Are you the only one who cringes when you use nail clippers on your dog's nails?
They make it seem so simple; they make clippers look like they can cut through dog nails as if it were butter. What happens when I try it? It feels like I am trying to cut concrete with dental floss.
A few years ago, I decided to make a switch. I stopped using nail clippers and switched to a Dremel. Does it make trimming your dog's nails more enjoyable? No, it isn't a miracle worker. It does make it more bearable.
This is why I switched and why I prefer to use a nail dremel instead of nail clippers.
Is it difficult to clip your dog's nails?
Are you having trouble trimming your dog's nails? You're not the only one who finds it difficult to trim your dog's nails. The majority of dogs and people dislike it.
How did I make the process of clipping my dog's nails easier? I changed from using nail clippers to the dremel. The nail dremel is not for everyone but it's great for people who have trouble trimming their dog's nails using traditional guillotine-style nail clippers.
Why I prefer a nail Dremel over a nail clipper
Laika has thick, large nails. Even with brand-new clippers, they are difficult to cut. Since most of Laika's nails are black, I can't tell where the quick is (the middle part that is filled with blood vessels), and I'm afraid to cut them too short.
Control is the reason I prefer a dremel to nail clippers. When I use nail clippers, I don't feel in total control. They become dull and make what should be an easy trim into something that is nerve-wracking.
Have you ever cut into your dog's quick? It's a memory you'll never forget (along with your dog). This is not a problem with a dremel. With a Dremel, I can control how much trim I do at once and don't need to worry about accidentally trimming her nails too short.
It's never fun to trim nails. It's not the highlight of my day, but using a dremel makes trimming my dog's nail so much easier. It makes me feel confident in what I am doing and my dog feels less anxious when I am less nervous. This makes the experience of nail trimming much more pleasant for me and my dog.
What is a Nail Dremel exactly?
The nail dremel works by grinding down your dog's claws. These are a great alternative to guillotine-style clippers for dogs that hate being clipped. However, the noise can be a bit annoying.
The dremel I use comes with rechargeable batteries, 4 replacement drums and is cordless. It is lightweight (1.4 pounds), making it easy to use and control for long periods. There are two speeds: high and slow. For Laika (70 lbs), I use the setting for high speed.
It still works as it did when I bought it.
How to use a nail drill
You can use a nail grinder by pressing/tapping the grinder onto your dog's claws. The grinders can get very hot if you use them for long periods of time. It is recommended that only a few seconds are spent on the dog's nails.
The ability to cut my dog's nail much shorter with a dremel than I can with clippers is one of my favorites. You can easily monitor your progress by removing only small pieces of the nail at a given time.
This video from Laurie Luck shows how to use the dremel for your dog's nail:
How to introduce your dog to a nail drill
When you introduce your dog to a dremel, be sure to use treats and take your time. It will take some time for your dog to get used to the noise, so make it a positive experience.
It will take some time for your dog's to become accustomed to the dremel. Take it slowly. Allow your dog to become accustomed to the noise before you begin trimming.
If your dog is sensitive to sounds (or new situations), I recommend turning the machine on several times without trimming their nails. Although it's annoying, rewarding your dog for being in the presence of a new and scary object is a great way to ensure that you don't ruin their relationship with it immediately.
Laika would get treats for being near me while I used the dremel. We worked our way to one nail at a given time.
If you are clumsy, be extra careful when using the dremel around your dog’s fur. I've gotten it stuck on the carpet several times and I can't imagine what it would look like if it got stuck in their fur.
Beware of Heat When Using Dremel
Heat is the one thing you should avoid when using a Dremel to remove your dog's nail.
Nail dremel's get hot after prolonged use. After using your dremel for a while, don't use it for longer than a few seconds at a stretch. Take a short break between each quick brush or tap.
It takes a little longer for the dremel that I use to heat up. (The Dremel 8300 is a low-powered dremel compared to other models on the market.) However, it is powerful enough to work on my 70-pound German Shepherd mix. After a few minutes, the high setting does get hot.
You should get into the habit of switching off your dremel between nails. This will delay the speed at which it heats up and help avoid tangles. (I have gotten my stuck in carpets a few time because I forgot to switch it off before laying it down.
What are the pros and cons of using a nail Dremel vs clippers?
I have used my dremel for many years and love it, but I must admit that it is not perfect. It takes a while to finish my dog's nails with a dremel, and it is not the most enjoyable activity. It does provide a level comfort and stability that I can rely on. This is why I prefer to use a nail dremel instead of nail clippers.
I'm always paranoid that I might accidentally split or crush my dog’s nails when I use clippers. The dremel allows me to know exactly how much material I will be removing.
Are you considering switching from nail clippers and a dremel to nail dremels? The pros and cons of using a nail dremel are listed below:
The Pros and Cons of Using Nail Dremel
- You'll have more control (you won't need to worry about cutting your quick).
- They don't dull out (comes with replacement bands).
- It is strong enough to be used on my German Shepherd mix.
- Doesn't make your dog's nails sharp. (With clippers, I would have to use a file afterward)
- It is easier to get short nails with incremental trimming
Cons of using a nail drill
- Charger and/or cord required
- Costlier (mine was $29, compared to $9 for clippers).
- When first starting out, give your dog lots of treats to calm them down.
- You can take longer if your clippers are good.
- Gets hot after prolonged use
What are the benefits of using a nail Dremel over clippers?
Are you considering using a dremel to trim your dog's nail? The following are the advantages of using a dremel instead of clippers for your dog's nails:
- Clippers are useful for trimming thick nails.
- Trimming nails that are black where you cannot see the quick
- Clippers can be a bit scary for those of us who have a fear of them
When it comes to trimming the nails of my dog, I choose a dremel instead of clippers.
The dremel is much easier to use than clippers, as I do not have to worry about them being too short. They also don't cause me any anxiety like clippers. These three reasons are enough to make me prefer a dremel to clippers. I will never go back.
How can you make trimming your dog's nails easier?
Have you ever used a dremel to trim your dog's nail? Do you prefer to use a nail dremel instead of nail clippers when trimming your dog's nails? Have you got any tips or tricks for trimming your dog's nail?