Best dog nail files 2024 for puppy pedicures

Dog getting their nails filed with one of the best dog nail files
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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.  

Ashleigh Gibbs
Digital Editor

Ashleigh is Digital Editor on PetsRadar. With over 8 years of experience in print and digital media, she has acted as an editorial lead on a variety of projects, with animal themes a keen interest. As an avid animal lover, you can often find Ashleigh checking out the newest trends in animal care or looking at cute cat videos on TikTok.