Most dogs aren't fans of having their paws manhandled, but when their nails are overgrown, you'll want the best dog nail clippers to solve the problem. A quality pair of nail clippers let you safely trim their toes, preventing breakage and ensuring they are able to walk without pain from overgrown nails.
We've collected a variety of clippers perfect for any pooch and worthy of a spot in any of the best dog grooming kits. They include both plier-style and guillotine-style clippers that will suit beginners and experienced groomers although you may also want to consider the best nail grinders for pets if you find your dog is running for cover the minute you try and groom them.
Before you try to wrestle your dog down, it's worth learning how to clip a dog's nails – this way you can ensure you're confident, and don't spook your pup with this task. This is especially important with nervous dogs, elderly pooches, and canines that primarily exercise on soft ground or stay indoors.
We've also spoken to Dr. Hannah Godfrey to help you make an informed choice when choosing nail clippers.
After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011, Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCVS went on to work in a busy practice dealing with animals of all shapes and sizes. She’s since found a love of smaller animals and now works in a small companion animal practice in Wales, where she combines her love of animals with her love of writing.
Dr. Godfrey has a few tips when considering dog nail clippers that are worth considering.
" If you decide to clip your dog’s nails at home – which isn’t a bad idea if you feel capable because it means less frequent visits to the vet or groomer – it’s important to choose the right clipper style for your dog. Consider your dog’s temperament – are they patient and tolerant, skittish, or restless and always on the move? If they’re likely to try to bolt and make nail clipping into a bit of a struggle, it’s probably not a good idea to choose nail grinders or files, as these can take a long time. On the other hand, if your dog loves nothing better than a cuddle on the couch with you, you might find plenty of time to work away on their nails with a dog nail file. Another consideration is their sensitivity to noise. Neither nail grinders nor clippers are silent, sadly, but your dog may be more reactive to the louder ‘crack’ associated with nail clippers. "
PetsRadar's pick of the best dog nail clippers
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With a user rating of 4.5 out of five on Amazon, these trimmers are praised for making clean cuts. Users like how sharp they are and they say they’re a perfect size for puppies. They are also deemed easy to use and, because they have a safety guard, users say they are far less likely to cause an accident. One user says the location of the logo made it hard to see where the cuts were being made.
If you’re looking for the Rolls Royce of nail clippers, then look no further than this offering from Boshel, who have managed to wrap up substance and affordability in one funky, vibrant blue package.
Recommended by professional groomers, animal trainers and veterinarians, this high-quality nail clipper has an ergonomic design with easy-grip, non-slip handles that make it a breeze for you to use.
The 3.5mm thick stainless steel blades mean it only takes one cut to trim each nail clean, and if you and your dog are prone to sweating bullets every groom time for fear of injury, then you’re going to love the integrated safety stop, which makes it almost impossible to cut too deep.
We like that there’s a safe storage switch, which means that when you’re not using the clipper, you can lock the blade away, a great feature if you have young children at home. You also get a bonus nail file, which stores conveniently in the handle, so you always know where it is. A great addition if you’re wanting to give your dog that full salon experience and shape their nails after you’ve trimmed them.
With over 50,000 reviews on Amazon, and close to 90% of those being four-stars or above, this is the gold standard in nail clippers. Granted, its large size means it’s not a great choice for small dogs, but for medium or large breeds it gets our vote every time.
An impressive 91% of users give these trimmers four or more stars on Amazon, giving an overall rating of 4.6 out of five with over 19,000 reviews. Praised for being sharp, users say they perform the task safely. “They are less painful than the single shear blade on another type of cutter I’ve used,” said one. Capable of cutting differing nail thicknesses, some users nevertheless say the sharpness can deteriorate.
Are those trips to the vets to get your dog's nails clipped starting to take their toll on your bank balance? Look no further than this nail clipper from Safari, which replicate the experience without the hefty financial outlay.
These come in two sizes, so whatever the size of your breed, you should be covered. Sharp and offering a clean cut, these are very durable, and should remain a fixture in your household for many years to come
Moreover, they're very lightweight, with the rubberized grip offering control and comfort. Adding to this, there is a locking mechanism and safety stop, which reduce the risk of injury.
The only real downside to this that we can see is that it sometimes struggles with thicker nails – you'll need to apply a significant amount of pressure to cut them in one go, which some dogs may not appreciate. Even so, this offers great value for money.
Users have given these clippers an impressive rating of 4.6 out of five on Amazon. As well as being great for cutting dogs, there are many users reporting success with cats and rabbits too. Since they’re aimed at small animals, most dog owners are buying them for puppies, it seems, saying they’re easy to use and can cut without cracking.
