The best dog nail clippers

While very active dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors naturally wear down their nails, most still need regular trims with the best dog nail clippers. Keeping nails short prevents them from curling and growing into the paw pads, which can be a painful and potentially serious condition. Shorter nails also reduce the chance of dogs scratching wood floors or, worse, your arms and legs when they get excited and jump up on you.

Over my eight years working as a veterinary assistant, I trimmed the nails of thousands of pets using many types of dog nail clippers, from plier-style to guillotine types. For this guide, I put 13 different clippers and 3 nail files to the test with five dogs. I also included my top pick for the best dog nail grinder. All of the recommendations that follow were evaluated using our comprehensivepet products testing methodologies.

Our top picks for the best dog nail clippers

Best for large dogs: Andis Pet Nail Clipper - $11 at Chewy

Best for small dogs: JW Pet Grip Soft Deluxe Pet Nail Clipper (Medium) - $13 at Chewy

Best guillotine clippers: Resco Original Deluxe Dog Nail Clippers (Small/Medium) - $26 at Chewy

Best budget: Millers Forge Pet Nail Clipper - $8 at Chewy

Best nail grinder: Casfuy Quiet 2 LED Nail Grinder - $20 at Chewy

Best dog nail file: Safari Diamond Dog Nail File - $9 at Chewy

Best for large dogs

Big dogs often have thick, large nails, and some medium-sized breeds do, too. The Andis Pet Nail Clipper makes trimming these tough nails easy, thanks to its durable design and sharp blades.

I tested these clippers on both a Labrador retriever and a golden retriever. The sharp blades cut through their thick nails easily and smoothly, without splintering or shredding. The nonslip grip was comfortable in my hand, and the large tension spring made the handles easy to squeeze. Additionally, the clippers have a safety guard to prevent overcutting and hitting the quick and a locking mechanism to keep the clippers securely closed for easy storage.

I also used these clippers on a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails, and they worked well, making them a great choice if you have medium and large dogs. Another pair of clippers, the Safari Professional Nail Trimmers, is similarly constructed and nearly identical to the Andis clippers in feel and performance. However, the Andis clippers stand out for their two-year warranty and lower price.

Best for small dogs

The JW Pet Grip Soft Deluxe Pet Nail Clipper in size medium is an excellent choice for dogs with small or thin nails. I tried them with a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails and a 10-pound mixed-breed dog with small nails. The gel-like nonslip handle is especially comfortable to hold, and the sharp stainless steel blades deliver smooth, clean cuts with minimal noise. The clippers also feature a quick guard to prevent overcutting and a locking mechanism for safe storage. I always lock my nail clippers after using them to protect the blade.

Cassie Edmond, an animal care specialist at the San Diego Humane Society, prefers using small nail clippers for puppies or dogs whose nails have grown too long and are beginning to curl toward the paw pad. She says the smaller blades offer better control when maneuvering around curled nails.

These clippers are also a good fit for people with small hands. If you have larger hands, though, you might find the handles a bit tricky to grip comfortably.

Best guillotine clippers

I tested the Resco Original Deluxe Dog Nail Clippers in size small/medium on a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails and a 10-pound mixed-breed dog with small nails. They outperformed the guillotine-style clippers I tested from Millers Forge. The Resco clippers had a sharper blade that delivered clean, smooth cuts, while the Millers Forge blade didn't feel as sharp or cut as smoothly.

Although the Resco clippers don't have a rubber grip on the handles, they were still comfortable to hold and easy to squeeze, similar to my other picks for the best dog nail clippers. They're also built to last, made from chrome-plated steel. And when the blade eventually dulls, you can simply replace it with a blade replacement kit rather than buying a whole new pair.

Guillotine clippers require less force to operate than plier-style clippers, which can make trimming easier on your hands. However, they aren't as strong, so they're not ideal for dogs with very large or thick nails. Instead, they're best suited for dogs with small or medium-sized nails and are also great for cats. Another advantage is that they're very quiet, which can be helpful for pets that get nervous around the loud snapping sound some plier-style clippers make.

It's important to note that guillotine clippers don't come with a quick-guard safety feature. To avoid cutting the quick, trim small amounts of the nail at a time. You'll want to use extra caution, as a dog's nail can sometimes get caught in this style of clipper. If your dog pulls away suddenly, it could lead to a painful injury or even a torn nail.

