Keep your puppy’s paws in perfect condition with the best dog nail files. These inexpensive finishing tools are an essential part of any dog grooming kit as they provide the finishing touches after a nail grooming session, leaving your dog with perfectly smooth and stylish looking nails.
Dog nail files are typically used as a finishing tool after you’ve used the best dog nail clippers, or best dog nail grinder, to do the heavy lifting, but you can use nail files exclusively if you’re worried about accidentally injuring your canine friend with these more intensive methods.
If your pooch is a little skittish and gets scared by clippers and nail grinders, then filling them down is a great alternative that will keep them safe and calm at the same time. They’re also a perfect choice for smaller, toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians which have tiny nails that would be difficult to trim with conventional tools.
Whether you’re using them in conjunction with clippers and grinders, or on their own, here are our top picks for the best dog nail files you can buy today. And if you’re new to home dog grooming, there are also some tips on how to use a dog nail file below our recommendations.
The best dog nail files
Best overall dog nail file
This is the perfect addition to any dog grooming kit, this file is great for filing down sharp edges and lightly shaping a dog’s nails. If you've been putting off trimming your dog's nails because of fear, this handy dog nail file does the job effectively and efficiently thanks to its long length and rounded tip.
Reasons to buy: A super affordable option that is durable and reliable.
Reasons not to buy: It may be too coarse if your pet prefers a lighter touch.
Best for durability
This product is thick, and sturdy and features a comfortable non-slip grip handle featuring adorable pawprints that pet owners love for being easy to use. The product also boasts two sides, coarse and fine, to make it easy to grind the nails and then finish.
Reasons to buy: Dual-sided while still being easy to handle.
Reasons not to buy: It can be more expensive than other options on the market.
Best for a smooth finish
If your pet pooch has issues with jagged edges, peeling, and splitting, then this handy and super stylish tool is ideal for smoothing. Its large, double-sided design makes it ideal for larger dogs who love a good stress-free pedicure.
Reasons to buy: The file is easy to hold, and has two grits leaving a very fine finish.
Reasons not to buy: As it is a glass file, there is a risk of it shattering if dropped.
Best steel file set
Vets and grooming professionals alike recommend this grinder. It has two RPM options to suit both small and large fur friends. It is also low noise and minimal vibration so it won’t scare your pooch. Three port options are included to manage any size nail.
Reasons to buy: Three different-sized options to be able to cut any size nail.
Reasons not to buy: It does not come with a power adapter, you'll need to charge it in a phone adaptor or power bank.
Best grooming toy
This toy is guaranteed to add more fun to your pup’s grooming routine. It is made to file your pooch’s nails while as functioning as a chew toy. You can also put a treat inside to keep your pet entertained.
Reasons to buy: A fun option for pups who don't like having their nails trimmed.
Reasons not to buy: This filer and toy combo is more pricey than other files in this list.
How to manually file dog nails with a nail file
Once you've added a metal, paper or glass nail file to your grooming kit, getting your dog used to having their paws touched by paw handling is a great way to calm anxiety before you introduce the tool.
Hold your dog’s paw firmly and check the paws thoroughly for debris, ticks, and signs of injury. Then gently use your fingers to spread your dog’s toes from each other so you can hold each nail effectively.
Before you start, consider trimming back hair with scissors first so it doesn't get tangled while you file. Begin by rubbing the tip of the nail with the file, making passes in the same direction so you file the nail bit by bit, keeping an eye on your dog's behavior.
A good idea to calm anxiety in nervous pups is to provide dog treats for doing such a good job, keeping the session short, and offering a comfortable place for your dog to relax while filing is occurring.
Make sure that you file carefully so the affected area does not become overheated from friction. You should aim to file your dog’s nails until the nails are even with your dog’s paw pads when your dog is standing on the ground.
Regularly filing your dog’s nails will ensure it doesn't always take a long time.
Is it better to cut or grind/file dog nails?
Unsure on whether you should cut, grind, or file your dog's nails? We’d love to say there is a right answer, but it really comes down to your dog and how comfortable they are with each process.
Clipping nails is undoubtedly faster, but some dogs hate having their nails clipped. As our expert vet Dr Hannah Godfrey puts it, “the sound of the clippers as they cut through the nail can often be quite a loud crack or click, which some dogs find more distressing than the sensation of having their nails clipped.” There is also a much greater chance of bleeding when clipping nails, which can be an uncomfortable experience for both pet and owner.
In these cases Dr Godfrey says that “if they’re quite comfortable having their paws held, grinding or filing them gradually at home may be a stress-free option”.
So why do vets always seem to favor clipping over grinding or filing? As Dr Godfrey explains, it’s just about being efficient with their time. “In veterinary practice, it’s very rare for us to consider grinding or filing nails, as this is incredibly time consuming. The time taken isn’t just a factor in terms of running behind in the clinic, a lot of dogs can become bored, frustrated, or wound up, so for many dogs it’s not an easier option than giving them a quick clip.”
Even if you do choose to clip your dog’s nails, they can still benefit from a dog nail file to help smooth out the finish after the clipper has done most of the heavy lifting.
How often to file?
As for how often you should file your dog's nails, this will really depend on their lifestyle. Most professionals recommend checking nails once a week, but if your dog gets a lot of exercise outside on tarmac and concrete you may find that the hard surfaces wear their nails down much quicker than indoor pups, which may mean less filing is required.
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