It's no secret that dogs need their nails trimmed on a regular basis. Overgrown nails can be uncomfortable for your dog and can even lead to health problems. While some people prefer to take their dogs to the groomer or veterinarian to have their nails trimmed, others opt to do it themselves at home. If you fall into the latter category, then you'll need to invest in a good quality dog nail grinder.
Why Use a Grinder Instead of Scissors?
For many people, the thought of using scissors to trim their dog's nails is simply too daunting. And for good reason - if you're not careful, you can easily cut the quick (the blood vessel in the nail), which will not only hurt your dog but also make them bleed. While it's possible to avoid the quick when using scissors, it takes a lot of practice and most people are simply more comfortable using a grinder. The same goes for traditional dog clippers - it is easy to cut down too far and get into the nail's quick.
Choose The Right Grinder
There are many different types and sizes of nail grinders on the market. You'll want to choose one that is specifically designed for dogs, as they will have stronger motors designed to grind through tough nail material quickly and efficiently. You'll also want to make sure that the grinder you choose is the right size for your dog's nails. Smaller dogs will need a smaller grinder head, while larger dogs will need a larger one.
How to Get Started
First things first - before you start grinding your dog's nails, you'll need to get them used to the sound and sensation of the grinder. Turn it on and let them sniff and investigate it before putting it anywhere near their nails. Once they seem relatively relaxed, start by grinding just one nail (preferably a back one to begin with).
Start by grinding only a small amount off of each nail at first. Go slowly and be careful not to overdo it, as you can easily cause pain or bleeding if you grind too far down. As you get more comfortable with the process, you can take off more material each time until you reach the desired length. Be sure to praise your dog throughout the process and give them lots of treats!
Keep the sessions short at first - a few seconds per nail is plenty - and make sure you give your dog lots of praise and treats afterward so they associate the experience with something positive.
As your dog gets more used to having its nails ground, you can increase the length of time you're grinding for as well as tackle the front nails (which tend to be thinner and therefore more difficult to work with). Always go slowly and carefully, paying close attention to your dog's body language in case they start to get anxious or uncomfortable. If that happens, take a break and try again later.
We recently did a review of five excellent dog nail grinders. This article will be helpful if you are not sure which brand or type of grinder to purchase.
With a little patience and practice, anyone can learn how to use a dog nail grinder - and it's definitely worth doing if you want to avoid overgrown nails or injuring your dog while trying to trim them with scissors. Just take things slowly at first, get your dog accustomed to the sound and sensation of the grinder, and soon enough you'll both be pros!
