Best dog nail grinders and clippers for golden retrievers
It's so important to keep on top of your dog's nails. I've tried many dog nail clippers over the years, and through trial and sharp cracked nails, I've come to the conclusion that not all dog nail clippers are created equal. I just picked up one at a store thinking it'll just be fine, only to find that it's hard to get it around my dog's nails. Which only escalates my stress and then my dog's stress in an already stressful situation.
In my journey to find the best tool to cut and maintain my dog's nails, I've put together my comprehensive research I did for my dog into this article.
Before diving into clipping or grinding, be sure to check out our post on HOW to do each and you can decide which will work best for you! How to Cut and/or Grind Your Dogs Toe Nails
Nail Clippers Vs. Grinders
There are two main ways to help maintain your dog's nails. Depending on your dog, one may work better than another. Nail clippers cut your dog's nails and grinders file them down. Depending on how you approach your nail maintenance with your dog and you dog's history with certain tools, one may work better than the other. A lot of groomers and owners use both so they can have the quick cut from the nail clippers and round smooth nails from nail grinders.
Nail Clippers Pros and Cons
A lot of nail clipping issues happen when your clippers are not sharp enough or are dulling. There's no good way to resharpen your clippers.
Dull clippers can cause cracked nails and nail squeezing which is unpleasant for both you and your dog. A lot of clippers have guards that can help you not cut the quick.
Nail Grinders Pros and Cons
Nail grinders are great for dogs with black nails or if you have a hard time seeing the quick. Grinders do get hot, so make sure to take a break between each nail to cool down the grinder.
If you have patience you can get the best nail trim with filing down of their nails.
Qualities of a good Dog nail clipper
Blade quality: Look for blades that are super sharp and will stay sharp for a long time. In my list of best Nail Clippers, I only look and use Nail Clippers that are used by professional groomers who have to cut multiple nails a day. This is a good test of how sharp the blades stay. The sharper the blade the cleaner the cut. Not only will dull blades be harder to use but they can damage your dog's nails by splitting and cracking them which can be painful.
How Loud are the clippers? For dogs who are easily stressed by this whole process, the quieter the clipper the better. A lot of times the clippers can be loud because the blade is dull.
Appropriate size: Not all nail clippers are made for the same size of dogs. What will work for larger dogs will not work for smaller dogs. Larger dogs have thicker nails and need a sharp and appropriate size blade.
Best Golden Retriever Dog Nail Clippers
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Qualities of a good Dog nail grinder
Grinder Powder and Grit Strength: With larger dogs, you'll have to deal with tougher nails. It's best to find a grinder with two speeds and has a powerful motor. But be careful with more power there will be more friction and heat which can burn your dog's nail.
Ease of Use: Look for a grinder that is easy to use and gives you control when grinding your dog's nails. A good quality grinder should be cordless, easy to recharge, and light weight.
Grinding stone options: Look for replacement head options and a variety of options. Not all grinders use the same type of sanding paper or stone.
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MUST HAVE: Remedy and recovery groomer's styptic powder
This is a must have if you are cutting your dog's nails. Now whether you get a clipper or a grinder, it's hard to avoid the quick. If you've ever hit your dog's quick, then you know that the bleeding does not stop. Have a styptic powder on hand for when you do hit the quick to help stop the bleeding.
Did I miss anything? Have any tips? Comment down below and let me know what's worked for you and what hasn't worked!

