While all veterinary offices, pet spas, and even some doggie daycare centers offer nail trimming services for your dog or cat, paying top dollar for a professional trim isn’t always in the budget. Luckily, this is a task you can complete in the comfort of your home by purchasing one essential tool: a nail trimmer. Seren Lanza, DVM at VCA Darien Animal Hospital in Connecticut, offers expert advice on how to easily and properly trim your pet’s nails with her go-to nail trimmers. Is pet hair a problem in your home? Check out these 13 pet hair removers that actually work.
Why trimming your pet’s nails is crucial
Regularly trimming your pet’s nails is important for more than just aesthetics. “Unhealthy nails can cause pain, and in rare instances, trigger irreversible damage to the dog,” explains the American Kennel Club (AKC).
There are two parts to a dog’s nail: the living pink quick and the shell, which is the hard outer material. “The quick supplies blood to the nail and runs through the core of it. Nerves in the quick cause bleeding and discomfort when cut,” the AKC explains. “Regular nail trimming will cause the quick to recede from the end. Short quicks are the preferred length for the dog’s well-being and easy maintenance.”
So what will happen if you fail to trim your pet’s nails regularly? Long nails can turn a healthy paw into a splayed foot, not only reducing your pet’s traction but also potentially leading to deformed feet and injured tendons in the long run. “As the long nail hits the ground, the pressure puts force on the foot and leg structure,” explains the AKC.
What is the Millers Forge Large Dog Nail Clipper?
My go-to nail trimmer is Millers Forge Large Dog Nail Clipper. This is the only nail trimmer I use! They are a standard nail trimmer with an open clipping part—not a closed circle or guillotine style. This makes them easy to use and hold, plus they’re made of surgical stainless steel and are sharp, so they cut efficiently. For cats, I like the Miller Forge Pet Nail Clipper, they’re similar but smaller.
Millers Forge Nail Clipper
The Millers Forge Nail Clippers are efficient in clipping your dog's nails in minutes.
Pros
- Best for all life stages
- Spring-loaded for a clean cut
- Includes locking cap for safe storage
- Ergonomic plastic grip
Cons
- Can cut too much if not careful
- Grib can hurt hands for some
FAQ
When should you start trimming your pet’s nails?
Dogs inherently hate having their nails cut, so you have to keep up with it throughout their lives—the earlier you start trimming your pet’s nails, the easier it will be on both of you. Ideally, the owner will work with their dog or cat when they are little puppies or kittens to get them used to having their paws handled and nails cut.
It goes without saying that cats are alson’t too happy with hygienic practices. Here’s how to calm an anxious dog without medication.
Before attempting to trim your pet’s nails, ensure you have your clippers handy and are equipped with a helper and treats. We always recommend two people—one to hold the pet and feed them treats and the other to hold the paw out and trim the nails.
How do you trim your pet’s nails?
Technique is key. Even armed with the best nail trimmers, it all comes down to technique—something even some vet technicians struggle with. It is often the hardest thing to do at the vet clinic because most dogs hate it!
Here’s how to do it: Start by angling the nail trimmers back so that you are cutting more from the top of the nail and less from the underside of the nail. It is important to avoid the blood vessel and nerve—you can see the pink part in pets with white nails. If you cut too short, the pet will not like it and will be more fearful in the future, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and take off small amounts at a time.
If the nail bleeds, apply cornstarch or flour to the tip of the nail and monitor it to see that it stops. This is what you can give a dog for pain.
Is there an alternative method to nail trimming?
Some pets just won’t let you trim their nails; certain breeds—including Pugs and French Bulldogs—are especially repellent to the process. Try a nail grinder, a tool with a sandpaper grinder at the top. Once the pet is used to the sound it makes, they sometimes prefer the Dremel to clippers. I prefer the Dremel Dog & Cat Nail Grinder.
Use it like a nail trimmer, angling back at the top. The nail ends up with softer edges than a standard nail trimmer, but the downside is that it takes longer to do all the nails. If your pet’s nails are very long, you may need to trim them first, then smooth out the edges with the Dremel. Here are 50 secrets your vet won’t tell you.
What other reviewers/experts had to say
Shoppers say that these clippers work. “I love these, and it is the second pair that I bought,” Renee said. I have one at home, and I bought one for my Dad’s dog. The quality is good, and they cut easily and cleanly. If nail trimmers are not sturdy, they will pull on the toenail, making the dog upset. These were clipped, and it was done.”
Jason P wrote: “My vet uses these clippers and the only brand that he buys. We have six Great Danes and have no problem trimming their nails. We have tried several brand and these work the best on their thick nails.”
Final verdict
The Millers Forge Large Dog Nail Clipper makes a pet parent’s life easier while trimming their four-legged best friend’s nails. After considering its features and shopper reviewers, the clippers are among the best pairs to add to your grooming kit. We recommend these if you’re struggling to cut your dog’s nails since they offer a clean trim in just one cut. Plus, the affordable price makes the clippers even more appealing.
Why you should trust us
Leah Groth covers everything from cleaning hacks and consumer products to travel and pets for Reader’s Digest. Leah also contributes to a handful of other publications such as Forbes, InStyle, Footwear News, Glamour, Shape, Prevention, USA Today, Parade, Bustle, Health, Mindbodygreen, Business Insider, Reader’s Digest, MyDomaine, CBS News, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s World, Livestrong, Parents, Everyday Health and more.
We also consulted Seren Lanza, DVM at VCA Darien Animal Hospital in Connecticut on the best pair of dog nail clippers. “How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails Safely” via American Kennel Club aided our research.
Where to buy the Millers Forge Large Dog Nail Clipper
Millers Forge Nail Clipper
The Millers Forge Nail Clippers are efficient in clipping your dog's nails in minutes.
Ready to grab a pair of nail clippers for your pet? The Millers Forge Nail Clippers cost $11 to $17, depending on where you purchase them. You can find them at Chewy and Amazon.
Next, find outthe best dog toothbrushes (according to vets).
