An important part of your dog’s grooming routine is keeping her nails short, but not all dogs tolerate nail clippers and some owners are concerned about doing it wrong or nicking the quick and causing pain. Dog nail grinders are an excellent alternative to nail clippers. They gradually grind the nail down, a bit like an electric nail file, which many dogs tolerate better than having their nails clipped and many humans find it easier to control.
We reviewed dozens of dog nail grinders to identify the best of the best, considering effectiveness, speed settings, durability, power options, and reviews from those that use them regularly.
The Dremel 7300-PT Cordless Dog Nail Grinding Tool stood out as the clear best overall. It comes from a well-respected tool manufacturer and grinds its way through thick, dark dog nails, as well as working effectively on smaller dogs’ nails.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Dog Nail Grinders
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Dog Nail Grinder Overall | Dremel 7300-PT Cordless Dog Nail Grinding Tool | 4.5 |
Best Rechargeable Dog Nail Grinder | Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder | 4.1 |
Best Budget Dog Nail Grinder | Pet Republique Dog Nail Grinder | 4.1 |
Best Nail Grinder for Large Dogs | Pecute Large Dog Nail Grinder | 4.1 |
Best Quiet Dog Nail Grinder | INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder | 4.2 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Dog Nail Grinder Overall: Dremel 7300-PT Cordless Dog Nail Grinding Tool
If you want the best dog nail grinder available, you don’t need to look further than the Dremel 7300-PT Cordless Dog Nail Grinding Tool. This is a hugely popular option, with buyers praising its ease of use and ability to grind down the thickest of nails. This grinding tool has two speeds: 6,500 RPM and 13,000 RPM. The slower speed is best for smaller dogs and when you want closer control, whereas the higher speed gets through tough nails more quickly. You’ll receive four spare grinding bands so you can change them out when they wear down.
The internal Nickel-Cadmium battery is rechargeable using the included charger. It takes just 3 hours to fully charge the battery and it lasts more than long enough for a few nail grinding sessions. This nail grinder is extremely reliable and easy to use, and at $35, it doesn’t cost much more than nail grinders from unknown brands (and, in fact, costs less than some).
Dremel 7300-PT Cordless Dog Nail Grinding Tool Key Features:
- Comes with 60-grit sanding bits, but you can buy different grits for varying results
- Get peace of mind from the two-year warranty
- Safe and effective, even on thick nails
Best Rechargeable Dog Nail Grinder: Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder
With the Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder, you don’t need to worry about restrictive cords or buying replacement batteries. This model has a powerful built-in battery that’s rechargeable using a standard micro USB cable. This model files down nails using a diamond bit grinder (made out of metal, not diamond), which needs replacing less than sandpaper-like grinding bands.
The cover helps you grind pets’ nails more safely and easily. There are two port sizes for small and medium dogs, plus you can remove the cover to accommodate larger dogs. Thanks to the low-noise and low-vibration design, this nail grinder is less likely to scare dogs than louder models. Retailing for $26, it provides excellent value for money, too.
Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Micro USB cable included for quick and easy charging
- Simple to use
- Can remove grinding bit for cleaning
Best Budget Dog Nail Grinder: Pet Republique Dog Nail Grinder
Buyers on a budget should definitely consider the Pet Republique Dog Nail Grinder. For less than $17, you’ll receive a two-speed nail grinder, a charging cable, and a set of nail clippers. If your dog’s nails are quite long, the clippers are useful for removing the excess length, then you can finish by grinding to get more control over those final few millimetres and for a smoother finish. It’s important to note that the grinder lacks the raw power of some more expensive models and is unlikely to work well on large, thick nails. However, on smaller dogs’ nails, it gets the job done.
The cover has three port sizes to accommodate most dogs’ nails. It’s easy to use though it can take a little while to get the desired results. If you have the budget for a more expensive dog nail grinder, we’d urge you to spend a bit more to get a more effective model. However, if you don’t have much to spend, this is a decent enough choice.
Pet Republique Dog Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Two-speed settings for greater control
- Motor is relatively quiet
- 15% of profits got to animal rescue charities
Best Nail Grinder for Large Dogs: Pecute Large Dog Nail Grinder
The Pecute Large Dog Nail Grinder is specifically designed to meet the needs of medium and large dogs. The diamond bit grinder is strong enough to tackle tough nails, plus the upgraded 5V motor provides an impressive amount of power to grind down thick and large nails. It has two motor speeds, the quicker one for filing down nails quickly and the slower one for accuracy once you start to approach the quick. It produces less than 50 decibels of noise, which is relatively quiet.
This grinder comes with two grinding heads and safety covers with four-port sizes to tackle varying sizes of nails. It takes just two hours to charge fully, after which you can use it for up to 14 hours before you need to recharge. What’s more, it costs just $30, which is reasonable considering the quality.
