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.
PetsRadar's pick of best dog nail files
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.
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.
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.