If you’ve got a pint-sized pooch, then you’ll want to try these nail clippers that have been specifically designed for use on small dogs and cats. Designed like a pair of scissors, the rubber grip gives these clippers a comfortable feel in your hands and stops them from slipping.
The semi-circular shape of the stainless steel blades gives you a clean and precise cut, and the windowed opening means that your dog's nail is visible at all times, great for reducing the risk of injury.
If you’re new to clipping your dog’s nails, you’ll love that you get a free e-book that provides you with a comprehensive guide on how to cut and trim safely. Simply scan the QR code on the back of the packet with your smartphone and the e-book is all yours. Talk about great peace of mind.
If you’re after even more of that, then the lifetime money-back guarantee is pretty impressive. If for any reason you’re not happy with the quality of the clippers you can ship them back and get a refund, no questions asked.
The only drawback to this affordable nail clipper is that it’s not spring-loaded, so you may find you’re having to exert more effort when you’re using them, and reviewers also note that they can be a bit stiff to open and close on first use. Still, there’s a lot to love with this offering from Shiny, and given you’ve got nothing to lose, why not give these clippers a try?
These clippers have been hailed a success, with users giving them an Amazon rating of 4.5 out of five. They are praised for being super sharp and study and their ease of use is also notable. One groomer-in-training was very impressed and users generally say their pets enjoy a painless cut.
With 91% of the 15,000+ reviews on Amazon being positive, it’s clear to see that pet parents can’t get enough of this nail clipper by Epica. The blades have been correctly spaced for use on medium and large dogs to ensure safe clipping, and the sharp stainless steel blades make for an effortless clip.
These durable clippers won’t bend or rust, so you’ll get years of use out of them, and the ergonomic design means the handles are shaped to fit your fingers, providing maximum comfort. You don’t have to hold them super tight to maintain control either; just grasp lightly and apply a normal amount of pressure and your dog’s nails will be looking beautifully manicured before you know it.
The safety feature enables the clippers to be stored away with the blades in a locked position, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally cutting yourself when you’re rummaging through your drawer. There’s also a nail guard, which is optional to use during the nail trimming process to protect from accidental cutting, although some reviewers have noted that this doesn’t always stay put.
Overall, the Epica Professional Pet Nail Clippers have a thoughtful design that takes into account the unique needs of larger breeds, which is why it easily takes the top spot in this category.
With a rating of 4.5 out of five on Amazon, these nail clippers are praised for cutting nails quickly. They are also very well made, owners say, with one suggesting they will last for a lifetime. Some say they are not great for large dogs but others are very happy with their purchase, with one even going so far as to say they took the fear out of trimming.
If you hate using plier-style nail clippers, then switching to a guillotine-style might be just the ticket. Made from high-quality steel and featuring a lifetime guarantee, these heavy-duty clippers with premium chrome plating are the only ones you’ll ever need.
We love that this trimmer features patented blade replacement technology, which means you can replace the blades when they start to go blunt. The blades are sharp too, so they’ll effortlessly cut through all nails, including super thick ones. With a micro-honed cutting system, you won’t have to worry about split or ragged nails either.
The advantage of using a guillotine-style nail clipper is that it creates a cleaner cut with less force than other types of clippers require. There is a drawback though as there’s no quick-guard safety feature, so you need to take care not to clip too far down the nail.
That aside, the Resco brand comes highly recommended by veterinarians and groomers so, if you feel comfortable working without a safety stop, then these clippers are a solid investment.
These clippers have been given a rating of 4.3 out of five and owners say they work wonders, especially on dogs who have hated having their nails clipped in the past. That seems to be a running theme across many of the online reviews on Amazon, although owners also praise the safety feature.
The Zen Clipper is an adjustable dog nail trimmer that can be reconfigured to suit the nails of any breed of pup. The unique fully adjustable blade limits the amount of nail being clipped and reduces the risk of over cutting the nails and hurting your pet’s sensitive quick.
To use, simply determine how much nail you want to cut and then use the convenient thumb wheel to adjust the blade. The widest setting is 11m and the narrow setting is 2mm, so you'll easily be able to find the perfect size for your pooch.
The extra sharp blade will cut through even the thickest nails and the laser etched markings ensure consistent measuring. We also love the ergonomic design, which is comfortable to hold and great for arthritis sufferers. The result is a no-stress nail clipping experience for both you and your canine companion.
