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Best Dog Nail Clippers for 2022

It is important to trim your dog’s claws so they can walk without discomfort, but it can be quite a challenge.

From dogs who don’t really like the idea of what you are about to do, to hearing horror stories about people accidentally going too far and snipping the quick, it can be hard to muster up the courage.

DON’T FORGET: Also have some styptic powder to hand so you can stop any bleeding

But having the correct tools to hand is a big help from the get-go, so we have reviewed some of the clippers that even the professionals would be pleased to use. Here are our best dog nail clippers. 

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    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    Wahl E-Z Nail Clipper
    • Multi type
    • Gives professional results
    Check Price
    Oster Premium Nail Trimmer
    • Strong grip
    • Solid blade
    Check Price
    Andis Cord/Cordless Nail Grinder
    • Faster speed for trickier jobs
    • Simple button control
    Check Price

    The Top Dog Claw Clippers Reviewed

    1.
    Wahl E-Z Nail Clipper

    This 2-in-1 clipper also features a handy grinder hidden away in the handle so you can finish off their nails after trimming.

    Because it is in the handle, it keeps clean and doesn’t affect the use of the trimmer. It is small, so perfect just to finish off rough edges. The cushioned non-slip grip is ideal for anybody who is a bit nervous about being able to safely hold the clippers while ensuring their dog is safe too.

    Features

    • Multi type
    • Gives professional results

    Specifications

    • Type: Forge
    • Power: 1 x AAA Battery

    2.
    Oster Premium Nail Trimmer

    This trimmer has a safety guard, which is a must for anyone who hasn’t done claws before. It will stop you getting too close to the quick, which is especially handy for black nails.

    The soft ergonomic grip handle will give precision, and the blade shape is visible so you can position it just right. A spring-loaded mechanism makes it simple to pinch and cut quickly and effectively, so your dog won’t become stressed.

    Features

    • Strong grip
    • Solid blade

    Specifications

    • Type: Forge
    • Power: Manual

    3.
    Andis Cord/Cordless Nail Grinder

    This is a rechargeable, two-speed professional-grade grinder which makes light work of any pet claws.

    It would be good for any nervous pets who don’t like the clipping action on their claws or any nervous owners who want to take things slow and gentle. One charge can last for three hours, which is more than enough time for a couple of trims.

    You can also use it as a corded grinder just in case you need a couple of extra minutes. The two speeds make it easy to grind thicker, larger claws too which is good for larger breeds.

    Features

    • Faster speed for trickier jobs
    • Simple button control

    Specifications

    • Type: Grinder
    • Power: Rechargeable Battery

    4.
    Mikki Nail Clipper

    Available in small, medium or large depending on the size of your dog’s claws, these clippers are heavy duty and easy to use thanks to the spring-loaded mechanism.

    They have a safety stop feature that prevents you from cutting off too much nail, and the precision cutting blades allow you to cut in one smooth action.

    For your benefit, the clippers have cushioned handles, and the blades are heat-treated to make them more long-lasting and durable.

    Features

    • High quality blades
    • Good handles

    Specifications

    • Type: Forge
    • Power: Manual

    5.
    Wahl Guillotine Claw Clipper

    A guillotine clipper which can make things a bit easier and spring-loaded cutting action for precise cutting make this a very easy clipper to use.

    They are made entirely from durable stainless steel, making the cutting action smooth and strong and keeping them free from rust. The hole for their claw is a nice size for small or medium dogs, and the lightweight smaller size means you have a comfortable hold too.

    Our only niggles are that it isn’t great for larger dogs, and there are no rubber grips on the handle, but other than that it is one of the best guillotine clippers available.

    Features

    • Precise claw placement
    • Fully metall

    Specifications

    • Type: Guillotine
    • Power: Manual

    6.
    Groomers Nail Clippers

    Featuring a smooth action cut for ease, especially handy for new home groomers, this trimmer is perfect for smaller dogs and also cats for any multi-pet homes.

    They have been designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the rubber grip handles maximise control. A safety stop reduces the likelihood of you cutting the quick, and they have a locking system which will prevent them from being left open and causing a safety hazard when not in use.

    Features

    • Really secure handles
    • Smooth cutting action

    Specifications

    • Type: Forge
    • Power: Manual

    7.
    Thunderpaws Professional-Grade Dog Nail Clippers

    Professional and strong, these quality clippers are one of the most popular around and are from a trusted brand.

