Welcome to Pupster Passion, and thanks for checking out our dog lovers web site and blog.
In this post, we will look in detail at using a Dremel to trim dog nails safely, painlessly, and with minimal stress to your pet pupster.
Caring for a dog (or dogs) is a big responsibility, and there is a lot for you to learn about and take in.
Here at Pupster Passion USA, we are dedicated to helping dog owners give their pets the very best love and care.
In this post, we will just look at using Dremel tools on dogs’ claws.
But for a much more in-depth article about how to trim your dog nails.
We suggest you take a look at this post, reviewing the best dog nail grinders (not just Dremels) that are specifically made for the job of keeping your dog’s nails from getting too long.
So click here to read our detailed and in-depth dog nail grinder reviews.
Ok with that out of the way, let’s look into using a Dremel tool for your dog’s nails.
How to Use a Dremel to Trim Your Dog’s Nails – Step by Step
- Your first task is to get the dog used to the sight, smell, and sound of the nail grinding tool before you even start to trim the dog’s nails.
- Secondly, you need to find out where the quick of the dog’s nail is so that you know when to stop grinding your dog nails.
- Next, you need to try gently grinding a tiny amount of the dog’s claws.
- Slowly increase the amount of time and nail material you take off with the Dremel.
- Don’t give up if it is a struggle.
- Distraction can help to keep your pet dog still and relaxed.
That’s it in a nutshell. Using a Dremel to trim down dog nails isn’t complicated.
But let’s look into it in a bit more detail, so you are confident you know what you are doing.
Using a Dremel to Trim Dogs Nails – In detail
First, get the dog used to the sound of the nail grinding tool.
The first thing you need to do is introduce the dog to the new tool so that it gets used to it long before you start grinding nails.
Let the dog see and smell the tool. Then turn it on and let the dog get used to the sound of the Dremel running.
Secondly, find out where the quick of the nail is so that you know when to stop grinding your dog nails.
There are two parts to the dog’s claw. The main part of the nail and the quick.
The bulk of the dog’s nail can be cut, trimmed, or ground with no issues whatsoever.
But if you trim, cut, or grind the quick, it can cause a lot of pain and distress to your dog.
If you look at this little sketch, you can see the quick of the dog’s nail highlighted in red ink.
If you examine your dog’s nails carefully, you should be able to see it if you struggle trying shining a light through the claw to highlight the quick.
(By the way, while you are visiting our site you might like to read this post asking how often to trim dog nails. Or this one explaining how to trim dog nails that are overgrown).
Next, you need to try gently grinding a tiny amount of the dog’s claws.
Now you know what to grind and what not to grind. The next step is to give it a go for real.
Find a comfortable position for you and the dog; often, it is better with the dog lying on a table or bench.
Slowly and carefully apply the Dremel to the tip of the claw and grind off some nail material.
If this goes ok, take a tiny bit off each of the dog’s nails, then give the dog a treat and tell him or her what a good dog they are!
Just do one dog nail at a time. If, after one nail, the dog needs a treat or a break, that’s fine. This is not a race!
Increase the amount of time and nail material you take of with the Dremel
Each time you trim your pet dog’s nails with the Dremel tool, you can take a bit more material off in one go.
Obviously, making sure that you leave the room so that you don’t get too close to hitting the quick and causing your pet pain and distress.
Don’t give up if it is hard!
If you struggle, maybe it stresses you out and/or the dog. Don’t give up on nail trimming your pet pooch.
It might take a few attempts before you successfully figure out how to trim dog nails with a Dremel tool.
Patience, baby steps, repetition, and giving your dog lots of treats is the key to success with this.
Distraction can help keep your pet still and relaxed.
One great tip is to distract your dog while you grind his or her nails.
So use treats or maybe even smear peanut butter onto a toy. This will keep the pet occupied while you get the trimming done.
Still Not Sure About Grinding Pet Nails With Dremels?
This video has more great advice for you and your pet pupster and should help you to trim your dog’s nails as easily as possible.
You will see how much better a grinder is than using nail clippers.
Pet nail clippers are so slow and awkward compared to using a rotary tool such as a Dremel for nail trimming.
Make sure you watch right to the end to see a cute and happy little doggy!