Best budget

The Millers Forge Pet Nail Clipper stands out for its simplicity, reliable performance, and excellent value at under $8. These were the quietest plier-style clippers I tested, a big plus for skittish dogs. The blades are sharp and cut smoothly and easily. The sharp blades delivered smooth, easy cuts, and the metal handles have slip-on rubber grips that felt comfortable in my hand. That said, I did notice that the grips occasionally slid down the handles during use.

I've used these clippers a lot over the years, particularly during my time as a veterinary assistant. The stainless steel blades maintain their sharpness even with frequent use. The blades' thin design makes it easy to maneuver around each nail, and the quick-guard safety feature and locking mechanism for secure storage add an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind.

These clippers are compact and have a narrow blade opening, so they aren't the best choice for very large dogs or those with very thick nails. However, they worked great when I tested them on a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails and a 10-pound mixed-breed dog with small nails.

Best nail grinder

The Casfuy Quiet 2 LED Nail Grinder is my top pick for the best dog nail grinder because it strikes an excellent balance of comfort, ease of use, performance, and value. It feels well-made and performs impressively for its budget-friendly price.

Grinders are a great alternative for dogs who are nervous around clippers or have black nails, where it's difficult to see the quick. They're suitable for dogs of all sizes and are especially effective on thick nails. The Casfuy's two speed settings are effective for a range of nail sizes: I used the lower setting for small and medium-sized nails and the higher setting for thicker nails. While the Dremel PawControl is more powerful, I found the Casfuy's performance nearly as effective and preferred its lighter, more comfortable design when working with smaller paws. That said, for large, thick nails, the Dremel is the better choice.

At 6.7 ounces, the cordless Casfuy is compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. It requires virtually no setup — mine arrived charged and ready to use — and the simple push button cycles through settings. It was also one of the quietest grinders I tested, with minimal vibration. Although some of my tester dogs were anxious, they tolerated the Casfuy better than louder models.

The built-in LED light and nail guard are helpful safety features for beginners. The light improved visibility indoors and helped illuminate the quick so I could more easily see when to stop grinding. The guard has two openings that accommodate different nail sizes and grinding angles, and it worked well on small, medium, and medium-large nails during testing. However, owners of giant breeds with especially large or thick nails may find the openings restrictive. The guard is removable, but I recommend doing so only if you're comfortable grinding nails without the added protection.

The Casfuy's main drawbacks relate to its manual and company information. Its brief manual lacks clear instructions for grinding a dog's nails, and I found little information about the company online. Replacement grinding bits are sold separately for $9.99.

Best dog nail file

A dog nail file is useful for smoothing out rough or sharp edges after trimming your pup's nails with traditional clippers. Smoothing your dog's nails can help prevent them from scratching your skin or snagging on your clothing. Or, if your dog really dislikes having their nails trimmed, you can use a nail file in place of clippers or a nail grinder. It takes longer to manually file the nails to the proper length, but it's a perfectly workable option if you have a high-quality nail file.

The Safari Diamond Dog Nail File is comfortable to hold and files the nail effectively, thanks to the diamond finish on one side of the stainless steel file. The industrial diamond grit coating is similar to sandpaper, but far stronger, more durable, and longer-lasting. This finish helps you quickly file nails to smooth away rough or jagged edges. The large, lightweight handle features rubber grips, and it felt very secure in my hand. The abrasive metal filing surface works well for quickly and smoothly filing down nails without damaging them. While only one side of the file has the diamond finish, both sides are abrasive. The diamond side is slightly concave, and the other side is flat, so I had two angles to choose from when filing all around the nail edges.

Despite its affordable price, the file feels well-made with high-quality materials. I never worried about dropping or damaging it, and the metal part of the file felt strong and durable.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in dog nail clippers

Choosing the type of nail clippers that are best for your dog — and you — can be tricky. To help you make your decision, I asked Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, what features are most important in a good pair of dog nail clippers.

Appropriate style for your needs: Dog nail clippers come in four main styles. Guillotine clippers have a loop at the end and a blade that slices upward when you squeeze the handle. They're easy to use, but precise cuts can be harder to achieve. These are best for small- to medium-sized dog nails as they aren't as strong as other types.

Scissor-style clippers are double-bladed and work just like a pair of regular scissors. They're easy to handle and best for dogs with small or thin nails. They are not ideal for large, thick nails because they lack the strength needed to make smooth, clean cuts, says Klein. Pliers-style clippers, on the other hand, are similar in design but much stronger thanks to a spring between the handles. These are a great choice for dogs with large, thick nails and also work well for medium-sized dogs.

