Dogs have their nails trimmed regularly when they are puppies so they learn not to be afraid of the clippers.
I’ve clipped so many dog nails now that I can do all four paws in under a minute. Our girls are well-behaved during most grooming procedures.
They don’t bite or try to pull away, but I know some dogs do.
Certain dogs can even be traumatized by nail clippers, making the nail cutting process highly stressful to the dog and the pet owner or groomer.
Can You File Dog Nails?
Yes, in fact, it might be a better option than clipping, and you want to do it when the tips become sharp and ragged (looking like they could catch on carpet or a shirt).
If you do clip your dog's nails, you can file them to prevent the nail from cracking when clipping or cutting the quick.
Using a Dog Nail File
If your dog is not as well-behaved as my dog while having his paws groomed, you may want to try a dog nail file, like some of the favorites I mention below.
A dog nail file looks like this:
Using a dog nail file instead of nail clippers reduces the peeling and splitting of your pet’s nails. Some double-sided nail files for dogs were designed by dog care and nail experts.
Some can even be made from crystal glass, like these from Dog Fashion Spa, which is a superior material that is used to make the finest nail files in the world.
It is a non-porous material so it doesn’t absorb water and can be 100 percent sanitized. They are all also dishwasher safe.
The best thing about a grooming tool like a dog nail file is that it is guaranteed to last forever. It won’t wear down over time, no matter how much you use it. Most companies will recommend that you file your dog’s nails once a week.
Whether that crystal glass nail file or some other type, they will come with a convenient protective case to keep it from getting broken.
Most dog nail file types are about 6.5 inches long and made in Europe or the USA.
My 3 Favorite Nail Files for Dogs
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File - Diamond... | 4,180 Reviews | Check Price |
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Bona Fide Beauty Pet Nail File Made of Czech... | 1,334 Reviews | Check Price |
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WeinaBingo Dog Nail File Paw Grooming, Gentle,... | 141 Reviews | Check Price |
How To File Dog Nails
Many dog owners who don’t feel comfortable clipping their pet’s nails will use a file instead.
I usually clip my dogs’ nails and then file down the sharp edges using either a nail file or a dog nail grinder like Dremel.
It takes longer to file dogs' nails than it does to clip them, but I know many people aren’t comfortable clipping because they are afraid they’ll cut the quick.
You can also use a nail grinder like I do, which essentially does the same thing as a file; it’s just a round nail file that spins mechanically, so it files nails faster than doing it by hand.
You can buy most nail files for dogs for about $7-15, which sounds like a lot for a nail file, but remember that these will last forever.
Crystal nail files like those from Dog Fashion Spa will be more expensive, but as long as you don’t drop them, you should be able to use them throughout the life of your pet.
You could buy this file now and use it for every dog you’ll ever have. That’s not a bad investment for just $15.
How To File Dog Nails: Summary
It may sound more tedious, but filing a dog's nails is a much safer option for you and your dog.
It protects the quick, keeps the nail from fracturing, and it's quieter than using a nail clip or a nail grinder.
They also might put up much less resistance when you are using a dog nail filer.
READ NEXT: Top 10 Best Dog Nail Clippers
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