Trimming your pet's nails can be nerve-wracking. Many dog owners do not want to perform this grooming task for fear that they will clip the nail too short. Using a dog nail grinder provides peace of mind, as it slowly files the nail instead of clipping off a large piece at once. The Dremel PawControl is a new model from the Dremel company that is specifically designed to help pet owners trim their pup's nails with ease.
There are pros and cons to using nail grinding tools, but many pet owners and professional dog groomers find them very effective. It is still possible to grind the nail down too short, but it's much less likely to expose the quick while using a nail grinder than it is when using traditional dog nail clippers.
Is this product worth the price? Is it better to use the Dremel PawControl nail grinder rather than traditional pet nail clippers? In this review, I'll demonstrate why this tool may or may not be good for you and your pet and provide you with my own tips and opinions on the product.
Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder Review
A Dremel tool is similar to a nail file for humans, except that it is powered by a battery, and you don't have to move it back and forth. There are 2 different file heads included with the PawControl grinder. One is shaped like a disc, and the other is a small cylinder-shaped file.
Both file heads work the same way. They rotate rapidly to grind the nail down much faster than you could with a manual file.
Nail grinders are very easy to use. Simply flip the switch to the speed setting of your choice (1-4) and gently press the file head against your pet's nail. If you push it into the nail with too much force, it will stop spinning. You only have to apply gentle pressure, and the Dremel tool does the rest of the work.
As the nail begins to grind down, continue moving the Dremel forward. You'll know when it's time to stop because the pointed tip of your pet's nail will be gone. Although the Dremel PawControl does take some guesswork out of trimming your dog's nails, it is still possible to nick them quickly and cause pain and bleeding.
This tool features a rechargeable battery for cordless operation and is compatible with most other Dremel rotary tool bits and accessories. My favorite feature is the 45° paw guide that ensures you file the nails at the correct angle to prevent injury.
It also has a clear attachment, which you can see in my video review guide, that collects nail dust. This is a benefit over other similar products because you don't have to worry about making a dusty mess each time you trim your pet's nails. The clear cover also acts as a fur guard, so you won't have to worry about Fido's fur getting caught in the rotating head.
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The Dremel PawControl will work for about 1.5 hours of continuous use. After that, it will start to slow down. The company states that it will run for up to 3 hours on a full charge. However, you probably won't be using it for that long (unless you're a professional groomer), so I don't think that will be a deal-breaker for most pet owners.
This tool works great, and it does what it's supposed to do. But it's not without its flaws. The tool itself is great, but nail grinders, in general, have a few drawbacks that you'll need to consider before making your purchase.
As I demonstrated in my video, it's very easy to replace the file heads using the included wrench and the convenient locking button. Unlike traditional clippers, you'll need to replace these file heads regularly, which is an added expense.
You can hear the noise made by this grooming tool in my video review. The buzzing noise that nail grinders make and the grinding sound made when they are trimming the nail may scare some dogs. If your dog is timid or has anxiety about grooming, it's likely that a nail grinder isn't going to be a good choice for him.
Even for dogs that aren't typically timid, it will take some training to get them used to having a nail grinder pressing on their nails. Most dogs will warm up to the noise and the sensation of the grinder if you allow them some time to get used to it.
Another important drawback to mention is the extra time that it takes to grind down a dog's nails as opposed to clipping them with traditional nail cutters. I can clip all of my dog's nails in about 2 minutes with regular nail cutters, but it takes more than 10 minutes to trim them all with a grinder.
The final drawback that I must mention is the price. You can buy the Dremel PawControl nail grinder on Amazon for about $48.87. That's more than double the cost of most traditional nail clippers. However, for the peace of mind they offer, a nail grinder may be worth the added expense to some owners.
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