Tips to Buying Dog Nail Trimmers
Which dog nail trimmers to buy really depends a lot on what size dog you have. There is a variety to choose from for grooming your cherished pet.
It just makes sense that smaller pets having smaller nails and large dogs have larger hard toenails, you would need a different type of nail trimmers.
Features to Look For:
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable handles
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Safe
Basically good trimmers will have comfortable handles and usually will have long lasting & easy to clean stainless steel blades.
One of the main tips to remember is the size of the trimmers should be compatible with the size of your dog. If you have ever tried to use a pair that was too small, you know what I mean. It not only makes it hard on you but you also risk injuring your dog.
It is possible to find them at a discount without compromising quality if you know where to look.To start their are three basic types:
- Guillotine style Dog Nail Trimmers
- Miller's Forge Dog Nail Trimmers
- Large Dog Nail Trimmers
Guillotine Style: They are a very popular choice for owners of smaller dogs. One of the reasons for their popularity is the ease of placing the nail. The nail goes through a metal ring at the end of the nail trimmers and then the handles close. A metal trimmer slides across the metal ring trimming the nail as the trimmers close. Many dog owners find the handles with the squeeze-type closure are much easier to use than their scissor-type handled counterparts.
(The downside: blades need to be changed frequently which would make them more expensive and not as effective on larger dogs.)
Miller's Forge Style: These are designed for use on both small and medium sized dogs. These trimmers look more like scissors with blades and have a semi-circular indentation.
When you open the blades, it creates a circular opening which is where the dog nail is placed for trimming. Once the dog nail is in place, you would close the handles, trimming the nail at closure. They do not have blades that have to be replaced and they are stronger than the Guillotine style trimmers.
(If you have small hands, these can be difficult to operate due to how far apart the handles are.)
Large Dog Nail Trimmers - If you own a large dog or dogs, you will need a pair of these for both safety and efficiency. They are similar to the Miller's Forge trimmers in that they have scissor type handles and semi-circular indentations.
What sets these apart from other types, is their blades are stronger and thicker than any of the other types of nail trimmers, making it easier to trim those thicker, harder nails.
They also open up enough that allows for large dog nails to fit into easily. The blades on these trimmers do not need replacement either, but do not be tempted to use on smaller dogs as they can be clumsy and cause harm to your pet.
Trimming your dogs nails once a month should be sufficient (for most breeds), but you will want to check on your dogs rate of nail growth and make modifications to your schedule if necessary.
It is not uncommon to have bleeding toenails when the nails are cut too short or into the kwik. Don't panic, it takes time to learn how short to get your dog's nails, just be sure to soothe your pet until you can get them taken care of.
A good remedy for bleeding toenails is taking a small amount of flour and packing it into the end of the nail which should help stop the bleeding.
You might also try taking a bar of soap and rubbing it along the end of the nail for the same effect.
These are both natural home remedies but if you feel you need something more, you can look at your local pet store or vet's office for Styptic powder.
Some of the newer models of nail trimmers will come with the Styptic powder right in the handle of the trimmers which is a pretty cool feature!
Remember this is just a basic guide of the different types of nail clippers that are available to use on your pet. Hopefully these tips will help you understand the differences in types and sizes of trimmers.
If you are still a little unsure, consult with your vet's office or local dog groomer for some tips or maybe even a demonstration of nail trimming.
Once you are comfortable with trimming your dog's nails, you may need help restraining you pet while you trim their nails.
Some sit perfectly still but most just do not really like you messing with their paws and may need to be restrained with the use of a good grooming table.
If you would like more information on grooming tables, you may want to read Dog Grooming Table Insures Safety for Your Pet.
