Best Nail Grinder For Golden Retrievers

Dog Nail Trimmers To Consider In 2022

When it comes to choosing the right tool for your pet, Fadl said to consider your dogs size and comfort level. Dogs come in all different sizes, so make sure the trimmers are a good fit for your dogs nail size not too big or too small, Fadl said.

With our experts guidance in mind, all of the following scissor-type nail trimmers we compiled are highly rated and include safety stops to avoid accidentally cutting the quick , as well as ergonomic handles for comfort and a secure grip. We also included a nail grinder below, which experts say can be a less stressful option if youre new to nail trimming. In addition to the nail clippers we recommend, Akhmarova said that most scissor-type nail trimmers from large retailers like Chewy and usually work well.

How Do Dog Nail Grinders Work

Dog nail grinders, otherwise known as dremels, are essentially electric nail filers, which have a rounded head and run at a high speed to shave down the nail. The round head is made of rough material, very similar to sandpaper. A nail grinder is electric powered and uses friction to wear down a dogs nail bit by bit.

A lot of dogs arent big fans of nail grinders because of vibrations and noise. Most dogs prefer to have their nails trimmed down with clippers, but one of the biggest benefits of using a nail grinder is that it works much faster. Though your dog might not love it at first, they will usually get accustomed over time through positive reinforcement. In fact, after a while, your dog may not even realize that they are getting their nails trimmed nail grinders are that quiet!

Unlike nail clippers, an at-home grinder is equipped with a safety guard in place which gives you peace of mind when trimming down your dogs nails. This prevents you from grinding down too low and hitting a soft nerve in your dogs paws.

Be Careful With Undercoat Rakes

Undercoat rakes are a popular tool for golden retriever owners, which makes sense. The breed sheds more than average, and these brushes get rid of all of the dead fur after a single session.

Using an undercoat rake isnt inherently bad, but its not always necessary. These tools can damage your golden retrievers coat if you use them too frequently or for too long.

Instead, use a normal slicker brush, shears, and some infrequent clipping to keep your dog healthy, happy, and looking great.

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Best Grooming Tools For Golden Retrievers

Every Golden Retriever owner knows that theres a price to pay for the cuteness of this pooch: intense grooming. Behind the fluffy and huggable coat of a Golden Retriever is a dog owner that brushed, raked, dematted, and combed it with zeal. While this breed is high-maintenance, the best grooming tools for Golden Retrievers will make the process easier.

Golden Retrievers have a medium to long flowing coat. The likes of English Golden Retrievers have longer coats around the chest and legs. And since this pooch sheds a lot, this extra length will be a pain. To help you out, I listed these five important grooming tools that you should get:

This Is The Only Nail Trimmer I Use

My go-to nail trimmer is Millers Forge Large Dog Nail Clipper. They are a standard nail trimmer with an open clipping partnot a closed circle or guillotine style. This makes them easy to use and hold, plus theyre made of surgical stainless steel and are sharp, so they cut efficiently. For cats, I like the Miller Forge Pet Nail Clipper, theyre similar but smaller.

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Thunderpaws Dog Nail Clipper Review: Best For Medium To Large

These Thunderpaws dog nail clippers are sturdy and easy to use.

The blades are stainless steel and razor-sharp. So cutting through even thick nails is easy. No snagging or chopping, just one smooth action. Plus, they kept their edge, even after weeks of use.

Even though theyre pretty chunky, theyre comfortable in the hand. Their rubber grips give you the confidence to get a proper hold of them without slipping or moving.

The Thunderpaws have a built-in safety guard which limits how much of the nail you can cut. So you have no worries about cutting your dogs quick and hurting them or making them bleed.

Theres even a little file that slides out of the handle. Perfect for smoothing any sharp edges when youre done cutting.

When youre done with them, you can lock them closed and put them in the drawer.

Turn On The Tool And Start Trimming Your Dogs Nails

Hold a paw firmly with your non-dominant hand. Press gently on the toe to separate it and make the nail stand out. Switch the tool on the low setting is best for maintaining short nails, while the high setting works wonders on long nails. Hold the tool at a 45-degree angle, rest the paw pad on the guard and touch the nail to the sanding disc. The angle means youll follow the nails natural shape, while the guard keeps your dogs fur out of the way and protects your pet in case it wont stay still. Dont press the nail down too hard let the tool do the work for you.

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Kiizon Dog Grooming Clipper

The kiizon Dog Grooming Clipper is similar to the cyrico unit I reviewed above. The difference is that it comes with a bigger bundle. Aside from the clipper, you will also receive cutting shears, texturizing shears, grooming comb, cleaning brush, four comb guides, and a charger.