Electric or battery-powered nail grinders, which work like Dremel tools, are great for slowly and gently filing the nails down rather than cutting them. Klein says nail grinders are popular with dog groomers and show dog handlers because they leave nails smooth and rounded. They're also a good option for dogs that dislike having their nails cut. Keep in mind, though, that grinders vibrate and can be somewhat loud, so some dogs might need time to get used to them.

Quality materials: Most dog nail clippers have metal blades with plastic handles, though some are entirely metal and may have rubber grips on the handles. Klein says the best dog nail clippers have stainless steel or carbon steel blades because they are durable and easy to clean. For large pliers-style nail clippers, look for strong springs between the handles. Replaceable blades are another useful feature.

Safety features: Trimming a dog's nails can be tricky. If you cut too far, you risk hitting the quick — the vein inside the nail — which is painful and causes the nail to bleed. That's why safety features matter. Look for clippers with nail guides or safety stops that limit how much nail you trim. Nail grinders ideally have safety guards that prevent anything from touching the rotating parts of the tool.

Sizing: When choosing dog clippers, compare the cutting blade to the size of your dog's nails. Klein says that small dogs generally need smaller clippers, and large and giant dogs need bigger clippers. In addition, he says clippers should fit comfortably in your hand to give you good control when trimming your dog's nails.

How we tested the best dog nail clippers

I tested thirteen different pairs of nail trimmers and three nail files on five dogs with varying nail sizes: a Labrador retriever, golden retriever, and Vizsla with large, thick nails; a miniature poodle with medium-sized nails; and a 10-pound mixed-breed dog with small nails.

The clippers and grinders were tested on the miniature poodle with medium-sized nails. I also used the small clippers on the small mixed-breed dog, the large clippers on the Lab and golden retriever, the nail grinders on the Lab, and the nile files on the Vizsla. For every tool, I evaluated ease of use, performance, sharpness, safety, and overall quality.

In my first round of testing, I tested each tool at least once per dog. The top performers were tested multiple times to narrow down the category winners. I spaced testing several weeks apart to allow the dogs' nails to grow back.

To assess long-term durability, I kept using the highest-rated nail trimmers with my miniature poodle. Over the next five months, I clipped my dog's nails about every two weeks, rotating among each pair.

Ease of use: When cutting a dog's nails, you don't want to struggle or feel uncomfortable with the nail trimmer. I evaluated how comfortable the clippers felt in my hand, how easy they were to squeeze closed, and whether I felt in control while trimming. For nail grinders, I evaluated how easy they were to set up, hold, and operate.

Performance: I confirmed whether each tool worked as advertised. For instance, large dog nail clippers should cut through tough nails with ease, while small clippers should be appropriately sized for smaller nails. For grinders, I evaluated how well the grinding bands or discs smoothed the nails and how loud each tool was.

Sharpness: Although the cutting blades will inevitably dull over time, they should be very sharp to ensure swift, clean cuts. Dull or poor-quality blades tend to shred or splinter the nail rather than slice cleanly.

Safety: I evaluated the effectiveness of nail safety guards and whether clippers had a locking mechanism for safe storage. For nail grinders, I assessed how safe it felt to operate the tool and evaluated any included safety features, such as nail guards and LED lights.

Quality: I examined the materials and construction of each tool. Good clippers should feel sturdy, appear well-made, and all parts should function as intended. For nail grinders, I considered the tool's assembly and how it felt to use.

Dog nail clipper FAQs

What is the best type of nail clippers for dogs?

The best dog nail clippers are easy to hold and have sharp blades that make smooth, clean cuts. If your dog's nails are very small or very large, choose clippers appropriately sized to match. Stainless steel blades are ideal since they're strong and rust-resistant. A quiet clipper can also be helpful for timid dogs or those who are uneasy about nail trimming. Ultimately, though, the right dog nail trimmer is the one that feels most comfortable for you to use.

Is it better to grind or clip dog nails?

Nail clippers cut through the nail, whereas nail grinders file the nail down to a shorter length. Some dogs prefer the sensation of nail grinding over clipping, and you're less likely to cut into the quick with a grinder. "When grooming, 9 times out of 10, I will just grind a dog's nails instead of trimming," Edmond says. "Nail clippers can leave a jagged rough edge on the nail, but a nail grinder can buff out the sharpness and round the nail all the way down to the quick." On the flip side, some dogs dislike the loud sounds and vibrations of nail grinders. These tools also have a learning curve to use them safely and comfortably. Dr. Melissa Smits, a veterinarian who was a partner at Fort Morgan Veterinary Clinic at the time of my interview, recommends using the tool you feel most comfortable with, which will make your dog most comfortable.