    They are for small to medium dogs and used by vets and groomers. The stainless steel blade ensures a quick cut in just one action, and the comfortable grip means you will cut where you need to.

    There is a handy protective guard to protect from cutting too far and nabbing the quick, and it is a really great price for something so reliable.

    Features

    • Locking system
    • High quality metal

    Specifications

    • Type: Forge
    • Power: Manual

    8.
    SAFARI Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer

    Available in Small/Medium or in large to best suit your pup, these clippers have a soft comfortable handle and a guard to prevent overcutting.

    The stainless steel material is rustproof, strong and should last for years, giving you good value for money. The strength is vital too, to ensure you get the right cut the first time.

    It is a good trimmer if you want to take things slowly and only cut off a bit at a time, too.

    Features

    • Different sizes available
    • Able to cut in one stroke

    Specifications

    • Type: Forge
    • Power: Manual

    9.
    Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper

    As the name suggests, these are forge clippers and one of the best selling pairs in history.

    The comfortable red plastic handles and heat-treated steel mean you have a really great pair of clippers which are easy to use and quick to do their job. A built-in guard can be moved into position to prevent overcutting, and a lock will hold them closed in storage.

    They can be used for various sized dogs except for the largest breeds, and the spring-loaded mechanism gives you a positive, secure cut.

    Features

    • Slim handles for easier hold

    Specifications

    • Type: Forge
    • Power: Manual

    10.
    Resco 747 Jumbo Clippers

    A heavy-duty trimmer for large dogs over 35lbs with thick nails, the chrome construction and replaceable blades mean you have a pair of cutters which are not only reliable but also always perform at their best.

    They offer a smooth cut, and thanks to the non-plastic design, they are really strong. As the cutting hole is large, they should even suit curved or longer nails. Despite having a replaceable blade, they will still last for a long time, so don’t rush to buy replacements (but know that they can be bought for a great price).

    Features

    • Replaceable blades
    • Good on thick nails

    Specifications

    • Type: Guillotine
    • Power: Manual

    Buying Guide

    Types Of Dog Nail Clipper

    Guillotine

    The most popular and easiest to use. They have a small hole, which you put your dogs claw through, before squeezing the handles (like with a pruner you’d use in the garden). The blade cuts your dog’s nails.

    GOOD FOR: Ease, Quickness

    BAD FOR: Dogs with large thick claws

    Forge

    These look like a pair of pliers or scissors. When opened, a small gap appears to insert the dog’s nail. The downside to the forge trimmers is the scissor-like handles as they will be difficult to use is you have arthritis or similar.

    GOOD FOR: Thicker nails, Longer lasting than guillotine clippers

    BAD FOR: Anyone who struggles to squeeze as the handles are further apart

    Powered Nail Grinders

    These are like human battery-powered nail files. They are good for finishing off nails and making the edges less rough, or for in-between cuts. Your dog will need to be patient, however.

    GOOD FOR: Smoothing cut edges, Finishing off trims

    BAD FOR: Impatient dogs, Anyone who doesn’t have an eye for detail

    Clippers vs Grinders

    A question you may be asking yourself if you’re wondering what is best for your dog.

    The truth is, clippers can take off more of the claw in a quicker time. So, they are good for first-time cutters or if your dog’s claws get quite long.

    On the other hand, grinders can finish off any rough edges left behind. They can also do the trimming, but it will likely take a while to get the claws to where they need to be. However, this is a good thing for anyone who isn’t 100% confident as you can go slower and do a bit at a time.

    Claw Guard

    It is best to look for a pair of clippers with a guard which will stop you from cutting too far and nabbing the quick, which is a blood vessel which runs through the centre of their nail.

    There is no guarantee you still won’t get it, especially if you’re cutting too soon before it is needed, but it should largely protect against overcutting. It is literally just a solid metal barrier at one side of the claw hole.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    What are the best brands for dog nail clippers?

    All of the brands we have featured above can be trusted and are well known and reliable.

    Picks such as Wahl, Oster, Millers, Thunderpaws, Safari, and Andis are great.

    What are the best dog claw clippers for black nails?

    Black nails can be hard to cut as you can’t see the quick running through the claw, and it is, therefore, easier to cut too far.

    There is no definitive answer, but you should look for a set which has a guard so you don’t cut too far up the nail.