The 15 Best Dog Nail Clippers of 2023

by Patricia Jackson

A dog nail clipper is a hand tool for trimming dog nails. This keeps your pet from scratching you or tearing upholstery and other soft materials in the house. The tool is available in different types and sizes that are ideal for small, medium, or large dogs.

We have done our research on these types and sizes, then compiled a list of the best dog nail clippers in the market. Read through the review below to find the most suitable clipper that works for your pet.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Dog Nail Clippers

7 Best Dog Nail Clippers: Review

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
Gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clipper

1. Gonicc Dog Nail Clipper (Best Overall)

  • Soft, ergonomic non-slip handles
  • Razor-sharp stainless-steel blade
  • Safety stop blade
Boshel Dog Nail Clipper

2. Boshel Dog Nail Clipper (Best Budget)

  • Economical
  • Thick 3.5mm stainless steel blades
  • Safe-storage switch
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder

3. Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder (Best Nail Grinder)

  • Powerful diamond drum bit grinder
  • Two-speed settings for thick & thin nails
  • Three grinding ports for all pet sizes
Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clipper

4. Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clipper (Best Guillotine)

  • Patented blade replacement technology
  • Recommended by professionals
  • Reliable brand
Dremel 7300-PT Dog Nail Clipper

5. Dremel 7300-PT (Best Multipurpose)

  • Removable drum bit
  • Two-speed settings
  • Multiple sanding bands
Fur Goodness Sake Dog Nail Clipper

6. Fur Goodness Sake Dog Nail Clippers (Best with a Sensor)

  • Adjustable quick-sensor with a locking tool
  • Heavy-duty surgical-grade stainless-steel blades
  • Easy-grip, extra-long handles
CleanHouse Dog Nail Clipper

7. CleanHouse Dog Nail Clipper (Best Comfortable)

  • Soft-touch grip with finger grooves
  • Built-in safety switch
  • Affordable

1. Best Overall: Gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clipper

Gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clipper
Gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clipper
  • Ideal For: Small & Large Dogs
  • Blades: Angled
  • Materials: Stainless Steel, Thermoplastic Elastomer & Polypropylene
  • Weight: 4.59 oz.

Gonicc's nail clipper is our best overall product because it is a professional grooming tool that is comfortable to hold, safe to use, and has a razor-sharp blade.

The unit is equipped with ergonomic non-slip handles that are soft to touch. These grippy sections stay fixed in your palm to prevent accidental nicks and cuts that may harm your pet. Additionally, they have a strong, lightweight, and comfortable thermoplastic-elastomer & polypropylene construction.

A curved high-quality stainless-steel blade is fitted at the front end of the plier clipper, and it has a razor-sharp edge that chops off dog nails with just one cut.

Safety is incorporated into the clipper's design in the form of a stop blade, which reduces the risk of cutting the nail too short. You also get unlock-protection to prevent your child from using the product.

The piece is versatile enough to be used on large & small dogs & cats, and it comes with a file to smoothen your pet's nails after cutting them. This file is stored onboard in one of the handles.

However, the unit lacks replaceable blades, but their stainless-steel construction is very durable and maintains sharpness for a long time.

Pros:

  • Soft, ergonomic non-slip handles
  • Razor-sharp stainless-steel blade
  • Safety stop blade
  • Unlock protection
  • Includes a file with onboard storage

Cons:

  • Lacks replaceable blades

2. Best Budget: Boshel Dog Nail Clipper

Boshel Dog Nail Clipper
Boshel Dog Nail Clipper
  • Ideal For: Medium & Large Dogs
  • Blades: Angled
  • Materials: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 4 oz.

This product is reasonably priced, yet it has impressive features. It is powerful and has a user-friendly design that is recommended by professionals for grooming medium & large dogs.

The clipper features high-quality stainless-steel blades that are 3.5mm thick. These will stay sharp for years and are powerful enough to chop off the nails with just one clean cut.

A set of ergonomic, non-slip, easy-grip handles give you an easy time by keeping your hands comfortable as you cut your pet's nails.

You also get a safe storage switch that locks the handles to prevent kids from accidentally cutting themselves, while a safety-stop quick sensor reduces the risk of overcutting. This prevents pet injury by cutting into the quick. A nail file is included to smoothen the nails.

On the downside, the unit is not ideal for small dogs, and the blades are not replaceable.

