How To Grind Dogs Nails [Everything To Do & Consider]

You are keen to grind your dog’s nails. You may even have a nail grinder and are about to use it for the first time.

The trouble is, you don’t know how.

What you may think would be quite a simple tool to use has led you to doubt the process.

All is not lost.

I purchased a nail grinder for my Cockapoo Bailey some time ago now.

I’ve since gotten to grips with the process, and we’ve never looked back.

We now routinely enjoy nail-grinding sessions without all the hysteria that greeted us in months prior.

Today, I’d like to share with you my process, along with some tips and tricks to help you grind your dogs nails, with ease and confidence.

So whether you’re yet to purchase that set of nail grinders or they’ve arrived and you’re putting it off, the following should be able to put your mind at ease.

Choosing the Right Nail Grinder for Your Dog

The first step in grinding your dog’s nails is selecting the right grinder. 

You may already have one, but if you don’t, I would strongly recommend getting this one.

The thing is, there are countless brands and options available.

But to quickly summarize, here are some features that really should go into your choice:

• Speed settings: An adjustable grinder allows you to start slow and gradually increase the speed as your dog becomes more comfortable.
• Noise level: Some dogs are sensitive to noise, so finding a grinder that’s quiet enough for your pup to tolerate is important.
• Price: Nail grinders come in a wide range of prices. Consider your budget and weigh the features against the cost.

After researching and comparing various models, I went for the LuckyTail Nail grinder because it was cordless (rechargeable), with adjustable speed settings, a quiet motor, and a very reasonable price tag. 

Learn more: LuckyTail Nail Grinder Review [Here Is Why You Need It]

Introducing Your Dog To The Nail Grinder

Before diving right into grinding your dog’s nails, it’s a good idea to help your dog become comfortable with the grinder.

Here’s the step-by-step process I followed:

1. Let your dog sniff and investigate the grinder: Start by turning off the grinder and letting your dog sniff and investigate it. Give them treats and praise for showing curiosity.
2. Turn on the grinder and let your dog hear the noise: Gradually, turn on the grinder at the lowest speed setting and let your dog listen to the sound. Again, offer treats and praise for remaining calm.
3. Gently touch the grinder to your dog’s nails: Once your dog is comfortable with the noise, gently touch the grinder to their nails without actually grinding. This helps them get used to the sensation. Continue offering treats and praise.
4. Grind a small portion of one nail: After your dog is comfortable with the grinder, try grinding a small portion of one nail. Stop, praise, and give a treat. Repeat this process over several days, gradually increasing the amount of time spent grinding.

The Grinding Process: Tips and Techniques for Success

Once your dog is comfortable with the nail grinder, it’s time to start grinding their nails regularly. 

Here are some tips and techniques I’ve learned along the way to make the process easier for both Bailey and me:

1. Create a calm and comfortable environment: Choose a quiet, low-stress area in your home where your dog feels at ease. You can also play soothing music or use calming pheromone sprays to help keep your dog relaxed.
2. Hold your dog securely: Depending on your dog’s size and comfort level, you can either hold them in your lap or have them lie down on a comfortable surface. Make sure you can easily access their paws.
3. Gently hold your dog’s paw: When holding your dog’s paw, use a gentle but firm grip to prevent them from pulling away. Hold each individual toe between your fingers to stabilize the nail as you grind.
4. Grind at a 45-degree angle: Position the grinder at a 45-degree angle to the nail. This helps prevent accidentally grinding the quick (the sensitive blood vessel inside the nail) and causing your dog pain or discomfort.
5. Work in short bursts: Instead of grinding one nail down to the desired length all at once, work in short bursts, moving between nails. This helps prevent overheating and discomfort.
6. Be mindful of the quick: As you grind, keep an eye out for the quick. In dogs with lighter-colored nails, it will appear as a pinkish area in the center of the nail. If your dog has dark nails, look for a small, chalky white ring to indicate you’re nearing the quick.
7. Reward and praise your dog: Throughout the grinding process, offer treats and praise to reinforce your dog’s positive association with the nail grinder.
8. Be patient: Grinding your dog’s nails can be time-consuming, especially at first. Be patient and remember that getting your dog’s nails to the desired length may take several sessions.

Maintaining Short Nails: How Often to Grind

Once you get your dogs nails to a healthy length, it’s important to maintain them with regular grinding. 

For most dogs, grinding their nails every two to four weeks should be sufficient. 

However, this can vary depending on factors like your dog’s activity level, nail growth rate, and the surface they walk on.

Keep an eye on your dog’s nails and adjust the frequency of grinding as needed.

Other Tips When Grinding Your Dog’s Nails

Here are some other additional tips to consider.

Trim the Hair Around Your Dog’s Nails

Before grinding your dog’s nails, consider trimming the hair around their paws. 

Long hair can get caught in the grinder, causing discomfort and potentially injuring your dog. 

To prevent this, use a pair of blunt-nose scissors or a pet hair trimmer to carefully trim the hair around each nail.

Keep Your Dog’s Paws Clean and Dry

Clean and dry paws are easier to work with when grinding nails.

If your dog’s paws are dirty, gently clean them with a damp cloth and mild pet-friendly soap, then pat them dry before starting the grinding process.

Make Sure Your Grinder’s Grinding Bit is in Good Condition

The grinding bit is the part of the nail grinder that comes into contact with your dog’s nails. 

Regular use can cause it to wear down, which can reduce its effectiveness and even cause discomfort to your dog. 

Inspect the grinding bit before each use and replace it as needed to ensure optimal performance.

Keep Styptic Powder on Hand

Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen, and you might accidentally grind the quick, causing bleeding. 

Having styptic powder on hand can quickly stop the bleeding and alleviate any discomfort. 

Apply the powder directly to the affected nail, and the bleeding should stop within a few minutes.

Practice Regularly and Be Consistent

Grinding your dog’s nails is a skill that takes time to master.

Be patient with yourself and your dog, and practice regularly to build confidence and improve your technique. 

Establishing a consistent grooming routine also helps your dog become more comfortable and accepting of the process.

Consult a Professional Groomer or Veterinarian for Guidance

If you’re unsure about any aspect of grinding your dog’s nails or encounter challenges along the way, don’t hesitate to consult a professional groomer or your veterinarian. 

They can offer guidance, tips, and demonstrations to help you become more proficient and confident in grinding your dog’s nails.

Why You Should Keep Up With Nail Grinding

I’ve been grinding Bailey’s nails for some time now, and I’m entirely committed to continuing. 

Not only is he more comfortable and relaxed during grooming sessions, but grinding also offers other benefits, such as:

• Reduced risk of injury: Grinding your dog’s nails eliminates the risk of accidentally cutting the quick, which can cause pain and bleeding.
• Smoother nail edges: Grinding creates smoother nail edges, which means less chance of your dog accidentally scratching you, themselves, or your furniture.
• Healthier paws: Keeping your dog’s nails short helps maintain proper paw posture and prevents joint pain, discomfort, and potential injuries.

Finally

Learning to grind your dog’s nails needn’t be difficult, but it is fair to say it will take a little bit of practice and time.

The key is to not give up. And to help your dog throughout the process by doing all you can to keep them calm and praising them as much as you can. 

In time, you should find that this just becomes a natural part of your routine.

In fact, it turns out to be quite an enjoyable experience, where cuddles and fuss are aplenty! 

Related guides:

• How To Keep Dog Nails Short Without Clipping
• How Often To Grind Dog’s Nails
• Does Walking Your Dog Trim Their Nails?
• Why Does My Dog Have Some Black Nails And Some White?