The 9 Best Dog Nail Clippers of 2021

Best Overall: Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer

4.8

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The Safari Professional Nail Trimmer checks off all the key boxes that you should look for in a grooming tool. They’re sturdy and well-made with sharp blades, feature a safety stop for guidance, and come in two sizes to suit your pooch. Plus, as an added bonus, they’re quite affordable! 

These nail clippers have a non-slip grip that allows you to hold them securely, and they have a tension spring that pushes them open after each cut, making the process go faster. They lock shut when not in use, and during testing, our reviewer found that they cut through her dog’s nails quickly without snagging. However, we don't think you should rely on the adjustable safety stop alone to avoid cutting your dog's nails too short–you'll also want to use a visual check to avoid nicking the quick.

Best Budget: Millers Forge Nail Clipper

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The Millers Forge Nail Clippers are simple and budget-friendly, making them ideal for occasional touch-ups at home. These stainless steel clippers have plastic grips on the handle and a spring-loaded cutting mechanism that opens the blade after every cut. For safe storage, the clippers come with a safety lock that keeps the clipper closed and can also be removed if you prefer not to use it. 

These nail clippers come in both medium and large sizes so will cover most breeds, though they may not be the best choice for extra-small or extra-large pooches. Their heat-treated stainless steel construction is designed to withstand years of use.

Best Grinder: Dremel 7760 PawControl Pet Nail Grinding Kit

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If you’re new to cutting your dog’s nails, many experts recommend using a dog nail grinder instead of traditional clippers, as these tools give you more control over the nail-trimming process. In particular, the Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder is a great choice for maintaining your dog’s nails, as it’s lightweight, cordless, and versatile. 

This nail grinder comes with nine accessories, including several sanding bands and discs. It also includes a removable unique cap that goes over the grinder, and when used, it keeps your dog’s nail at the optimal angle for filing. The grinder runs on a 4-volt battery that charges via USB cable, and in general, you’ll get just under three hours of runtime per charge.

Best for Small Dogs: Shiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals

4.5

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For small dogs and even cats, the Shiny Pet Nail Clippers are a compact choice that are available at an affordable price. These scissor-style clippers have angled stainless steel blades that give you the perfect cutting angle, and their handle has finger holes lined with an anti-slip grip. They have a semi-circular edge that delivers a quick and precise cut, and they’re great for all types of small animals, including puppies, small dog breeds, cats, and even bunnies or hamsters. The only downside of these clippers is that there’s no spring mechanism, which means you have to manually open them up again after each cut. 

Best for Large Dogs: Epica Best Professional Pet Nail Clipper

4.5

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If you have a large or extra large dog breed, such as a Great Dane or Mastiff, you’re going to need a heavy-duty pair of clippers such as these. The Epica Best Professional Pet Nail Clippers are quite large and feature sturdy stainless steel blades that can cut through even the thickest dog nails—our tester used them on her 100-pound Anatolian Shepherd with no problem. 

These clippers have a non-slip grip on the handles, as well as a spring-action mechanism that keeps them open. The high-grade stainless steel blades resist dulling, and there’s even a safety edge that can help prevent over-cutting. However, just keep in mind that because these clippers are quite large, they can be a bit bulky to handle, especially if you have small hands.

Best Automatic: Bell + Howell PawPerfect Pet Nail Rotating File

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Does your dog hate having their nails trimmed? If so, one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get the job done is with the Bell + Howell Paw Perfect Rotating File. This grinder has several unique features that allow you to trim down your dog’s nails nearly effortlessly, and it operates quickly to minimize stress on your pooch. 

This grinder has high and low settings, and it comes with a cap that has slots for small, medium, and large dog nails. The slots help you get the right angle while keeping your dog’s skin and fur away from the grinder, and there’s even an automatic LED guide light that lets you see what you’re doing. The tool has a textured slip-free handle, and it comes with three replacement rollers, including both fine and extra fine grits. It uses three AA batteries.

Best Guillotine: Resco Original Dog, Cat, and Pet Nail/Claw Clippers

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Guillotine nail clippers allow you to cut through your dog’s nails using less pressure, but they can be a bit tricky to master, so they’re best used by experienced pet parents. If you prefer this style of tool, the Resco Dog Nail Clippers are an unbeatable choice, as they come in two sizes and feature durable steel blades that deliver precise cuts. 

The Resco Clippers have guillotine-style blades that cut through your dog’s nails quickly and cleanly. Plus, as an added bonus, you can actually replace the blades on these clippers if they ever get dull, allowing you to use them for many years to come.

Best with Safety Guard: GoPets Nail Clippers

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It can be painful for your dog if you accidentally overcut their nail, which is why many people like to use clippers that feature a safety guard, such as the GoPets Nail Clippers. These clippers have a metal plate behind the blades that stops your dog’s nail, ensuring you only cut off small pieces at a time. This will help you avoid cutting into the quick and keep the process pain-free for your pooch. 

These clippers come in two sizes, and they’re made using durable stainless steel that delivers a fast and clean cut. They feature ergonomic, non-slip handles that give you a good grip, and they even have a convenient nail file that fits right inside the handle, allowing you to quickly smooth out any rough edges.