If you are terrified of trimming your pet’s nails using scissor-style clippers, a battery-powered dog filer for nails is a brilliant alternative. Easy to use, a dog filer for nails is suitable for both novice and experienced pet owners.
Even if you have a canine who loves bikejoring and canicross, leading an active lifestyle may not be enough to dull down those ragged claws. Thankfully, dogs that hate getting their nails trimmed are known to be more receptive to such a nifty tool.
In this article, we will give you a rundown of the best dog filer for nails so that you can give Doggo that much-needed mani-pedi without sending him to an absolute fit.
Advantages of Dog Filer for Nails
A walk-in nail trim could be the least expensive service at the groomer’s, but the total cost can easily reach hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. Using a nail grinder to trim your dog’s nails can help cut down on grooming costs.
Compared to other types of nail trimmers, dog filers or grinders are much safer and easier to use, even when you have shaky hands or anxious pets. This nifty device is designed in a way that prevents owners from cutting near the quick.
Using a dog file doesn’t require a lot of hand strength, either. It only takes a few minutes to trim your dog’s nails and leave them with a smooth finish—no splits or splinters.
Best Dog Filer for Nails Product Review
The following are the highest and fastest-selling pet products on the market. Thousands of satisfied pet owners will readily vouch for their value.
Dremel PawControl Dog Filer for Nails 7760
Best Overall
Dremel, which is one of America’s leading brands of rotary tools, forayed into the pet space and created the Dremel PawControl 7760—the best dog filer for nails! Its ergonomic design makes it a cinch to maneuver, and it’s quick enough to trim the nails of skittish or impatient pooches.
The PawControl comes with 6 interchangeable grinding tips and a variable-speed switch that boasts 8000 rpm in its lowest setting. You wouldn’t want to go past number 2 or 3, unless you have a large or giant breed with thick nails, like a Newfie! Surprisingly the Dremel PawControl is quiet for such a powerful grinder.
- Top Features
- 4 sanding discs for beginners and 2 sanding bands for advanced users
- 45-degree dual-purpose nail guard prevents cutting the quick
- 8000 rpm starting speed
- USB charging
- 2-year warranty and Quick Start Guide
- Manufactured by Bosch
- Pros
- Ideal for small to giant breeds
- Powerful motor for greater efficiency
- Precise control, no accidental speed increases
- Soft, rubberized grip
- Doesn’t produce unpleasant, high-pitched sounds
- Should last many years with occasional grinding head replacements
- Multi-functional (can be used in carpentry)
- Cons
- More expensive than most models, although the extra cost is well worth its filing power and safety features
Reviews
Kelly M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is awesome. Works on a professional level.”
Richard G. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“As usual, Dremel is a top-quality product… I first and foremost like the quality and secondarily the adjustability of the abrasive surface on the tool. This adjustment gives me complete control of the presentation of the dog’s nail to the grinding area. At the low speed, it is literally so quiet I doubt if the dog can hear it.”
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with 2 LED Lights
Runner Up
The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder is the second-best dog filer for nails without a doubt. With a super bright LED light on each side of the diamond bit grinder, you won’t have to position yourself at a difficult angle just to illuminate your dog’s nails.
This nail trimmer comes equipped with a powerful motor with 2 speeds to choose from. There are 3 grinding ports to match different dog breeds for a safe and effective mani-pedi. While it supports heavy grinding, you’ll be amazed at how silent it operates.
- Top Features
- 7000 rpm on low speed and 8000 rpm on high speed
- Noise averages 40 dB
- Dual LED lights and USB charging
- 4 colour options
- Pros
- Great for small to large breeds
- Perfect for sensitive canines and those with dark nails
- Use anywhere any time of the day
- Powerful motor with near-silent operation
- Quick and easy speed-switch
- Quality product as advertised
- Cons
- Takes 2 hours to complete a charge but provides enough power for several sessions.
Reviews
Rene ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The LIGHTS are game-changers… No more bright overhead light that excites your dog… I was able to trim his nails in the dimly lit room and keep him calm because the grinder lights shine only on his nail—not his eyes, not my eyes—it shines only and exactly where I need to see. Don’t need the light? An added new feature is the ability to turn the light off, which is also great so you’re not burning the bulb unless you need it.”
Martha Mumenthaler ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Great for more sensitive dogs.”
Hertzko Electric Cat & Dog Nail Grinder
Best Budget Pick
At a glance, this product may look like a cheap bottle of body spray, but no, it is a dog filer for nails made by an industry leader, Hertz!
Equipped with a diamond bit grinder, it provides high-grinding precision to smooth down rough, jagged nails quickly. This product has 2 speed settings and 3 ports to cater to different nail lengths and thicknesses. The depths of each port don’t extend too far to prevent you from hitting the quick.
While Hertz didn’t specify the exact decibel level of their product, however, many reviewers can vouch that the trimming process was almost silent. You may recharge the grinder via a USB cable. For an added cost, you can upgrade to a model with an LED light.
