Trimming your dog's nails is a necessity. That's why every dog owner needs a pair of quality nail clippers in their dog grooming tool kit. This week, I had the opportunity to write this Epica Dog Nail Clippers review, and I think these pet nail clippers may be a great choice for a lot of large breeds.
Nail trimming doesn't just offer a boost to your pup's physical appearance. If his nails get too long, they'll put pressure on his paws every time they hit the floor. This can potentially cause him pain.
These clippers from Epica are examples of scissors styled like nail trimmers. To make it easier, they've been designed to work just like a pair of scissors. You simply squeeze the handles together, and the blades will cross and clip off the tip of the dog's nail.
Why is this style of dog nail clipper so popular?
Because they’re easy to use and more reliable than battery-powered devices, such as the Dremel Nail Trimmer tool (which I have reviewed before). Scissor-style dog nail clippers are also much more efficient. This is because you can cut your dog's nails in just a few minutes once you know how to use the clippers properly and safely.
However, that's not to say that traditional pet nail clippers are complicated or that beginners can't use them. It may take you a bit longer in the beginning, but once you get comfortable, it will only take you a few seconds to cut the tip off one of your pooch's nails.
If you're new to clipping your dog's nails, don't worry – scroll down below for the video on how to do this. I believe every owner must learn how to groom their dogs themselves, and especially trim and clip their nails. You'll save money on professional dog grooming, and it's a great way to foster the bond that you have with your canine companion.
READ MORE: Dog Grooming Supplies 101 – The Ultimate Buyers’ Guide
Epica Dog Nail Clippers Review
Choosing the right pet nail clippers
If you've decided to purchase a pair of dog nail clippers, you need to select the correct size for your dog. Pet nail clippers like Epica's, which are designed for large breeds, can easily cut off too much of a small dog's delicate nails. Similarly, clippers intended for small breeds will not be strong enough to clip through the thick nails of a large breed.
As I show you in the video review above, Epica dog nail clippers feature a stainless steel head and blades. This is a MUST when choosing pet nail clippers. Stainless steel blades are more durable and much easier to clean. Also, stainless steel will not rust over time.
If you choose dog nail clippers that are not equipped with a spring-loaded handle, you'll experience hand fatigue much faster.
In the photo above, you can see the small spring located between the handles of Epica clippers.
This spring allows the handle to pop open by itself after you squeeze it shut, making the process much easier and faster for you and your Fido.
Another key feature that you'll find on the Epica dog nail clippers is the safety guard located behind the blades. It ensures that you can't put the dog’s nail too far through the blades.
Remember, this doesn't prevent you from clipping the quick. It's just a precautionary measure that makes it less likely for you to do so, but you still must be cautious.
COMPARE: Dremel vs. Safari vs. Epica: Which are the Best Dog Nail Clippers?
Pros and cons of Epica's dog nail clippers
The Epica dog nail clippers are equipped with a lock. In my video review, I show you how easily it slides down to keep the blades closed. This will keep you from accidentally getting cut and also protect the blades from getting damaged when not in use.
I like that the handle of these pet nail clippers is ergonomically designed and coated in rubber. This provides a good grip so your hands don't slip, even if you have a dog that squirms around a lot like mine.
Epica dog nail clippers are also lightweight, which aids in reducing hand fatigue. These pet nail clippers aren't very expensive, and you can pick these ones up on Amazon for about $13.99.
I reviewed the size for medium and large breeds, but you can also buy a smaller size for small and medium breeds. There is only about $1 difference in the price, so either option is very affordable for home dog groomers.
The drawback to these nail clippers for dogs is that little screw that you can see in the photos. See the one located right under the blades? Yep, that little guy likes to loosen up on you from time to time.
The problem is that screw itself is a key component of these pet nail clippers. It not only holds the Epica dog nail clippers together, but it also keeps the guard in place.
Thus, when that screw loosens, the guard loosens and slides back and forth on its own. This is a HUGE safety issue, but if you make sure the screw is tight before every use, they should be fine – although this is a big inconvenience.
As a good alternative, I recommend you take a look at my Safari clippers review or the Andis clippers review, both of which are similar sets of high-quality scissor-like trimmers for dogs that are popular among dog owners. Here's a comparison video and article of these pet nail clippers, putting one against the other.
How to Cut Dog’s Nails?
If you have never cut dogs' nails before, you should do a bit of research first; it's not something to jump into lightly. I’ve made a step-by-step video to show you how to cut a dog’s nails safely. In it I explain a few of the different types of dog nail clippers and trimmers, as well as give you some tips and tricks of mine to make the task easier.
FULL GUIDE: How To Cut Dog’s Nails 101 – A Step-by-Step Video
Summary of the Epica Dog Nail Clippers Review
PROS:
- Stainless steel blade
- Available in sizes for small, medium, and large breeds
- Spring-loaded handle
- Equipped with a safety guard and locking mechanism
- Ergonomically designed handle with a rubber grip
- Affordable
CONS:
- The screw that holds the guard in place, and the blades together loosen after a few nail trimmings. You must make sure it is tight before each use
Now it’s your turn to review the Epica Dog Nail Clippers
Do you use these nail clippers on your dog? Have you tried them before? Were you disappointed or pleased? I’d love to hear your personal opinion. Please share your experience in the comments below. You can also share a picture or video review on our Facebook page!
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.
