinding procedure.

6. Price

You can’t compromise your pet care for a few bucks, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your money blindly. Look for all the key features in a nail grinder, see if it fits in your budget, and go with your guts.

Dog Nail Grinding Tips & Tricks

1. Watch Your Handling Position

The way you handle the tool matters. If you want optimum control, hold it higher up and towards the top of your canine’s nails.

2. Beware of Overheating

Nail grinders get hot. That is why we recommend keeping the grinder intact with your dog’s nails as long as two seconds. Then, hold back. Repeat the process until you get the desired shape.

3. Save Your Dog’s Fur

If your fur friend has long hair, consider trimming it beforehand or hold them back so that they don’t get caught.

4. Keep Your Dog Free From Stress

Some dogs feel easy in a seated position with their paws out. Others prefer to have their paws bend backward. Figure out how your dog feels more comfortable and works in his comfiest position.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nail Grinders for Dogs

Conclusion: Our Top Pick

Regular dog nail trimming means more than cosmetic. Though, all the reviewed products are the best in one way or another. 

But the product that had our attention with its glowing reviews is Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer.

It’s efficient, offers the best grip, and doesn’t sacrifice your dog’s safety. 

What else do you want for your dog’s nail styling?

So, next time your dog begs for cuddles, rather than thinking about the scratch accidents, you better give them cuddles.

Have fun!