Do you hate the battle of trying to trim your dog’s nails? My dog, Henry’s, nails grow fast so, taking him to a groomer every week isn’t an option.
Long nails can hurt your dog. So, learning how to keep them tidy is a super idea. When our dog’s nails get to the point we can hear them, they can become painful for our pups.
Those long nails can disrupt your doggie’s gait and cause leg pain. While I don’t always appreciate Henry’s stealth mode, I’d rather have him wear a noisy collar than click the floor with long nails. With this in mind, let’s dig in and discover the benefits of a dog nail grinder.
Budget Tip:
The truth is that a dog nail grinder pays for itself in no time. You can do it on your schedule and it's easy. For me, it means I don't have to call the vet or groomer for a nail trim or pay for those trimmings. A nail grinder really can be a win-win for you and your wallet!
What is a dog nail grinder?
My dog, Henry’s nails seem to grow like they’re dipped in Miracle Grow. So, being able to care for them on my own time and save money is a must!
The negatives with most pet nail grinders, in general, have been two-fold:
- Noise
- Vibration
How to use a dog nail grinder
Most nail grinder instructions are very easy to follow. If your dog hasn’t been to the groomer, you’ll definitely want to go very slowly with introducing the nail grinder.
1. Leash
The instructions suggest putting your dog on a leash so he doesn’t want to escape the dog nail trimming session.
2. Introduce without running
Begin by introducing your dog to the uniquely designed grinder without it running and give your dog a treat.
3. Allow inspection with running
Then turn on the nail grinder and let your dog sniff it and give him another treat or a few treats.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary
The instructions state you may need to repeat the last two steps a few times until your dog becomes comfortable with the grinder.
Let the dog nail grinding begin
This is very similar to the nail grinder I use on my dog. It works great!
1. Turn on the grinder
Once you and your dog are ready to begin the grinding process, turn on the grinder.
2. Select the grinder head
Most nail grinders have multiple openings
- Larger opening for bigger dogs or tough nails
- Smaller side for tiny dogs or softer nails
3. Pick your speed
You’ll also want to select a grinding speed. However, you may want to work up to the high speed. It should be easy to adjust the speed.
4. Grind
Gently place your dog’s nail into the grinding hole you selected. Generally, it’s recommended to not grind any nail for more than 5-6 seconds at one time.
That’s it. Now, work your way around to all your dog’s nails and give a treat as you deem appropriate. Or give your dog a break as he needs.
Is a dog nail grinder safe for home use?
Yes, a dog nail grinder should be built with safety in mind. These products are generally well-tested. You can even read reviews on various nail grinders.
Can I use a dog nail grinder on dark nails?
Yes! Henry has dark nails. To be honest, his nails are dark thus, I have been hesitant about trimming his nails myself. I didn’t want to trim them too short. However, I found that a nail grinder is easy. I’m convinced that a dog nail grinder is a game changer.
Why should I use a dog nail grinder?
Of course, you can use dog nail clippers to trim your dog’s nails. But most groomers will tell you that a grinder does a superior job. Dog nail clippers will leave the nails rough. Additionally, there’s a great chance of cutting the quick, especially if your dog has dark nails.
This is a nail grinder you may love as much as I love mine!
How often should I grind my dog’s nails?
While I have not conducted a DNA test on Henry, I’m absolutely convinced he’s part Chia Pet or at least weed. I swear I’ve never seen anything grow so fast. For Henry, I’ll have to trim his nails every 10-14 days. For most, “normal” dogs it’s recommended every 3-4 weeks.
What are the special features to look for in a great dog nail grinder
There are a few features you’ll want to look for in a dog nail grinder. These include:
1. Whisper quiet
This was huge for grinding since noise has been a major ding on other nail grinders.
2. No vibration
A big negative with most nail grinders has been the vibration, which can scare your pet, make it more difficult, and your pup reluctant to be willing to do it.
3. Long-lasting diamond grinding heads
This is important for me because as I said, Henry’s fur and nails grow insanely fast.
4. Grinding heads easy to replace
Again this is important for me because I know I’ll have to replace the grinding head more often than most dog parents. Most dog nail grinder tools will have different grinding heads available. For example:
- Super Soft – Best for finishing
- Regular – Best for average dog nails (this is the one that comes with most grinders)
- Extra hard – Best or thick or large breed dogs
5. Built-in LED lights
These are great for helping to see your dog’s nails while grinding. Henry is mostly black so the added light really helps me.
6. USB charging mode
This means, no need for batteries which means no waste of batteries when they are used. On a personal note, this is a biggie for me.
7. Lightweight and easy design
This is important to me because holding heavy things for a long time will make my hands cramp.
8. Easy to clean
Once again I know this is important because I will be using this grinder more than the average dog parent.
Are there any other features that make a dog nail grinder stand out?
Yes, there are a few other features that are very useful.
- Charge lasts for at least 4 hours
- Safety cover (great for those wiggly dogs so that no accidents happen)
- Two speeds or more for easier grinding of hard nails
- Safety cap to keep the grinder clean and protected
- 30-day (or more) return policy just in case it doesn’t work for your pup or you
Is a dog nail grinder right for my dog?
I can tell you a nail grinder has been a game-changer for Henry and me. If you want to decrease your expenses, your dog is game for a home nail trim, and you’re up to a new task, it could be a great option.
Want to try a dog nail grinder? This is one you may really like!
How does a dog nail grinder make my wallet happy?
You may not think that a dog nail grinder can save money. But surprisingly, it can keep your pup healthier. Consider the following for a moment.
| Issue | Potential Cost |
| Vet visit | $50-250 |
| Arthritis | $225 |
| Vet nail visit | $40-70 |
| Grooming nail visit | $25 |
| Pain medication | $10-50 |
| Pain-free dog | BEYOND WORDS!!! |
Related articles:
- Steps To Build A New Dog Budget
- How to Find the Best Vet
- How to Find the Best Dog Groomer
- Mobile Dog Grooming – Fact and Fiction
- My Dog Loves Savings Accounts. Surprised?
- Can Healthy Dog Paws Improve Your Bottomline?
Paw-some Savings Alert: How a Dog Nail Grinder Could Be Your Wallet’s New Best Friend
Admittedly, I wasn’t sure if I was up to grinding Henry’s nails until I tried it. Surprisingly, it has been easy, convenient, good for Henry, and great for my wallet. You may be shocked at how a dog nail grinder can change your dog’s health and your pocketbook. Never think you can’t do something. You can always do more than you think. Also, if you find you or your furry friend just can’t deal with a home dog nail grinder, then return it and look for cost savings elsewhere.