With a rating of 4.6 out of five on Amazon, users generally believe you can’t go far wrong with these clippers. Said to be perfect for dogs of all sizes, they’re praised for making cutting easy although users have said they may struggle with thick nails so bear that in mind. Otherwise they appear to be a solid purchase.
Looking for more than just a single pair of nail clippers to take care of your dog's grooming needs? Well, this super affordable set from Bretheil is a worthy contender for a place in your shopping cart.
You'll get not one but three different pairs of clippers, perfect for tackling all nail types, plus a handy nail file to put the finishing touches on your pup's pedicure.
The nail clippers are plier-style and come with a safety stop to prevent over-cutting. Made from thick stainless steel blades, they cut quickly and cleanly, making fast work of even the thickest nails.
With a soft rubber coating and ergonomically designed handles, the clippers are easy to grip and comfortable to hold for long periods of time. While you could use these on smaller breeds at a push, they're best suited to medium and large sized dogs.
We love that these clippers and file come in a handy storage case, so they're perfect for use at home or can slip neatly into your bag for those trips away.
How to choose the best dog nail clippers
While your dog may not be a fan, keeping their nails trimmed is crucial to their health and happiness. Overgrown nails can effect their ability to walk and broken nails can be painful and lead to more problems down the line.
While city dogs, or active dogs are likely to wear down their nails by walking and playing on hard surfaces, elderly animals, or primarily indoor dogs may need a little extra help to keep their nails tidy.
When it comes to choosing a pair of nail clippers for your dog, there are a few things worth considering.
What size clippers do I need?
The most important part of choosing the correct size of clippers is finding a pair that matches your dog. Small dogs will have thinner nails overall, but they may be more difficult to clip on small paws. Alternatively, if you have a larger breed, you'll want an option that can easily handle thicker or longer nails without stressing your dog out.
Dr. Godfrey says "If you decide on nail clippers, because these are relatively quick to use compared to filing, you’ll want to choose the right size. Too small, and you’ll struggle to cut through the entire nail in one go, but too big, and you won’t have much control and could damage the surrounding skin, pad, or nail bed."
What type of clippers should I choose?
Choosing the type of clippers is primarily a personal choice. You'll want an option that is comfortable in your hand, and that you are confident using.
Scissor-style clippers, also known as pliers, are popular and easy to use. Squeeze the handles together, and the blade will cut off the end of the nail. These often feature a safety stop so you don’t cut too far down and the nail also remains visible, which offers great peace of mind if you’re an inexperienced groomer. Scissors are a good choice for larger breeds and dogs with thick nails.
Guillotine-style clippers are a good choice for small and medium-sized dogs as little nails can fit easily into the hole where the tip of the nail is gently sliced off. With no safety stop feature, it can be easy to take off too much of the nail and injure your dog so these are best used by experienced home groomers.
Will my clippers last?
Much like any purchase, you'll need to consider the longevity of your clippers. While you can get inexpensive options, the blades often dull faster meaning you'll need to replace them. There are higher-quality options, but these are often a bit on the pricier side.
This is why you want to consider your budget, and whether you want a purchase that will last the test of time.
Is it better to clip or grind dog's nails?
Clippers are typically quieter, but are far more likely to accidentally remove too much of the nail or reach down too far into its blood supply which can cause bleeding – if this happens you must discover how to stop a dog's nail from bleeding. Clippers are also typically less expensive than a grinder, but they can leave behind sharper edges.
By contrast, a dog nail grinder quickly grinds down the nail. Accidents can still happen, but you are less likely to expose the 'quick' or blood vessel area of the nail. Grinders are also ideal for creating a smooth round edge but you may need to desensitize your dog to the sound. You could opt to use clippers first and then smooth it out with a dog-friendly nail file.
Can you use human nail clippers on dogs?
In a word, No. Human nail clippers are the wrong size, and shape for clipping a dog's nails. If you attempt to use human nail clippers, you are likely to scare, or injure your pooch which isn't something anyone wants to do.
Is there anything else to consider?
Different dogs will react differently to having their nails clipped. Ideally, you want your dog to stay calm and comfortable when clipping their nails. If you have a rescue dog, this can be easier said than done depending on their history. Using positive reinforcement like biscuits after a quick clip can help to train them into allowing you to trim their nails without it being a huge production.
If you’re unsure which clipper, file, or grinder to purchase, you can always ask your vet or groomer for advice on particular brands. Just ensure that you double check that the clippers you're going to pick up are meant for dogs, since you'll want an option built with them in mind.