- Top Features
- Diamond grinder and removable nail guard
- 3 ports and 2 speed settings
- USB charging
- Pros
- Best for tiny, small, and medium breeds
- Motor produces lower noise and vibration compared to most grinders
- Lightweight and user-friendly for first-timers
- LED light to illuminate dark pet nails (upgrade needed)
- Works incredibly well for the price
- Cons
- Grinding a large dog’s nails will take a while longer
- Lacks a rubberized grip
Reviews
Pixie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’m such a happy fur mommy! This little grinder is fantastic! I took it out of the package and it was ready to go! I did charge it for an hour just in case before using it… I for one, wish I had found this years ago! It would have saved me $25 every month or two! Give it a try.”
Rainiershadow | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Finally something that works easily! This is worth its weight in gold! It is extremely quiet and my dogs barely notice what is happening. I used it on my 20-month-old Yorkie and she was okay with it. She is used to clippers but this helps me get closer without cutting the quick and dulling the edges.”
How to Find the Best Dog Filer for Nails?
Always keep an eye on the following factors.
Power Source
Cordless models with rechargeable batteries are always the best ones, as they provide enough power for multiple sessions and freedom of movement—a big advantage if you have a restless, impatient dog. But hey, we don’t judge if you like AA batteries!
Motor Power and Speed Settings
An excellent dog file for nails should have a powerful motor and at least two speed settings: a slower setting for shaping and smoothing and a faster setting for heavy grinding.
Multiple Ports
The tool should have three grinding ports to accommodate dogs of varying sizes. But for most products, the “third port” usually means you’ll have to remove the protective cover and expose the grinding wheel when trimming a large dog’s nails.
Some models, like the PawControl, have a nail guard that can collect dust and chips. While it is a nice touch, the lack of it doesn’t necessarily indicate that the product is not a steal.
Ergonomic Design
The nail grinder should be compact and easy to hold; the last thing you want is for it to slip out of your hands.
Quiet Operation
Dogs, in general, are sensitive to noise. So pick a nail grinder that operates with as little noise as possible—ideally between 60 and 40 dB.
Comparing the Best Dog Filer for Nails
Here is a quick overview of the featured products.
| Product Name | Dremel PawControl Dog Filer for Nails 7760 | Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with 2 LED Lights | Hertzko Electric Cat & Dog Nail Grinder |
| Top Features | 4 sanding discs for beginners and 2 sanding bands for advanced groomers45-degree dual-purpose nail guard prevents cutting the quick8000 rpm starting speed2-year warranty and Quick Start GuideManufactured by Bosch | 7000 rpm on low speed and 8000 rpm on high speedNoise averages 40 dBDual LED lights4 color options | Diamond grinder and removable nail guard3 ports and 2 speed settings |
| Power Source | Battery powered (USB charging) | Battery powered (USB charging) | Battery powered (USB charging) |
| Best For | Small, medium, large, and giant breeds | Small, medium, and large breeds | Small and medium breeds, as well as cats |
| Availability | on Amazon on Chewy | on Amazon on Chewy | on Amazon on Chewy |
How to File Your Dog’s Nails?
The Dremel PawControl comes with a Quick Start Guide that explains to you which attachments and grinding speeds are appropriate for your dog. If your chosen product doesn’t have a manual, simply rotate the cover to choose a port that will fit your dog’s nails, and when in doubt, start from the lowest setting.
While there is usually no learning curve when using a nail grinder, not all dogs become immediately comfortable with the noise and vibration. Even the most fearless hunting dog may act like a drama queen with just the mention of nails!
Here are some tips to make at-home grooming pleasant:
- Sit in a chair, holding Doggo upright against you with one arm around him. Rub his belly and tell him what a good boy he is! Stay calm and relaxed. The minute you get tense, your dog will get tense, too.
- If your dog struggles, give him a firm but gentle “no,” followed by rubbing his belly a few times to calm him down.
- Take short breaks and incorporate positive reinforcement for good behavior. A spoonful of peanut butter may also help keep your pooch busy as you give him a mani-pedi.
According to Lorin Nanan, the author of “Nailed It: A Canine Course In Nail Care” and a certified dog trainer with over 20 years of experience, it is never too late to change your pet’s attitude toward nail trimming. Just follow these tips, and soon enough, you’ll be a pro.
Conclusion
A pet nail filer is the most convenient way to prevent fungal infections and traction problems in dogs. Trimming your dog’s nails at home not only saves you money, but it can also serve as an opportunity to bond with your pooch.
While there are many good products on the market, those three mentioned above work like a charm, and thousands of happy pet owners can attest to their greatness.
However, it is clear as day that the Dremel PawControl is the best dog filer for nails because its power, safety, and versatility are unmatched. Would you like to see it for yourself?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I file my dog’s nails?
It is recommended that you file your dog’s nails every 3 to 4 weeks. The nails should not touch the ground.
- Are there disadvantages to dog nail grinders?
Files or grinders are more expensive than clippers, and depending on the model, you may need to purchase sanding head replacements.