Pros:

  • Economical
  • Thick 3.5mm stainless steel blades
  • Ergonomic non-slip handles
  • Safe-storage switch
  • Safety-stop quick sensor

Cons:

  • Not ideal for small dogs
  • Non-replaceable blades

3. Best Nail Grinder: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder

Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
  • Ideal For: Small, Medium & Large Dogs
  • Blades: Round Drum
  • Materials: Diamond
  • Weight: 10.23 oz.

If you are in the market for a dog nail grinder, we highly recommend this piece from Casfuy. It has a fast and powerful diamond drum bit grinder that provides safe, precise & effective trimming.

The grinder is electric and it has two-speed settings: normal for thin nails, high for thick nails. It also has three grinding ports for working on small, medium, or large pets.

While in use, the unit runs silently because it is equipped with a superior motor that incorporates whisper-quiet technology. This component produces very low vibrations that keep your pet calm so that you can grind faster.

A rechargeable battery is fitted inside to run the motor, and it is rechargeable from empty to full in 3 hours. The outer casing has an indicator light that turns on (blue) when charging. Once charged, it can power the motor for up to 2 hours.

The unit has an ergonomic body that can be held by either the left or right hand. However, it is quite expensive, and the bit is not removable for replacement purposes or to convert to a versatile rotary tool.

On the bright side, the tool is recommended by veterinarians and pet grooming professionals because it is painless & precise.

Pros:

  • Powerful diamond drum bit grinder
  • Two-speed settings for thick and thin nails
  • Three grinding ports for all pet sizes
  • Whisper-quiet, low-vibration motor
  • Ergonomic, ambidextrous design

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Non-removable bit

4. Best Guillotine: Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clipper

Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clipper
Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clipper
  • Ideal For: Small & Medium Dogs
  • Blades: Angled
  • Materials: Steel
  • Weight: 2.4 oz.

Resco's deluxe dog nail clipper is a guillotine-type that features patented blade replacement technology. This mechanism makes it very easy to change the micro-honed cutting blade after it gets blunt, which is at a fraction of the cost of buying a new trimmer.

Coupled with its recommendation by vets, vet techs, and groomers worldwide, this simple maintenance process makes this one of the best professional dog nail clippers.

That said, Resco is also a reliable brand because it invented the guillotine-style of dog nail trimmer in 1937 and has been improving the product's design ever since.

This current model is built using steel for maximum durability and has comfortable non-slip handles. On the downside, it is not suitable for large dogs. If you have a large pet, be sure to check out this bigger model.

Pros:

  • Patented blade replacement technology
  • Recommended by professionals
  • Reliable brand
  • Durable steel construction
  • Comfortable non-slip handles

Cons:

  • Not suitable for large dogs

5. Best Multipurpose: Dremel 7300-PT Dog Nail Clipper

Dremel 7300-PT Dog Nail Clipper
Dremel 7300-PT Dog Nail Clipper
  • Ideal For: Small & Large Dogs
  • Blades: Round Sanding Drum
  • Materials: Sand Paper, Plastic
  • Weight: 9 oz.

This nail clipper consists of a Dremel rotary tool and removable 60-grit sanding drum attachments that are suitable for small and large dogs.

A spanner is included to undo the drum bit to attach other components for light-duty projects, making the unit ideal for multipurpose use.

That said, the unit has two-speed settings: 6,500 and 13,000 RPM. These speeds allow you to safely and carefully grind the nails. This works hand-in-hand with the included set of sanding drums and bands to give you full control at any speed.

A rechargeable 4.8V Nickel-Cadmium battery is built-in to run the rotary tool's motor, and a charger is included. This has an LED light to indicate if the battery is placed properly, after which it fills it up from zero in just 3 hours.

However, the tool is expensive but is worth the price. Also, it is relatively heavy, but this is due to the electrical components.

Pros:

  • Removable drum bits
  • Two-speed settings
  • Multiple sanding bands
  • Rechargeable battery with a charger

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Relatively heavy

6. Best with a Sensor: Fur Goodness Sake Dog Nail Clipper

Fur Goodness Sake Dog Nail Clipper
Fur Goodness Sake Dog Nail Clipper
  • Ideal For: Large Dogs
  • Blades: Angled
  • Materials: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 3.2 oz.

Fur Goodness Sake's nail clipper features an adjustable quick-sensor safety guard and a locking tool that lets you mark where you want to clip. This takes the worry out of cutting too much nail so that the process remains painless every time.

Aside from that, the clipper is equipped with heavy-duty surgical-grade stainless-steel blades that retain their sharpness for years and chop cleanly in one cut.