Pecute Large Dog Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Reasonably low noise and vibration
- Runs 14 hours on a full charge
- Includes a micro USB charging cable
Best Quiet Dog Nail Grinder: INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder
If you’re concerned that your dog won’t like the noise produced by a dog nail grinder, try the INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder, one of the quietest models on the market. The motor is no louder than 40 decibels, which is about the equivalent of a refrigerator humming. This nail grinder is also designed to produce low amounts of vibration, so it’s unlikely to startle your dog. With three port sizes, it’s suitable for small, medium, and large dogs and has enough power behind it to work on all but the thickest of nails.
With two speeds, you can tailor it depending on the thickness of your dog’s nails and the level of control you wish to have. We love that it’s conveniently USB rechargeable, too, and comes with its own charging cable. Costing just under $30, it has an average price for a dog nail grinder.
INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Uses diamond bit grinders
- Easy to clean the grinding parts
- Gives an impressively smooth finish
Who Should Buy a Dog Nail Grinder
If your dog doesn’t like having her nails trimmed in a conventional way, then you should buy a dog nail grinder. As long as you get them used to the process gradually, many dogs are fair more tolerant of having their nails ground than they are of having their nails clipped.
Even if your dog doesn’t mind regular nail clippers, you may find it easier or more convenient to use a nail grinder. You’ll get a smooth finish, as opposed to the sharp edges left when you clip your dog’s nails, plus it’s less likely that you’ll hit the quick. Those who like to do their own dog grooming at home might also be interested in our top dog grooming tables.
Important Features to Consider
A dog nail grinder should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a nail grinder for your dog:
- Power source. Due to advances in battery technology, the majority of dog nail grinders on the market today have built-in rechargeable batteries. However, you may still find some older models that are corded or use standard AA or AAA batteries. Rechargeable dog nail grinders are highly convenient and since they’re cordless, you aren’t restricted as to where you can use them.
- Noise level. Some dog nail grinders can be noisy, which may be distressing to nervous dogs. You can find low noise nail grinders that emit 50 decibels or fewer. Some even stay under the 40-decibel level.
- Grinding bit. The grinding bit is the rotating part that grinds your dogs’ nails. Diamond bit grinders aren’t really made from diamonds, but they are metal and long-lasting. Other grinders use rings of a sandpaper-like substance over a solid grinding bit. These sandpaper rings don’t last very long, but they’re cheap and easy to replace.
- Charge time and run time. Assuming you buy a rechargeable dog nail grinder, we’d recommend looking at both the charge time and the run time. A decent nail grinder won’t take more than 4 or 5 hours to fully charge and will run for at least 2 hours before running out of juice.
- Variable speeds. The better dog nail grinders on the market have at least two speeds. The higher speed makes quicker work of large, thick nails or nails that have become overgrown. The slower speed is better for smaller dogs’ nails or for times when you need more control, such as when you only need to trim a little off the nail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog nail grinder and how does it work?
A dog nail grinder is a bit like a rotary tool for dogs’ nails. It has a “bit” that rotates quickly. As you gently press the bit against your dog’s nails, it files them down to reduce their length.
Are dog nail grinders better than dog nail clippers?
Dog nail grinders aren’t necessarily better than nail clippers, they just do the same job in a different way. Some dog parents whose canine companions have particularly thick nails find they have more luck with nail grinders than nail clippers. It’s also much easier to cut nails too short with nail clippers than with nail grinders. What’s more, some dogs detest having their nails clipped but will put up with nail grinding. Essentially, it’s up to you to choose the best option for you and your four-legged friend.
How do you use a dog nail grinder safely?
It’s important that you don’t press your dog’s paw pad against the grinding bit or get her paw hair wound around it, so you should use the safety cap where possible to avoid this. If your dog’s nails are too large for the biggest port or your chosen model doesn’t have a safety cap, simply be vigilant while grinding your dog’s nails. You should also make sure to grind your dog’s nails at a 45-degree angle, following the natural shape of the nail, as this will help ensure you avoid the quick. Once you get close to the quick, you should switch to the lower speed (where applicable) to give you better control.
How often should I grind my dog’s nails?
This depends on your dog’s activity levels and how quickly her nails tend to grow, but generally no more than every one to two months.
Other Dog Nail Grinders We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other dog nail grinders. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best dog nail grinders list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your canine companion. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Rechargeable Dog Nail Grinders
- Quiet Dog Nail Grinders
- Two-Speed Dog Nail Grinders
- Dog Nail Grinder Kits
Rechargeable Dog Nail Grinders
With three port options, this is an excellent nail grinder for dogs of all sizes, though it may falter on the very thickest nails.
