This nail grinder is the perfect solution for anyone who is nervous about cutting their dog's nails (2024)

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Trimming your dog's nails is a necessary chore but one that intimidates many dog owners. If you're nervous about accidentally hurting your dog while cutting their nails, you can always take them to the vet or groomer to get the job done. But filing your dog's nails down with a grinder at home is an excellent alternative and one that can save you plenty of money and time.

However, as a former veterinary assistant who has trimmed thousands of dogs' nails, I know that not all nail grinders are the same. Some are geared toward professional groomers, who are comfortable and familiar with their safe use, but most people benefit from extra safety features. This is why I love the Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit. It is not only effective and easy to use, but it also has a guard that protects you and your dog from the spinning parts.

How it works

Nail grinders are a great option for most dogs, including those with very thick nails. They're especially useful for dogs with black nails since you can't see the quick, which is the vein inside the nail. Plus, dogs that don't love having their nails trimmed with regular clippers might accept a nail grinder more readily.

The Dremel PawControl Kit comes with everything you need to gently and easily grind down your dog's nails, including an optional guard attachment and a variety of sanding bands and discs. The guard creates a barrier between the spinning parts of the tool so nothing can get caught up in them.

I personally liked using the sanding disc, which the manufacturer recommends for novice users. You insert your dog's nail through the opening in the clear guard attachment, which is designed to ensure you are grinding the nail at the ideal 45-degree angle.

Our review of the Dremel dog nail grinder

I first used the Dremel PawControl when I was testing grinders for our guide to the best dog nail clippers. I tried four different nail-grinding tools on two dogs with different-sized nails.

The Dremel PawControl stands out for several reasons. It's lightweight, gentle, and quiet, and offers four speed settings so you can choose one that makes you and your dog feel the most comfortable. Because it's made for pet owners, it's easy to use and comes with different grinding attachments so you can choose the one that works best for your dog's nails. Using the guard attachment can also give you peace of mind so you can focus on the task at hand.

Dremel is well known for making high-quality rotary tools for tasks such as cutting, sanding, and engraving. The PawControl should last many years and can even be used for tasks beyond nail grinding. While the grinding heads need occasional replacement, the included ones should last several years of use with your dog. It's also powered by a USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which means you can use it anywhere and don't have to worry about a cord getting in your way while you work.

Nail grinders have a definite learning curve, but this one comes with an easy-to-follow Quick Start Guide that illustrates the process from start to finish. It tells you which attachments and grinding speeds are best for newbies and provides tips for getting your dog comfortable with the tool.

Cons to consider

The guard attachment enhances safety, but because you are limited to one opening to insert your dog's nail, you lose some maneuverability. You can always remove the guard attachment if you feel confident in your skills. Because this grinder is cordless, you'll need to remember to charge it before use.

The bottom line

If you're looking for a pet nail grinder, the Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit is an excellent choice, especially for someone new to using these tools. It is effective, gentle, quiet, lightweight, and cordless, and thanks to the guard attachments, its safety is unparalleled.