Easy-grip and extra-long handles make the unit easy to use because they give you a firm, non-slip hold as you cut the nails. You also get a nail file that is tucked into one of the handles for safe storage.

On the flip side, the tool is not ideal for small and medium dogs. However, it is one of the best large dog nail clippers because it is designed for large breeds.

Pros:

  • Adjustable quick-sensor with a locking tool
  • Heavy-duty surgical-grade stainless-steel blades
  • Easy-grip, extra-long handles
  • Includes a nail file

Cons:

  • Not ideal for small and medium dogs

7. Best Comfortable: CleanHouse Dog Nail Clipper

CleanHouse Dog Nail Clipper
CleanHouse Dog Nail Clipper
  • Ideal For: Medium & Large Dogs
  • Blades: Angled
  • Materials: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 3.21 oz.

Apart from having a soft-touch grip, this CleanHouse clipper has finger grooves on the handles, which give you a firm and comfortable hold so that you can trim your pet's nails accurately.

The unit is also safe and easy-to-use because it has a built-in safety switch that prevents you from cutting more than is required. This makes the process painless every time.

All the parts (including the blades) are made using stainless steel material. This creates a durable professional-grade tool that is backed by a lifetime warranty, making the purchase risk-free.

On the downside, the tool lacks a file and is not suitable for small dogs. However, it is very affordable, and therefore, you can buy this plus the small clipper for small pets.

Pros:

  • Soft-touch grip with finger grooves
  • Built-in safety switch
  • Durable stainless-steel construction
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • No file
  • Not ideal for small dogs
Other Recommended Dog Nail Clippers
Other Recommended Dog Nail Clippers

8. Shiny Pet Nail Clipper

Shiny Pet Nail Clipper
Shiny Pet Nail Clipper

If you have a puppy, Shiny's pet nail clipper is your best bet because it is designed for them. It measures 3.7 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches, which is very small. Despite this, the tool is easy to use because it has comfortable finger rests, and an anti-slip green handle.

Cutting is done using angled semi-circular stainless-steel blades that are very durable. You also get an instructional e-book and a risk-free money-back guarantee.

Key Features

  • Small size; ideal for puppies.
  • Comfortable finger rests.
  • Anti-slip green handle.
  • Durable stainless-steel blades.

9. Safari Professional Trimmer

Safari Professional Trimmer
Safari Professional Trimmer

Safari's professional trimmer is an affordable product that is ideal if you are a bit short on cash. You spend less, yet you get a versatile piece that is ideal for small and medium dogs at all life stages.

The unit is a pliers-type, and it has locking stainless-steel blades that maintain their sharp edge for a long time. A safety stop is built-in to prevent cutting in too deep, while rubber-coated handles give you a good grip.

Key Features

  • Affordable.
  • Ideal for small & medium dogs (all life stages).
  • Locking stainless-steel blades.
  • Safety stop.

10. Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder

Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder
Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder

This unit offers multiple grooming options because it comes with a 9-piece accessory set, which includes a pet nail grooming attachment, a 60-grit sanding band, and sanding disks, among many others.

A patented EZ-twist nose cap makes accessory changes easy when attaching the grinding pieces to the rotary tool. Variable speed settings give you precise control when dealing with different pet sizes and nail thicknesses. You also get a 45º nail guard for optimal nail trimming and dust collection.

Key Features

  • 9-piece accessory set.
  • Patented easy-change EZ-twist nose cap.
  • Variable speed settings.
  • 45º nail guard.

11. Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper

Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper
Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper

Epica's clipper is characterized by thick rubber-coated handles that give you a good grip, and they have finger grooves for comfortable use.

A gentle squeeze is all it takes to make a clean cut because of the heavy-duty spring-action and high-grade stainless-steel blades. The blade edges remain sharp for a long time.

Standard locking is built-in for safe storage, while a safety edge prevents over-cutting, which would harm your dog.

Key Features

  • Thick rubber-coated handles with finger grooves.
  • Heavy-duty spring-action.
  • High-grade stainless-steel blades.
  • Standard locking.

12. Peteast Dog Nail Grinder

Peteast Dog Nail Grinder
Peteast Dog Nail Grinder

With its LED lighting, Peteast's dog nail grinder is very safe to use. This component illuminates the nail for easy spotting of the bloodline to ensure you don't over grind and hurt your pet.

The unit is run by a powerful 2-speed motor (7,000 & 8,500 RPM) that allows you to work on soft or hard nails. Grinding is done via three ports to match small, medium, and large dogs.

