Nail trimming is one of the easiest parts of pet care to neglect. It ranks with teeth cleaning as one of the most unpleasant tasks and the fastest ways to destroy a carefully-built bond with your dog. How many times have you approached a nail trim with dread? Does your dog even try to snap at you when you reach for his feet? Have you considered nail grinding and wondered if it was any better?
Nail grinders can be a tremendous improvement over traditional nail clippers. How do you choose the best dog nail grinder for your pet’s comfort and safety?
Quick Picks: The 10 Top-Rated Dog Nail Grinders
- Dremel 7300-PT Cordless Pet Dog Nail Grooming & Grinding Tool
- Hertzko Electric Dog Nail Grinder
- ConairPRO Dog & Cat Professional Corded Nail Grinder
- Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
- Furminator Nail Grinder for Dogs
- EnjoyPet Rechargeable Pet Nail Grinder
- Andis EasyClip 2-Speed Animal Nail Grinder
- Peteast Dog Nail Grinder
- Wahl Professional Animal Pet, Dog, and Cat Ultimate Nail Grinder
- Petural Dog Nail Grinder
In a hurry? Then check out Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder as Our Best Pick, or keep reading for product reviews and buying guide.
10 Best Dog Nail Grinder Reviews (for Small & Large Dogs)
Dremel 7300-PT Cordless Pet Dog Nail Grooming & Grinding Tool
Best Polishing Surface
If you are looking for a less cumbersome method to trim your dog’s nails, this dremel dog nail grinder offers a lightweight and safe alternative to clippers. Its construction is plastic with a 60-grit sanding drum. You can use the tool at two speeds with a wide assortment of sanding drums and bands to increase your precision.
A cordless design ensures no obstacles while you work. You can rely on a battery life of about three hours.
Our Rating: 4.8
Pros:
- Cordless
- Wide selection of replaceable sanding paper
- Battery lasts 3 hours
- Two speeds that enable you to work quickly and efficiently
- Diamond grinding wheel – Exceptionally long-lasting and reusable
Cons:
- Somewhat heavy – 1.9 pounds
Hertzko Electric Dog Nail Grinder
Most Durable Grinding
Hertzko uses a Diamond Bit Grinder that provides effective nail maintenance for numerous species including dogs, cats, and birds. Like many Dremel tools, the Hertzko is cordless and rechargeable with a USB port.
A specialized tip with three ports on the cover allows you to customize your trimming based on your pet’s nail size. You can also shape and smooth the nail with laser-sharp focus and control. With extra attention to muting technology, the Hertzko runs quietly and with minimal vibration.
Our Rating: 4.1
Pros:
- Relatively quiet
- Includes a USB charging wire
- Does not require replacement of the grinding bit
- Removable cover enables you to cover a larger area if necessary and makes cleaning easy
Cons:
- Some customers cite diminished power
ConairPRO Dog & Cat Professional Corded Nail Grinder
Best Professional Grooming Nail Grinder
People associate ConairPro with premium lines in grooming and for a good reason. ConairPro supplies are ahead of the competition from their brushes to their nail grinders.
A primary focus of ConairPro is professionalism. The ConairPro Dog Nail Grinder has high-quality materials that make it durable. You can expect a quiet motor, allowing your dog to relax as you take the sharp edge off his nails.
The nail equipment features four grinding bands and two finishing stones. You can interchange the stones to achieve a more polished appearance. A cover protects the grinding surface but also allows you to adjust the opening according to the size of your pet’s claw.
Our Rating: 4.7
Pros:
- Powerful
- Protective cover
- Adjustable
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Button sometimes sticks so rotor does not turn
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
Best Overall Dog Nail Grinder
When you have a German Shepherd or Rottweiler with thick, hard, dark-colored nails, the Casfuy may be just the piece of equipment you need. It has two speeds, one of which is fast enough to address the toughest claws with the help of a diamond grinding stone. An adjustable port enables you to use the grinder on small, medium, and large dogs.
The Casfuy has advanced motor technology to provide you with a quiet machine with low vibration. A nail grinder that does not vibrate excessively is a great alternative for a dog who is leery of letting you touch his feet in the first place.
Your Casfuy Nail Grinder will have a USB port that you can conveniently plug into your computer or power bank to recharge. An ergonomic design makes the Casfuy’s handle suitable for multiple grips and long grinding sessions.
Our Rating: 4.9
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle
- Two-speed switch
- Rechargeable with USB cord included
- Charging indicator light
Cons:
- Little bit slow for some users
Furminator Nail Grinder for Dogs
Best Dog Nail Grinder With Light
You are probably most familiar with Furminator’s deshedding brush. Like its other grooming products, Furminator pays particular attention to efficiency and safety. The Furminator is another nail grinder that is lightweight and cordless with two speeds to better target different nail thicknesses. It is rechargeable via a USB connection, the manufacture including the wire.