How do I care for dog nail clippers?

After each use, wipe your clippers clean. Close the clippers and engage the safety lock to protect the blade when not in use. If your nail clippers get wet, dry them thoroughly before storing them in a plastic or cloth bag indoors. If nail clippers are left outside and exposed to dampness and temperature extremes, the metal can rust, and the plastic can warp.

How often should I trim my dog's nails?

The general rule of thumb is to trim your dog's nails before they grow long enough to click on the floor, but the frequency is unique to each dog. All nails grow at different rates, and dogs wear them down differently. Big, heavy dogs that run around outside may naturally wear their nails down, requiring less frequent trimming. "A Yorkie that barely touches the ground most days might need a nail trim every two weeks," Smits says. "An Iditarod training or marathon running pal might never need one."

How far down do I cut the nail?

Trim the nail as short as you can without cutting into the quick, the blood vessel inside the nail. In dogs with white nails, it's easy to see the quick — it's the pink part. It's harder to know precisely how far to cut black nails, so you may want to only cut the hooked part of the nail to be safe. Trim just a little bit of the nail at a time and go slow, especially for sensitive dogs. You can always trim more if needed, but if you trim too much, you risk cutting the quick. "Maybe do a nail or two at a time, rather than asking them to sit for a full pedicure," says Dr. Colleen Lambo, a relief veterinarian with Roo. "Taking a slow, careful approach helps maintain trust between you and your pet. Clipping the sides as well as the tips can help create a smoother edge." For more detailed directions, check out our tutorial on how to cut or grind your dog's nails the right way. You can also ask your veterinarian for a demonstration on your dog.

How do I get a dog's nail quick to recede?

Regular nail trimming is the best way to get a dog's nail quick to recede. If a dog's nails aren't trimmed regularly, the quick and the nail grow longer. This makes it difficult to trim the nails short without cutting into the quick, which is painful for your dog and also causes bleeding. If your dog's nails grow too long, walking can be uncomfortable and can even lead to joint issues, especially in older dogs.

You can encourage the quick to recede through regular, careful nail trimming. By taking small amounts off weekly or every other week, you avoid trauma to the quick while signaling it to retreat deeper into the nail," Lambo says. "Over time, this allows you to safely trim shorter without causing bleeding."

Although this method is slow, consistent nail trimming will make a big difference in your dog's comfort and mobility. In some cases, the quick becomes so severely overgrown that it's difficult to get it to recede just with nail trimming. In such cases, Lambo says your veterinarian can perform a more aggressive trim while the dog is sedated to safely reset the nail length. After that, you can start the process of frequent nail trims.

Is it OK to file a dog's nails?

Yes, it's perfectly safe to trim a dog's nails this way, and many dogs find nail filing less stressful than using nail clippers. You can also use a nail file to smooth any sharp edges left by traditional nail clippers. "Filing gradually shortens the nail, reducing the risk of hitting the quick, and smooths rough edges that can splinter," Lambo says. "For dogs that dislike clippers or have very thick or brittle nails, a rotary nail grinder can also work well."

When should I start trimming my puppy's nails?

Start nail trimming as early as possible so your puppy learns to accept it. Even older dogs can learn to accept nail trimming if you approach it the right way. "Introduce the dog to the nail trimming procedure in a slow, fun, rewarding manner," Smits says. "This will enable the dog to fall in love with the attention that comes with getting a pedicure and time with you."

Does nail trimming hurt my dog?

As long as you don't cut too far down, trimming your dog's nails hurts no more than trimming your own nails. However, be very careful not to cut the quick. The quick is extremely sensitive. Cutting into it is painful and will cause the nail to bleed. It may also cause your dog to become resistant to nail trimming in the future.

What should I do if I cut my dog's nail and it bleeds?

If you accidentally nick the quick, use styptic powder to cauterize it and stop the bleeding. Scoop up a small amount of powder onto your finger or onto a piece of gauze, then press it gently but firmly against the nail. Hold for a minute or so until the bleeding stops. If you don't have styptic powder, you can use flour or cornstarch instead.

I'm too nervous to trim my dog's nails. Who will do it for me?

If you are uncomfortable trimming your dog's nails or are concerned your pet might bite if you try to cut their nails, seek professional help. Most groomers include nail trimming in their regular services. You can also make an appointment to have your dog's nails trimmed at your veterinary hospital. "If the dog is an amiable sort, groomers are a phenomenal option," Smits says. However, dogs who may become aggressive during nail trimming would benefit from a trim at the vet's office, where they can use sedation if necessary.

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