The clipper itself is adjustable in five different speeds from 5000 to 7000 RPM. It works both as a corded and a cordless clipper, so theres no stopping you from grooming your Golden Retriever.

Moreover, this has an LCD display that displays the speed, battery level, oil alert, and more. This has a low-noise operation as well, so your pooch will stay calm while grooming.

For every three-hour charge, you will get four hours of runtime on this clipper. It uses a 2,200 mAh Li-ion battery thats guaranteed to hold up power pretty long. In case you run out of power, you can use the long charging cord.

Overall, this clipper is great for thick coats like those of Golden Retrievers. Im very impressed with this one since its also portable and very easy to use. My only gripe is that using this as a corded clipper is challenging due to the stiffer cord.

Pros

Dog Nail Grinder Frequently Asked Questions

How does a nail grinder work?

A nail grinder is made up of a rotating piece that acts like a nail file. When powered on, this file rotates and is guided around the nail to smoothly trim off layers of the nail.

Is it better to grind or clip nails?

A nail grinder removes layer by layer of the nail using a sandpaper-like coating. This is different from nail clippers which cuts off the nail in chunks. Not only is using a nail grinder a safer method than nail clippers, but it also doesnt create splinters in the nail. This leads to a much smoother finish.

How does an at-home grinder compare to a professional groomer?

Taking your dog to the vet or groomer for a professional nail trim on a regular basis can quickly become expensive. Thats why nail grinders have become a popular choice for many dog owners. With your own nail grinder, youre able to get the same quality nail trim in the comfort of your own home , and without spending a lot of money.

Are nail grinders safe for dogs?

Nail grinders are completely safe for your dog while used properly. With a nail grinder, its easier to avoid getting too close to the nerves underneath the nail because you can see the layers coming off. When using a nail clipper, you just snip and hope that you arent cutting too deep. Thats why grinders, especially those with a built-in safety mechanism, are the preferred method to trim a dogs nails.

At what angle should you grind your dogs nail?

How often can you grind a dogs nails?

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The Best Dog Nail Grinders Of : 5 Options

Its okay to admit you hate trimming your dogs nails!

Nail trimming is one of the most frustrating aspects of pet care. First, you have to be extra-careful to avoid cutting the nails too short and accidentally hurting your dog. This is a very real possibility, as dogs have nerve endings and blood vessels within their nails. If you cut them too short, your dog might bleed and get hurt.

Also, most dogs want nothing to do with trimming. They squirm, struggle, and refuse to sit still. This is because, while cutting nails is a natural part of a regular hygiene cycle for humans, dogs arent used to getting their nails trimmed.

Nail grinders are safe and effective, but they can seem confusing to use. Fortunately, our complete guide will help you pick the perfect grinder and well teach you how to use it safely, too. Weve even gathered up our five favorite nail grinders for 2021.

In a hurry? Here are five grinders we think youll want to check out:

How To Choose Nail Clippers For Golden Retrievers

When shopping for the best nail clippers for Golden Retrievers, its important to consider the following aspects:

Select the right type

The first thing you should check is the type of nail clipper youre going to get for your dog. There are two types of nail clippers in the market nowadays: the guillotine type and the scissor style.

With the guillotine type, the clipper has a stationary ring where youre going to slide your dogs nails. When you press the handle, a blade will slide up to cut the nail. It has a learning curve for first-time users, but many professional groomers prefer using this than the scissor-style clipper.

On the other hand, the scissor-style clipper has two moving blades, just like a typical pair of scissors. Its a common option for first-time dog owners since the design is more familiar and easier to use.

Mind the size

Next, you should check the size of the nail clipper. Golden Retrievers are large dogs, so they have equally large claws. A small clipper will not do the job here, not to mention that it can potentially injure your pet in the process.

I always opt for large nail clippers for my Goldies. Its easier to use since the blade is bigger and can slice the nail quite easily.

However, the downside here is if you have small hands. Large dog nail clippers tend to have bulkier handles, which can be challenging to hold for those with short fingers. Nevertheless, its just a small issue I can live with.

Look for a nail guard

Check the handles

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Runner Up: Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder

Whether you have a Pomeranian or a Great Dane, this dog nail grinder will impress you with its performance. Designed to be efficient for nails of different thickness and size, Hertzko nail grinder has 3 size openings to control how much of the grinding head is in contact with the nail. For instance, for the largest dog breeds, youd completely remove the cover and use the whole grinder area for work. The diamond bit grinding stone is very efficient, but the sound of this grinder doesnt reveal it- its so quiet youll be wondering if its turned on. The USB charging mode makes it easy to always be prepared for a grooming session- no pesky batteries needed.