The Furminator includes two grinding bands that you can replace as needed. It also has a transparent protective cover. An automatic LED light ensures the visibility of each nail.
Our Rating: 4.2
Pros:
- Comes with batteries
- LED light is automatic and illuminates the claw as you work
- Powerful for the price
Cons:
- Not very durable – Plastic gets loose rather quickly which affects noise level
EnjoyPet Rechargeable Pet Nail Grinder
Best Lightweight Dog Nail Grinder
Sometimes when your dog is highly reluctant to have you trim his nails, speed and efficiency are what you want most. The Enjoy Pets electric nail trimmer boasts exceptional power to enhance your quickness. It also has a long-lasting bit grinder that you should not need to replace.
This Dremel tool has a unique design and color for dog owners who want a stylish flair. It has two speeds that you control with a push button. An exceptionally small make allows you to easily put the Enjoy Pet in your pocket as you take breaks in your task.
Our Rating: 4.1
Pros:
- One-of-a-kind color
- Push button control is convenient but will not accidentally turn on
- No removable batteries
- Slow speed is very quiet
Cons:
- May not be strong enough for large dogs
Andis EasyClip 2-Speed Animal Nail Grinder
Most Utilitarian Dog Nail Grinder
With a two-speed rotary mechanism, the Andis EasyClip is an efficient and durable nail grinder. It has a silicone sleeve that enhances the ergonomic design of the handle, making it comfortable for extended time frames.
The Andis comes with 13 pieces for your convenience, among which are a small and a large interchangeable sanding drum. Each drum has sanding wheels, three for the large one and two for the small. You also get a wrench, an outside power source, and a storage case.
Our Rating: 4.5
Pros:
- High power makes it efficient and quick
- Long cord
- Energy saving power supply with DC jack
- Clip
Cons:
- Not cordless
- Belts may be loose – Requires tightening of drums
Peteast Dog Nail Grinder
Best Grinder With Longest Battery Life
Like many other products of its type, the Peteast electric clippers have three port sizes to accommodate various dogs and two speeds. It is one of the quietest and longest-lasting nail grinders with a battery life of about 10 hours. Two different-sized grinding wheels are made of thick diamond.
A rubber handle makes the Peteast comfortable for long periods. You can charge the unit via your laptop or car with its USB port and the wiring has a charge protector.
Our Rating: 4.6
Pros:
- TPR environmentally friendly rubber – Soft and comfortable to hold
- Charge protector
- One of longest battery life to charge time ratios: Works for 10 hours between charges and charging only takes 2.5 hours
- Two speeds are
- LED light
Cons:
- LED light shines in the wrong spot
Wahl Professional Animal Pet, Dog, and Cat Ultimate Nail Grinder
Fastest Premium Dog Nail Grinder
Wahl has the advantage of being one of the most recognizable high-quality brands in dog grooming supplies. Their nail grinder follows the same gold standard craftsmanship as their hair clippers.
Fit for professionals, the Wahl grinder has 60-bit and 100-bit sanding discs with two drum sizes. A five-foot-long cord gives you plenty of room to maneuver.
Wahl’s has a few different nail grinders. The Ultimate has capabilities for small and large dogs with adjustable speeds.
Our Rating: 4.3
Pros:
- High speed up to 13,000 RPM for fast work
- Durable carrying case is protective
- Ergonomic handle with finger rests
- 5.7 ounces
Cons:
- Corded – Only works for US outlets
Petural Dog Nail Grinder
Best Quiet Dog Nail Grinder
Petural has aimed to improve on the most desirable qualities you want in a nail grinder. If your pet becomes anxious about loud noises, Petural uses a brass motor, so noise levels are below 50 decibels.
The grinder has a wedge-shaped ergonomic design. A protective covering has three different-sized ports to accommodate rabbits and cats all the way up to large dogs. If you have a very large dog, you can remove the cover to give yourself the largest possible surface area.
A diamond bit ensures the Petural lasts and can smooth the hardest claws. The Petural comes with a battery that can work for six hours between charges.
Our Rating: 4.2
Pros:
- Battery has a life of 4 to 6 hours – 900mAh Ni-CD
- Cordless with USB charging capabilities; one of few nail grinders you can charge in car
- Brass motor is smooth and quiet
- Compact
Cons:
- Some reports takes too long – Not enough power
Buying Guide for Best Dog Nail Grinders
In many ways, nail grinders make claw care easier on you and your pets. The key is finding the correct tool for your needs and learning how to use it most effectively.
What Are the Advantages of a Dog Nail Grinder vs Clipper?
Nail grinders are usually more effective and safer than traditional nail clippers. Whether you use guillotine or plier-type nail trimmers, they require a great degree of precision because you commit to your cut. You can take tiny bits of the nail at a time, but this can be tedious and impossible for an impatient pet to accomplish in one sitting.
