Nail grinders

[MsM]

I have a 12 pound dog. He has black nails and I live alone, so I have given up on the idea of cutting them, holding him, and keeping my glasses on all at once. The vet techs have been cutting them, but I would like to do them at home.

I bought a small nail grinder and he is fine for me to use it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t grind well and takes way too long to make progress. So I would like a new grinder. An actual dremel seems like it would be too much, but I dont want to buy another ineffective one. Suggestions?

[trubandloki]

@MsM

I have a 12 pound dog. He has black nails and I live alone, so I have given up on the idea of cutting them, holding him, and keeping my glasses on all at once. The vet techs have been cutting them, but I would like to do them at home.

I bought a small nail grinder and he is fine for me to use it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t grind well and takes way too long to make progress. So I would like a new grinder. An actual dremel seems like it would be too much, but I dont want to buy another ineffective one. Suggestions?

I have used an actual dremel for years.
It is quite a bit louder than the nail grinding tools designed for dog nails, which is what I am currently using (I like the guard with only part of the stone exposed because my dog has hairy feet).

My technique with my current dog is to simply do some frequently. When I was trying to shorten them at first, I did it several times a week, taking a little off each time. Now I maintain doing it once per week.

[S1969]

For a dog that small a Dremel for dogs will be enough. A full power Dremel might be too big and powerful. I borrowed one at a dog show from someone and scared myself - that was more power than I needed.

I have Brittanys - all about 40 lbs and use this one: Dremel Paw Control

It should be more than enough power for your little dog.

[anonevent]

The dremels that are not wireless are pretty quiet compared to any of the wireless models I’ve tried. However, once you get the nails to the desired length my favorite tool for maintaining them is a manual tool called “Knobby” https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnobbyDogNailFiles?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1393103159&from_page=listing

Also, there are many interactive dogs that gradually wear them down.

[trubandloki]

@anonevent

The dremels that are not wireless are pretty quiet compared to any of the wireless models I’ve tried.

Before I say anything else, I am going t say that my corded dremel is an actual dremel tool, not a dog nail trimming tool, but it has been used for nails for lots of years.

My cordless dremel style (not brand name) dog trimming tool is MUCH quieter than my actual dremel that plugs in.

[anonevent]

Interesting. Mine is so quiet relative to the cordless, at least when it is in contact with the nail. Maybe there’s something wrong with my cordless model.

[Simkie]

I use a dremel. Or a “rotary tool” I guess…mine is Harbor Freight brand. This one, although I must’ve picked it up on sale because I don’t recall it costing anywhere near that.

https://www.harborfreight.com/8v-cordless-variable-speed-rotary-tool-kit-40-piece-58162.html

Some dog people really like these diamond drums. Too spendy for me.

Whitman's DiamaGroove Pinnacle Standard

[BigPaintHorse]

I love our DiamaGroove… quicker, smoother, and doesn’t heat up. Also doesn’t seem to catch hair. (now I have dobes and AHT so that isn’t an issue any more

[Simkie]

You’re not the only one I’ve heard sing the praises of those diamond drums! But, ouch, the price

[S1969]

I think if you were a professional handler it might be worth it. One was raffled off at one of our national club’s national events and my friend won it. She likes it but honestly I didn’t think it worked any better than the basic tip. But - if I had to groom 20 dogs a day…maybe my opinion would change.