Key Features:
- Powerful motor
- Low noise
- Charging cable included
Cost: $29
The effective diamond grinding bit is extremely long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace it any time soon. The grinder charges quickly using a micro USB cable.
Key Features:
- Two grinding speeds
- Two ports plus removable safety cap for larger nails
- Low noise
Cost: $29
This rechargeable nail grinder is designed for small and medium dogs, so owners of large dogs should look elsewhere.
Key Features:
- Quick 1 hour change time
- Two speeds
- Relatively quiet
Cost: $21
A decent option for dogs of all sizes with a spare grinding bit included, so you have one ready to go once the first wears out.
Key Features:
- Comes with charging cable
- Multiple grinding ports
- Low vibration
Cost: $37
This simple yet effective dog nail grinder comes complete with a charging cable and safety cap. It isn’t the most impressive on the market, but it’s a decent option.
Key Features:
- Three grinding ports
- Two speeds
- Five hour run time
Quiet Dog Nail Grinders
Not only is this nail grinder impressively quiet, emitting fewer than 40 decibels, it also has an excellent run time of 20 hours.
Key Features:
- Three port sizes
- Diamond bit grinder
- Low vibration
Cost: $32
A quiet dog nail grinder with step-less speed control. It features a rechargeable battery and comes with a charging cable included.
Key Features:
- Safety cap with two ports
- Two-speed settings
- Less than 40 decibels
Cost: $23
Easy to control with two-speed settings, this nail grinder is an excellent choice. It isn’t the very quietest on offer, but it only produces roughly 50 decibels.
Key Features:
- Two color choices
- Charges quickly
- Low vibrations
Cost: $30 to $35
Wahl Professional Ultimate Dog Nail Grinder
This nail grinder is quiet yet powerful. The corded design might put some people off, but it does its job well.
Key Features:
- 5-foot power cord
- Plenty of spare bands included
- Variable speed settings
Cost: $59
A super low noise dog nail grinder that operates at less than 35 decibels, making it among the quietest available.
Key Features:
- Two grinding speeds
- Rechargeable battery
- Three grinding ports
Two-Speed Dog Nail Grinders
Bell+Howell PAWPERFECT Rechargeable Pet Nail Grinder
While it has some mixed reviews, this is a generally decent nail grinder with two speed options: 7,000 RPM and 14,000 RPM.
Key Features:
- Protective cap for safety
- Comes with spare grinding bands
- Rechargeable
Cost: $25
This quick-charging dog nail grinder has a slower speed of 7,000 RPM and a higher speed of 8,000 RPM.
Key Features:
- Low vibration and noise level under 50 decibels
- Three grinding ports
- Charging cable included
Cost: $40
With the faster speed only reaching 8,500 RPM and the slower speed 7,000 RPM, we would like a slightly faster setting, pet it works well for small and medium dogs.
Key Features:
- 10 hour run time
- Charges fully in 2.5 hours
- LED light helps you see the quick clearly
Cost: $36
The two speed settings help you get the best finish, as the higher speed files away at nails quickly while the lower speed gives you better control.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable battery
- Spare grinding bit
- Low vibrations
Cost: $29
Two speeds help you grind nails effectively, while the low noise and low vibration design won’t freak your dog out.
Key Features:
- Three grinding ports
- Four hour run time
- Comes with charging cable
Dog Nail Grinder Kits
In addition to the grinder itself, this kit contains nail clippers, a nail file, two safety covers, and a USB charging cable to keep the grinder working.
Key Features:
- Low vibration
- Four grinding port options
- Diamond bit grinder
Cost: $28
This kit contains everything you might need to get your dog’s nails under control: a nail grinder, a manual nail file, nail clippers, and a couple of grinding bits, plus a safety cap and charging cable.
Key Features:
- Three grinding ports
- Low noise and low vibration
- Five hour run time
Cost: $25
Thanks to the upgraded motor with two speed settings, this is an effective nail grinder. Plus, you also get nail clippers, a nail file, and more.
Key Features:
- Two color options
- Rechargeable with cable included
- Low noise
Cost: $28
This multi-functional tool has interchangeable heads so you can use it as a nail grinder or a clipper for your dog’s fur. The set also includes nail clippers.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable battery
- Comes with a carry case
- Diamond bit grinder
Cost: $29
Ruff ‘n Ruffus Cat and Dog Nail Grinder Kit
A basic dog nail grinder kit including a nail clipper, a charging cable, a spare grinding bit, and a storage pouch, in addition to the nail grinder itself.
Key Features:
- Two grinding speeds
- Low noise
- Protective cap with two ports
Cost: $40
If you’re looking for more necessities to keep your pup looking good, read our review for the best clippers for dog grooming.