When To Trim Your Golden Retriever Nails

The answer to this question may vary depending on the dog. If you have a Golden Retriever who often runs on hard surfaces that can keep his nails short and wear them down, you should trim their nails when and as his nails grow long. It is definitely time for you to trim your dogs nails once you hear his nails clicking on the floor or ground.

On the other hand, if your pup spends most of his time on carpets and soft ground, chances are he needs more regular trims. It can be either once a week to intentionally shorten them or once every couple of weeks to retain their length.

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Hertzko Electric Nail Grinder

This grinder is built with safety in mind. A diamond bit grinder gives you precise control to shape, trim and smooth your dogs nails. Safeguards help prevent accidental injury.

Three size ports allow for safe operation on small, medium and large dogs. You can even remove the cover completely to trim extra-large nails.

But dont let the power fool you. The trimmer is also surprisingly quiet and gentle. It produces minimal noise and vibration. Choose this grinder if your dog is nervous around noise.

The grinder is easy to maintain. The guard over the grinding stone is removable. You can easily access the entire stone for cleaning.

Nail Grinders: The Basics

Nail grinders are pet grooming tools that allow you to file down your dog or cats nails as an alternative to clipping. Grinders are often also called dremels, named after the leading brand of grinder. In fact, according to vet :

well before the idea of a dedicated canine nail grinder became reality, people used rotary grinding tools such as the Dremel to trim canine claws.

Dremel is well-known for selling power tools, and nail grinders are pretty similar in design and function to the grinding tool you might use for home improvements, but they generally run at slower speeds for safer use.

Grinders are considered especially beneficial for dogs that have extra thick nails, nails that are difficult to cut with clippers, or dogs with dark nails which make it difficult to distinguish between the nail and the quick, and for owners that are nervous about hurting their pets by excessive cutting or an unsteady hand.

According to vet Dr Marty Becker:

One advantage of grinding over clipping is that it can be easier to avoid the quick with a nail grinder, since youre taking off just a tiny bit of the nail at a time. You can usually spot the quick before you hit it, unless your pet has dark or black nails.

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How Far Down Do I Cut The Nail

Trim the nail as short as you can without cutting into the quick, which is the vein that runs down the center of the nail. If your dog has white nails, it’s easy to see the quick. If your dog has black nails, it’s harder to know exactly how far to cut. Conservatively clip just the hooked part of the nail to be safe. You can also ask your veterinarian for a demonstration on your dog.

Why Trimming Your Pets Nails Is Crucial

Regularly trimming your pets 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 .

There are two parts to a dogs 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 dogs well-being and easy maintenance.

So what will happen if you fail to trim your pets nails regularly? Long nails can turn a healthy paw into a splayed foot, not only reducing your pets 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.

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Which Should You Choose

We use both in our salon.

At the end of the day, time is money so where we can, well clip a dogs nails because its quicker. Then well grind the sharp edges so theyre round and smooth.

That said, we do this every day so we know how and where to cut. We also change our clippers often so we know theyre always sharp.

For dogs that hate having their nails cut, well grind them. Yes, it takes longer but much less traumatizing for them.

Were not saying you should have both, but thats ideal.

If you only have the budget for one or the other

Choose Nail Clippers If:

• Youre confident you know what youre doing
• Your dogs nails arent overly thick or hard
• Your dog is OK with having his/her nails cut

Chose a Nail Grinder If:

• Youre not confident cutting their nails
• Your dog has really strong or thick nails
• They hate having their nails cut

Safari Professional Nail Trimmer For Dogs

• Stainless steel to stay sharp
• Guillotine for left or right hand use
• Comfort grip for easy operation
• Best suited for medium to large breeds
• For best results, cut dogs nails immediately after bathing
• To make the quick of the dogs nail visible, apply baby oil
• Features vinyl covered handles for a secure grip
• If pets nails are very long, cut off a small amount and wait a week before cutting again

The Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for dogs is a scissor-type nail trimmer and is a great choice if youre looking to trim your Golden Retrievers nails. The best part about this clipper is that the handle is made of rubber, which ensures a strong grip, making it a whole lot easier for you to cut your dogs nails. Even if youre a beginner, you dont need to worry at all since this nail clipper is extremely easy to use. The blade is made of stainless steel, which means that cutting your dogs nails will be smooth and efficient, and bad cuts will be kept to a minimum. You can get these clippers in two sizes medium and large.

The Resco Original Dog Nail Clipper is made of heavy-duty steel, which means that this is one pair of clippers that will last for a very long time. Apart from that, it has chrome plating that serves to give your dogs nails a shine effect. Whenever you feel that you need to replace the blades, you can do so easily.

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