dog nail clippers
Safety features: Pet parents can find many safety factors in dog nail clippers. The most common of these features are guards to avoid quicks and locks to protect the blade when not in use. Mr. Buzbee doesn't like guards. Because she feels the guard gives a false sense of protection from cutting the dog's nails. If you choose a clipper with a guard, don't rely completely on it to cut your nails. The author and editor of this article both use a safety guard to establish a reference point for trimming and assess the position of the quick themselves to adjust the length of the nail that needs to be cut.
The tip of the nail looks different than the end of the nail that needs to be cut, and unfortunately, there is no perfect tool to teach your dog exactly how to cut their nails. On light-colored nails, the quick will have a pinkish tint, but on black or dark-colored nails, the quick may be only slightly lighter than the edge of the nail. Since each puppy has a different quick location, you will need to determine where the nerve endings are before trimming. However, if you don't know the exact location, start by cutting only a small amount at a time (no more than 1-2 millimeters) to avoid injury.
Noise level: For some dogs, the noise of clippers cutting away dead nail tissue can be aggravating. Buzbee says it's important that nail trimming is a positive experience, so if you're concerned about the noise level of a particular clipper, hope your dog will put in the effort despite the noise. Instead, we stress that you should ideally switch to a different clipper. However, if this is not possible, it is important to work with your dog to reduce noise. You can also try cutting dry pasta next to your nails to mimic the sound your trimmer makes. Afterwards, give your puppy a treat and praise him.
Buzbee says positive reinforcement is essential to getting your dog used to nail clipping, whether or not your puppy is afraid of the noise. “You have to keep it positive,” she says.
ease of use: The best dog nail clipper should be easy and comfortable to use. “Whatever feels comfortable and natural to you…go for it,” Buzbee says. We find clippers with non-slip grips useful, and prefer ergonomic, scissor-style tools that fit every pet parent's hands.
Also, the clippers should apply minimal pressure to clamp during the cutting process. I found that a spring-loaded scissor cutter is the best way to save yourself the trouble of cutting by hand. This is important when trimming thick nails that require extra force to cut.
Finally, precision is essential when cutting nails. You need a sharp blade that will make a “definitive, clean cut,” Buzbee said, adding that a dull blade is more likely to split your pup's nails. Check the sharpness of the clippers over a long period of time and replace them if the blades become dull. Locking the blades together when the clippers are not in use (if your model has this feature) may help extend the life of the blades.
Blade material: Most nail clippers have steel blades, which are considered the sharpest and most accurate. Avoid metals that can cause allergic reactions in you or your pup, such as nickel. If possible, avoid clippers with plastic handles. It can break into small sharp pieces, which can cause injury if your puppy grabs it and swallows it.
Size compatibility: You don't have to buy clippers based on your dog's size or breed. But in some cases, such as when your dog was a puppy, Carlisle, the author of this article, found it helpful to have a less bulky and less intimidating tool at hand before switching to permanent clippers. I did.
Buzbee emphasizes the importance of a tool that feels comfortable in your hand over compatibility with different dog breed sizes, so make sure you find a clipper that's comfortable for you first and foremost. After that, if you want to shop by size or variety, feel free to do so.
