Letting a dog’s nails grow or look unhealthy is the last thing dog owners want to do. This is why learning how to use a dog nail grinder becomes important.
In the outdoors, a dog would naturally scrape around and grind its nails. It becomes a part of their environmental interactions, but the same doesn’t apply as a pet. They don’t get the same opportunities to grind their nails and keep them healthy.
As a result, you have to do your due diligence and learn how to use a dog nail grinder and find the right one for your dog.
This guide is going to teach you how to use a dog nail grinder, which dog nail grinder is best, and how to make sure you improve your dog’s quality of life.
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Best Dog Nail Grinder For Dogs (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- FAST AND EFFECTIVE - Hertzko dog & cat nail grinder has ultra durable diamond stone bit and ergonomic design that make this...
- GENTLE ALTERNATIVE - Grinding places less stress on the cuticle and reduces the risk of cracking and bleeding compared to...
- QUIET MOTOR - Low noise and low vibration make nail care less stressful for you and your pet
Last update on 2023-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder is a wonderful dog nail grinder and will offer immediate results once it’s put to use. With an ergonomic design, three size openings, and a quiet motor, this is one of the most efficient dog nail grinders on the market right now.
Whether it’s a German Shepherd, Pit Bull, or Golden Retriever, this is a dog nail grinder that will work well for your dog’s nails.
Once you are done, this product is easy to clean and doesn’t take a long time to optimize for your dog’s needs.
Tips on How To Use a Dog Nail Grinder
Buy the Right Dog Nail Grinder
Before doing anything else, you need a good dog nail grinder.
It’s difficult to see results, if you don’t have the right tools on hand to do the job. This is why the best place to start is with a well-designed dog nail grinder that has been tested and reviewed by experts. It will save you a lot of time and is going to ensure the dog’s nails are in good shape moving forward.
Focus on learning how to grind a dog’s nails by using the right machine.
If you are someone that hasn’t done this before or are inexperienced then look to go with an ergonomic dog nail grinder.
This will make it easier on you and is going to ensure you figure out how to use a dog nail grinder without struggling.
When buying a new dog nail grinder, look for something that’s robust, easy to operate, and is going to work well for your dog’s breed. In general, the best dog nail grinder for home is one that works well in all situations and doesn’t make a lot of noise.
Find a Secure Position
Now that you have a good dog nail grinder at home, it’s time to focus on the actual process.
What are you going to do to grind a dog’s nails?
It starts by finding the right position for dog nail grinding. This includes knowing how to leverage your position to make sure the dog is securely in place and is comfortable at the same time.
To the surprise of many dog owners, this is easier said than done especially if your dog is fidgety. To avoid any problems, it’s best to start with a position that allows complete control over the dog.
When you are positioned in front of the dog, it’s a lot easier to grind the nails. You will have immediate access to their paws and nothing is going to act as an obstacle during the process.
This is the starting position all dog owners should aim for.
If you are working from behind the dog or from the side, you become prone to making mistakes or having to reach over. This is not only frustrating but harmful as well, if the dog ends up moving around from side to side!
Keep this in mind when finding the right starting position.
Gently Grip the Paw Near the Nails
When you are in front of the dog with a view from the top, it’s time to gently grip the dog’s paws.
This is going to give you enough control to keep the dog as safe as it needs to be.
Remember, the nail grinder for dogs tends to move at a decent pace, which means you have to keep the dog protected while using the tool. While there are safety mechanisms in place with good dog nail grinders, it’s still important to reduce the amount of pressured applied to the nail.
By holding the paw, you gain control over it ensuring nothing moves while the nail grinder is turned on.
This alone is beneficial for those who want to do things the right way and keep their dog safe. If not, you are going to see an increase in discomfort and the process will take longer as well.
To make life easier for you, simply hold the paw in your hand and then use the other to work away at the nail. After a while, you are going to start to understand the science behind it and that’s when the results are going to work out in your favor.
When it is time to learn how to use a dog nail grinder, you want to account for this tip well in advance.
Grind the Dog’s Nails From Different Angles
A common technique used by dog owners is to go with the “head-on” approach.
What is this specific approach all about?
When figuring out how to use a dog nail grinder, the average dog owner is going to grind the nail from front-on. This means you are going to bring the head of the dog nail grinder to the front of the nail rather than the sides.
Is this okay? No, it is not.
You have to make sure to grind the dog’s nails from different angles for it to stay healthy.
The best approach is to gently roll the grinder from one end to the other. This is going to allow you to get the dog’s nails from all angles before moving onto the next one.
If you are unsure, use the fingertip method to determine whether or not touch-ups are necessary.
This is essential for those wanting to make sure they figure out how to use dog nail grinders. It’s the only way to feel confident about what you are using while knowing how well it is going to work out.
When done the right way, a good nail grinder can make a serious difference.
Feel the Nail and Aim for Uniformity
When learning how to use a dog nail grinder, you have to understand what the goal is.
How do you want the nails to look like when you’re done? Is there a certain shape that’s in line with keeping the dog healthy?
Yes, the best nail grinder is going to work the nail from different angles and is going to keep them consistent. This means each nail is going to have a specific finish and that’s going to keep the dog safe moving forward.
If you don’t do this, the dog’s nails will only get in the way.
So, how do you go about knowing when a dog’s nails are good?
You want to take your bare hand and run the fingertip across the nail. Is it dull? Is it starting to round? If so, you will have to start using a good dog nail grinder.
By learning how to use a dog nail grinder, you are going to make sure each nail looks the way it is supposed to. This is imperative and a step you can’t ignore!
Final Thoughts
These steps are essential as you learn how to use a dog nail grinder.
It’s recommended to understand what your dog needs, find the right type of dog nail grinder, and then create a set schedule to work on the nails. This is the only way to ensure the process goes ahead as planned and your dog’s nails look as healthy as you want them to.
The worst thing a dog owner can do is rush this process and assume the nails will be okay. It’s rarely going to work out!
Take the time to learn how to use a dog nail grinder properly and then start making adjustments based on what your dog’s nails need.
To learn more about grooming your dog at home, here are essential pieces to read through – ways to clean a dog’s coat, top dog brush for a dog’s fur, how to rake an undercoat for dogs, and how to remove blackheads for dogs.