8 best dog nail grinders and clippers for pets in need of a pedicure

Guillotine-style clippers are often the tools of choice for pet owners who find regular nail clippers fiddly for reasons such as arthritis. But there are few pet owners who won’t appreciate these clippers, which are incredibly easy to use – once the nail is in position, an ultra-sharp blade simply slices it off.

Although the handles didn’t have any additional patches of grip, the soft plastic and long, thin arms were easy to hold onto, and we loved the ease with which we could simply slice through the nail in a nano-second. Our test dog hates having her nails trimmed but these lightweight but powerful clippers made the whole process significantly less painful (for both of us).

Even the best nail clippers can look truly terrifying. But not these ones. With their soft, tactile handles, finger rest and ergonomic design, these reduce the risk of accidental nicks. The blades (which have been heat treated for extra durability) were stiff to operate at first, but soon loosened up to provide the perfect level of mobility.

That’s easier said than done mind – blades which move too freely are a recipe for disaster, but ones which are too stiff can be just as hard to use. The ultra-sharp cutting area was the perfect size, allowing us to trim the tiniest of our test dog’s claws while keeping well clear of the quick.

This hi-tech gadget – which came with two spare heads and charges using the USB cable provided – is packed with paw-friendly features and is regarded as one of the best nail grinders for dogs. Standout features include lights next to the grinding stone (not that we’re advising doing your pup’s pedicure in the dark, to be clear) and a safety guard which pops off for easy cleaning.

Gaps in the guard meant we could tailor our approach depending on the size of the claw being tended to, and the ergonomic design allowed for an ultra-secure grip. The noise level is similar to the buzz produced by an electric toothbrush, and it didn’t faze our test dog, allowing us to focus on the task in hand. The result? Perfectly-trimmed talons and lower stress levels all round.

As much as we love our four-legged friends, we struggle to justify spending huge sums of cash on items such as nail clippers – especially when you can get a pair of Rosewood’s fantastic nail-trimming tools for under £5.

The handles of these clippers (available in small or large) were the star of the show – they weren’t only covered with ultra-soft plastic but had raised areas for extra grip, too. We appreciated the addition of a grip latch (positioned so that we could quickly flip it across while still gripping the handles) to lock the stainless steel blades firmly in place, as well as the extra-deep cutting area, which meant a more precise cut without the risk of damage to the quick.

This battery-powered nail grinder is brilliant value, and the slim design made it easy to grip. We loved the fact that the “on” switch needed a certain amount of pressure – all too often controls on grinders are too easy to knock, and accidentally turning a grinder on (or off) when you don’t intend to is one of the easiest ways to injure your four-legged friend. The grinder comes with two sanding drums and five spare sanding bands, as well as an instructions leaflet packed with genuinely useful tips.

We’re huge fans of Mikki here. Everything they make has been incredibly well designed – whether it’s the innovative drawstring-style dog beds or the brilliant dog harnesses. One of the things we love most about their clippers is that the ones designed for bigger dogs aren’t simply bigger – they’re designed to meet all the challenges which come with mani-pedis for larger pets.

In this case, standout features include extra-long grip strips on the handles, with raised bumps with allowed for unbeatable grip and extra purchase on our pet’s particularly tough nails. The clippers have both a spring-loaded safety lock and a safety stop to prevent over-cutting – a godsend given that this is all too easy with larger dogs.

One great way to know whether a dog nail clipper is up to the job before splashing the cash? Knowing that the clipper in question has been tried and tested by professionals. This no-nonsense nail-trimming tool might look slightly basic, but it’s been put to the test by professionals at the Groom Room, which runs Pets at Home’s in-store grooming centres.

The slender handles have two areas of grip – a narrower one near the base of the arms and a wider one with more pronounced ridges near to the business end of the clippers. We found the latter area of grip extremely useful when it came to applying the extra force needed to tackle tougher nails, and the innovative safety guard did a great job of preventing over-cutting.

The main difference between this grinder and Wahl’s battery grinder (£12.99, Wahl.co.uk) is that this one is mains-powered. The smoother profile of this one made it more comfortable in the hand, and it’s definitely got a bit more oomph, too. The arm connecting the head to the unit is also a little longer, so despite the need for mains power connection, there’s still plenty of manoeuvrability, making it ideal for larger dogs. It’s brilliant value for money, too – you’ll get two types of grinding stone along with a felt polisher and a brilliant care guide.