Traditional nail clipping is often a nightmare because you can easily snip the dog’s quick and cause the toenail to bleed. Not to mention, when you snip the quick it hurts. Many dogs dread getting their nails clipped because they are afraid of the pain. Trimming your dog’s nails with a Dremel is a great alternative. When properly done, it is easy and pain-free.
Purchasing a Dremel
Yes, you can visit your local home improvement or hardware store and buy a Dremel made for crafts or other household projects. However, nowadays Dremel’s have become so popular for trimming dog’s nails that there are actual Dremel’s designed for your dogs. You’ll find the devices for sale online and at brick-and-mortar pet stores.
Appropriate Dremel Speed?
Whatever Dremel that you decide to use, the ideal speed to grind your dog’s nail is 10,000 – 15,000 RPM. A lower speed will not effectively Dremel the canine’s nails and a speed higher will create an excessive amount of heat which can hurt your pooch.
Corded or Cordless Dremel?
A cordless Dremel is ideal because you don’t have to worry about your dog getting tangled in the cord. Also, the cordless varieties will hold a charge that lasts about two weeks. The cordless models are usually somewhat quieter, so your dog won’t be as bothered by the noise.
Picking the Sanding Bands
If you keep your dog’s nails short by frequently using the Dremel then a 60-grit sanding band is usually perfect. After shortening the nails, you’ll want to smooth the surface of them so use a 120-grit sanding band. You can go over the nail one last time to smooth any sharp edges to create a soft and smooth surface that doesn’t scratch your floors, furniture, or skin. You’ll need to replace the sanding bands every month or two.
How to Dremel Your Dog’s Nails
Here are step-by-step directions on how to Dremel your dog’s nails:
- Have your dog sit or lie down beside you
- Keep a few treats on hand to provide your pooch during the Dremeling process
- Turn the Dremel on and offer words of reassurance
- Pick up one of the dog’s paws gently.
- Hold the grinding tool on the dog’s nail and start to grind the surface away
- Offer a treat if your dog sat there and allowed you to Dremel the nail.
- Move on to the next nail.
- Provide ample amounts of praise if your dog holds still.
If your dog starts to pull his paw away then you might want to take a break and start again in an hour or so. Sometimes you can only do a few toenails at a time because many dogs have a short attention span.
Once you finish Dremeling the dog’s nails with the 60-grit sanding band then it is time to go back over each nail using the 120-grit sanding band to soothe and soften the nail’s surface.
Dremeling your dog’s nails is a fantastic and safe option to clipping. Most dogs readily accept the entire Dremel process and even enjoy it when it involves treats.
Please contact us to learn more about Dremeling your dog’s toenails.