If you're looking to save money and give your pup a professional looking paw-dicure at home, having one of the best dog nail files in your dog grooming kit is an absolute must. Not only are these little beauties super inexpensive, they help to provide the finishing touch to any nail grooming session, helping to smooth out any rough edges.
Alternatively, using a nail file can be a great alternative to the best dog nail clippers or best dog nail grinder. Granted, using a nail file is going to make the process of getting your pup's nails to an appropriate length a lot slower than it would be if you were using clippers or a grinder, you have the benefit of not having to worry about over-cutting and accidentally injuring your fur friend.
Nail files can also be great for skittish dogs who may find getting their nails done with clippers or a grinder too frightening and it also allows you to get a more professional looking result as it reduces the possibility of peeling or splitting your dog's nails. They're also a wonderful choice for toy breeds who have tiny nails that can be difficult to trim.
Dog nail files are small, typically 6.5 inches long, so they are easy to store and can be taken with you when you are travelling. If you choose a good quality file it won't wear down, no matter how much you use it, meaning many are guaranteed to last you a lifetime.
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.
Whether you decide to use a nail file in conjunction with clippers or a grinder, or you prefer to take the slower approach and stick to filing only, we've rounded up the best dog nail files on the market in a number of different styles to meet the needs of every pooch.
PetsRadar's pick of best dog nail files
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A great addition to any pet owner's dog grooming kit, the Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File works a treat in filing down sharp edges and lightly shaping a dog's toe nails.
It's not only perfect for nervous dogs but their timid owners too. 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.
Great for thick, tough nails, it's an ideal tool even when you're pooch is visiting a groomer, smoothing out the rough edges effortlessly in-between appointments.
Pet owners report it's long-lasting and durable, so if you're looking for a reliable tool for the job you can't go wrong with this great all-rounder.
If your pet prefers a lighter touch or you're looking for a finer tool, however, this may be too coarse for some.
If you're looking for a hard-wearing product that feels thick and sturdy in hand, then Ryan's Pet Supplies Paw Brothers Diamond Edge Nail File could be the tool for you. It features a comfortable non-slip grip handle featuring adorable pawprints that pet owners love for being easy to use. The product features two sides, coarse and fine, to make it easy to grind the nails then finish.
Then simply pop it under running water, scrub the brush to remove visible debris, disinfect and rinse time after time without causing damage to the nail file.
Only drawback here is that it's slightly more expensive than the leading Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File.
If your pooch pet 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.
The file is easy to hold, has two grits and leaves a very smooth finish which prevents cracked and split nails.
However, as with other glass nail files, there is a risk of shattering and breaking so it's not for pet owners who are prone to dropping things!
This duo pack containing high-quality nail clippers and a diamond nail file will make the task of grooming your dog's feet an absolute breeze.
The nail clippers themselves are well made and razor sharp, making them a particularly good choice for cutting the heavy and thick toenails of older or larger dogs.
With an ergonomically designed, non-slip handle that's strong and comfortable in the hand, these clippers are ideal for arthritis sufferers and the slightly angled body allows you to see what you're doing and results in a a professional cut.
The nail file is made from stainless steel with diamond flakes, so not only is it strong and durable, but it does an outstanding job of smoothing out the rough pieces of nail that may remain after cutting.
Both the clippers and file come in a gift box for easy storage.
While not technically a nail file, this nail grinder from Casfuy allows you to both gently trim your dogs nails while filing them at the same time, offering you a great deal of convenience and flexibility, all in the one device.
Using an advanced diamond drum bit grinder to deliver a safe, effective and precise trim, it features an adjustable low-high speed design and three ports to match the nail size of small, medium or large breeds.
Ideal for skittish pets, the nail grinder is low in both noise and vibration, registering at under 50db. USB rechargeable and portable, a three hour charge will give you two hours of run time.
Lightweight and ergonomically designed, it's comfortable to hold in the hand for long periods of time and the strong and durable materials means it offers outstanding longevity and value for money.
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.