TRP anti-slip rubber is fitted on both sides for non-slip holding, while a quiet-running design (less than 40 dB) keeps your pet calm.

Key Features

  • LED work area light.
  • Quiet 2-speed motor.
  • Three grinding ports.
  • Non-slip TRP rubber handles.

13. Mighty Paw Dog Nail Clipper

Mighty Paw Dog Nail Clipper
Mighty Paw Dog Nail Clipper

This tool is a complete, all-in-one nail clipper that includes a nail file for smoothening the rough edges after cutting. A safety guard is built-in to prevent overcutting while a locking switch ensures you store it safely and securely.

Razor-sharp stainless-steel blades give you clean, fast cuts so that you can finish the process quickly. On the other end, ergonomic non-slip handles give you a comfortable grip when making the cuts.

Key Features

  • Includes a nail file.
  • Safety guard.
  • Locking switch.
  • Razor-sharp stainless-steel blades.

14. GoPets Nail Clipper

GoPets Nail Clipper
GoPets Nail Clipper

GoPets' nail clipper is also a complete piece that has onboard storage for its nail file accessory. For cutting, the tool uses thick (3.5mm), high-quality stainless-steel blades that are easy to clean and stay sharp for years.

A pair of coated handles make the clipper ergonomic for comfortable non-slip holding. You also get a locking switch for safe and convenient storage.

Key Features

  • Nail file with onboard storage.
  • Thick 3.5mm blades.
  • Comfortable non-slip handles.
  • Locking switch.

15. Zen Clipper Pet Nail Clipper

Zen Clipper Pet Nail Clipper
Zen Clipper Pet Nail Clipper

Zen Clipper's dog nail clipper features a unique conical blade with a 5mm hole that cuts only the nail tip. This makes it worry-free because it is impossible to injure your dog. That said, the tool is available in multiple sizes to suit different dog sizes.

It has a scissor design that is compatible with both left and right-handed users and is fitted with cushioned non-slip handles for comfortable use.

Key Features

  • Worry-free conical blade.
  • Available in different sizes.
  • Ambidextrous design.
  • Cushioned non-slip handles.

How to Buy the Best Dog Nail Clippers

How To Buy The Best Dog Nail Clippers
How To Buy The Best Dog Nail Clippers

1. Types of Dog Nail Clippers

Scissor

As the name suggests, this type looks like a pair of scissors because it has loops in its handles for your fingers. It is usually small & inexpensive and is primarily designed for trimming the nails of small dogs.

Guillotine

This functions just like a guillotine, in which pressing the handles pushes one blade forward to slice off the nail's tip. Most guillotine clippers are designed for small and medium dogs.

Grinder

Grinders are not actually clippers because they don't cut the nails. Instead, they file the outer edges until the nail shortens to the right length. This gives you more control over the process, which makes it safer for your pup. The only problem is that they are expensive.

Pliers

These resemble the scissor-type but lack loops in their handles for your fingers. As such, they are more like pliers, and hence the name. They are the most common type of nail clippers because of their ease of use.

The tools are usually ideal for large dog breeds, and they come with files for smoothing the edges. However, they can get blunt relatively quickly and need replacement or frequent sharpening.

2. Sizes

The size of the nail trimmer determines the dog size it is compatible with. Large pieces are ideal for large dogs, and the vice-versa is true. You should check the tool's compatibility before buying it so that you get one that works.

3. Blade Quality

Apart from having a high-quality metal construction (usually stainless steel), we recommend thick blades because they are stronger and maintain their sharp edge for longer. With that in mind, you should consider Boshel's dog nail clipper, which has a 3.5mm thick blade.

4. Comfortable Handle

To handle the clipper or grinder properly without harming your pet, you need to hold it comfortably. This means having ergonomic non-slip handles. Also, check the hand orientation because some might not be ambidextrous.

5. Safety Features

Safety features are meant to ensure that you don't injure your dog by overcutting. These include safety guards that act as a gauge to limit how far you can cut and LED lights for grinders to illuminate the quick.

Other than that, you should consider locking switches, which are common in the pliers-type. These lock the blades together for safe storage after use.

Q&A

1. Why Do You Need to Cut Your Dog's Nails?

There are several reasons. For starters, long dog nails look unattractive. Also, they can damage your floors and other surfaces in the house.

Most importantly though, they can injure your pet. Long nails touch the ground, which exerts pressure on the nail bed. This causes pain to the dog's toe joint, and this can realign the foreleg's joints in the long run.

