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7 Best Dog Nail Clippers for At-Home Grooming

Save your floors with these handy dog nail-trimming tools.

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dog groomer cutting nails on black labrador retriever dog
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Many dogs dislike having their nails trimmed, but leaving them too long can cause serious issues. Last summer, I went too long before trimming my dog's and learned this lesson the hard way. My pup's dewclaw broke off below the quick and we had to take an emergency trip to the vet to have it fixed. He left with a patriotic paw wrap, since it was two days before the Fourth of July, and I left with a hefty bill.

Letting your dog's nails grow too long can scratch your floors when they get the zoomies, snag carpets and rugs, and of course, scratch their humans. But they also run the risk of breaking off too low, which can lead to infection. Instead, trim your pet's nails regularly, so they don't get to that point. How often they need it depends on their lifestyle. If they get lots of walks on pavement, they may file down their claws enough to go awhile between trims. If they spend more time on grass and your couch, you may need to give them a clip more frequently. Even if you can't get to the groomer or want to go the DIY route, you can pick up a pair of the best nail clippers for relatively cheap (and while you're at it, you might as well consider refreshing your current pet gear collection for some upgraded harnesses, leashes, and indestructible dog toys).

1
Best Safety Nail Clippers for Dogs

Boshel Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer By Boshel

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Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer By Boshel

These professional-grade clippers have nonslip handles and a safety guard to help keep you from trimming too low. It also comes with a file, to polish off any jagged edges.

2
Best Nail Clippers for Large Dogs

Epica Sturdy Pet Nail Clippers

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Sturdy Pet Nail Clippers
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Credit: Epica dog nail clippers

These heavy-duty nail clippers have the heft and sharp blades to handle your labs, Great Danes, and Huskie nails. They cut smoothly without requiring a lot of hand strength and lock closed when not in use, so you won't cut yourself when reaching into the dog stuff bin.

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3
Best Guillotine-Style Nail Clippers

Safari Safari Large Nail Trimmer

Safari Large Nail Trimmer
Credit: Safari professional dog nail clippers

These guillotine-style nail clippers work more quickly for some than scissor-style clippers, since you just position the nail inside the hole and snip. If your pet fears having their nails trimmed, speed is key.

4
Most Precise Dog Nail Clippers

Zen Clipper Circular Blade Pet Nail Clippers

Circular Blade Pet Nail Clippers
Credit: Zen clipper pet nail clippers

The unique circular blade on these pet nail clippers reduces the risk of grabbing skin by accident. They also come in precise sizes, so you can pick one that matches your pet's size more closely than simple large or small options.

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5
Best Nail Clippers for Small Dogs

Millers Forge Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper

Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper
Credit: Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper

These super-basic clippers work well for smaller breeds and will go the distance, despite their low price tag. They don't have any fancy bells and whistles, but will get the job done.

6

GoPets GoPets Pet Nail Clipper

GoPets Pet Nail Clipper
Credit: GoPets pet nail clippers

These heavy-duty nail clippers also come with sharp, precise blades, ergonomic handles, and a safety guard to help prevent over-cutting. They also work well for both large and small dogs, if you buy the proper size.

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7
Best Electric Nail Grinder

Casfuy Electric Dog Nail Grinder

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Electric Dog Nail Grinder
Credit: Casufy Dog Nail Grinder

If your dog just won't tolerate clippers, try an electric nail grinder instead. This rechargable version uses a diamond bit grinder for quick, precise nail grinding. And while it's quieter than other models, it does still vibrate and buzz, which may bother some skittish pets.

Headshot of Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
Senior Editor
Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.
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dog groomer cutting nails on black labrador retriever dog
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