What about working breeds with thick strong nails? These nails can be almost impossible to cut with regular trimmers. A Dremel tool may be much more practical.
What about the dog who has dark-colored must nails preventing you from visualizing the quick? For those of you unfamiliar with the term, the quick is the inner area of the nail. People also refer to it as the cuticle that houses the blood vessels and nerves of the nail. It shows pink in white nails. If you accidentally cut your dog’s quick, he is likely to yelp in pain or bleed profusely.
When you use a nail grinder, it takes off layers of the nail in gradual increments. Since you are revealing the nail head-on as you smooth, the quick shows before you get to the vessels. Any rare brush up against the quick will be rare and superficial. A guard on your nail grinder will make it even less likely for you to hit the cuticle.
Because of the nature of nail grinding, you can often get the nails shorter than you would with trimming. Since your visualization is better, you can go shorter with more confidence. Moreover, nail grinding gives you smooth and round edges. Your dog’s claws will appear more cosmetic, will not scratch your skin or delicate surfaces, and will not snag in upholstery or carpeting.
What Are the Problems With Nail Grinding?
Nail grinding takes the same preparations as manual clipping in regards to handling your dog’s feet. If you think grinding is a cure for your pet’s behavioral challenges, it will be an unsatisfactory venture. While there are many reasons for dogs, especially, to prefer a Dremel over the clippers, you still need to prepare and train your pet.
Ticklish Feet
Nail care drives home the fact you must introduce the idea you will handle your dog’s paws at a very young age. Dogs become possessive about their feet because they are highly sensory. If not used to you touching them, you holding your dog’s paws for nail grinding or trimming can be uncomfortable.
Noise
You may have to spend a fair amount of time accustoming your dog to the noise the nail grinder makes. Some dogs are particularly sensitive to loud or strange noises despite your efforts at socialization.
Any trepidation your dog feels about buzzing sounds will intensify as you bring the instrument closer to him. Start slow and use positive reinforcement and desensitization methods. You can administer food rewards combined with turning the grinder on at frequent intervals.
A few dogs may never tolerate a nail grinder. Some dogs only accept the use of a Dremel at the groomer.
Vibration
If your dog already objects to you touching his paws, he may really put up a fight with the weird sensation of a nail grinder. You can opt for the lowest amount of vibration possible, but your dog is still going to require time and frequent exposure to get used to it.
Time
Nail grinding is likely going to take a little longer than your classic nail trim. You can choose the highest power tool you can find, but you may have to work on an anxious dog in several short sessions. Keep in mind, the more powerful nail grinders are often louder.
How Do You Pick the Best Dog Nail Grinder?
There are several criteria for choosing the best nail grinders for your dog, many of which center around the qualities most important to you.
- Power – More power means the nail grinder will work quickly, but it may be louder
- Quiet – Depends on quality and type of materials manufacturer uses in the motor as well as advances in technology.
- Vibration – Dogs who are sensitive about their feet will tolerate lower vibrations better
- Cordless – Cordless grinders give you more versatility on where you can work but may sacrifice power.
- Cord – Long cords can give you more mobility
- USB Port – Charging versatility
- Battery life – How long can you work between charging? It may be more important if you have multiple dogs.
What Is the Best Way to Use a Nail Grinder?
The most effective way to address nail care for your dog is to set aside a time and place just as you would for a bath. A quiet, low-traffic area is best, and sometimes a table is effective for smaller pets. Ensure it is an area that your dog can feel calm.
If you have never consistently used a nail grinder before, you may need to use a traditional nail trimmer to remove excess length.
- Position your dog. Small to medium dogs you can place in your lap, but you will achieve the best visualization if your dog faces you with paw outstretched in the handshake position. If you have a large dog, you can also train him to lie on his side.
- Allow your dog to sniff the grinder for a moment.
- Turn the grinder on, waiting for your dog to settle.
- Turn the nail grinder off and choose a port size if applicable. For extra-large dogs, you can often remove the port covering completely.
- Start at low speeds and work your way up. Aim for a 45-degree angle to the nail.
- If your dog has long hair, be sure to push it back from the nail.
- Work the grinder over the claws one by one to shorten them to the desired length. Take frequent breaks to check the heat of the nail grinder. Allow it to cool as needed.
- Make a second pass to shape the nails and smooth any rough edges.
- Reward your dog for a job well done.
Final Thoughts
The winner of the roundup was the Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder, which seemed to have something for everyone. Featuring multiple qualities you would expect from the best dog nail grinder. The Casfuy has advanced technology to make it quiet. It also comes with minimal vibration, high power for hard nails, portability, an ergonomic grip, and versatile charging.
We selected the Dremel 7300 as a close runner up. The Dremel 7300 represents a tried-and-true product that many grinding tools attempt to duplicate with little success. It is powerful, efficient, and durable. Its weight is the only minor drawback. Other products lagged behind the top two either in the quality of materials or their ability to effectively grind thick nails.