2. How to Properly Cut Your Dog's Nails?

  • Clean the dog's nails.
  • Apply baby oil to make the quick more visible. If your pet has white nails, this part should be pink, just like on your fingernails.
  • Make clean shallow cuts while avoiding the quick.
  • File the edges to smoothen them.
  • If the nails are too long, make shallow cuts, then repeat the process weekly. This will make the quick push back over time until you get to the required length.

3. How Often Should You Clip Your Dog's Nails?

Every three to four weeks. Don't let them overgrow because you'll have to cut them weekly to shorten them over time.

4. How to Sharpen Dog Nail Clippers?

First of all, you need a sharpening tool (sharpening stone, ceramic rod, diamond-tapered rod, or grinding stone), then follow these steps:

  • Dismantle the clipper to expose the sharp edge of the blade.
  • Clean the blade using a liquid cleaner to get rid of dead skin, nails, and dust.
  • Hold the blade at a 35º - 45º angle to avoid dulling it. Slide it over the sharpening tool several times in one direction. Alternatively, you can slide the sharpening tool over the blade.
  • Once sharp, wipe or clean the blade, then assemble the clipper. Apply some lubrication oil on the joints to make it cut smoothly.

With grinders, no sharpening is required. Simply replace the bit when worn out.

Buy on Etsy

Dudi Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer - with Quick Safety Guard to Avoid Over-Cutting - Walmart Link

gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers - with Safety Guard to Avoid Over - Walmart Link

Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer By Boshel - with Safety Guards to Avoid Over-cutting Nails - Walmart Link

Allstar Innovations PetiCare LED Light Pet Nail Clipper- Great for Trimming Cats & Dogs - Walmart Link

GHG Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional LED Lighting 3-Speed Rechargeable Pet Nail - Walmart Link

Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional 2-Speed Electric Rechargeable Pet Nail - Walmart Link

HAWATOUR Dog Nail Clippers, Professional Pet Nail Clipper & Trimmers with Safety Guard to - Walmart Link

this piece from Casfuy - Walmart Link

Resco's deluxe dog nail clipper - Walmart Link

Fur Goodness Sake's nail clipper - Walmart Link

Shiny's pet nail clipper - Walmart Link

Peteast's dog nail grinder - Walmart Link

Zen Clipper's dog nail clipper - Walmart Link

Boshel's dog nail clipper - Walmart Link

the Casfuy dog nail grinder - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Dudi Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer - with Quick Safety Guard to Avoid Over-Cutting - eBay Link

gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers - with Safety Guard to Avoid Over - eBay Link

Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer By Boshel - with Safety Guards to Avoid Over-cutting Nails - eBay Link

Allstar Innovations PetiCare LED Light Pet Nail Clipper- Great for Trimming Cats & Dogs - eBay Link

GHG Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional LED Lighting 3-Speed Rechargeable Pet Nail - eBay Link

Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional 2-Speed Electric Rechargeable Pet Nail - eBay Link

HAWATOUR Dog Nail Clippers, Professional Pet Nail Clipper & Trimmers with Safety Guard to - eBay Link

this piece from Casfuy - eBay Link

Resco's deluxe dog nail clipper - eBay Link

Fur Goodness Sake's nail clipper - eBay Link

Shiny's pet nail clipper - eBay Link

Peteast's dog nail grinder - eBay Link

Zen Clipper's dog nail clipper - eBay Link

Boshel's dog nail clipper - eBay Link

the Casfuy dog nail grinder - eBay Link

Conclusion

In summary, Gonicc's nail clipper is the best of the best dog nail clipper because it is a comfortable, professional tool. The unit features ergonomic, non-slip handles. It also has a razor-sharp stainless-steel blade for clean cutting, a safety-stop blade, and unlock protection.

You should consider the Casfuy dog nail grinder, though, if you want a grinder because it has a powerful diamond drum bit. This is rotated using a 2-speed motor, and it has three grinding ports to handle all nail types from different dog sizes.

However, Resco's deluxe dog nail clipper gives you the best guillotine design. It has a removable micro-honed blade for easy maintenance and long-lasting use.

About Patricia Jackson

Patricia just simply loves pets.
When she was eight years old, her parents got her a beautiful Maine Coon as a gift; and later an affectionate Husky.
Since then, she has raised them as her children; done minor first aid, taken in strays, administered antibiotics, bottle fed them when sick, and even midwifing.
Pat received her bachelor's degree in computer science at Univercity of Califronia Davis. She really hopes to transofrm her programming skills into something that really helpful for all pets someday. For now, lets just do that through writing.

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