How To Use A Dremel To Trim A Puppy’s Nails, by Standing Stone Kennels on YouTube. 12 min 58 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 58 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Let your puppy sniff the Dremel while it is switched off. Give a treat, then switch it on nearby for a second and treat again so the sound becomes normal.
Hold the paw gently and touch the tool to one nail without grinding. Treat and release. Repeat on a few nails over a couple of days.
Fit a sanding drum and set the tool to a low speed. High speed creates heat and can burn the nail.
Rest the paw on a non-slip surface and hold the nail steady between your fingers. Keep the hair around the nail clear of the spinning drum.
Grind the tip of the nail in short touches of one to two seconds. Lift off between touches so the nail does not get hot.
Work around the tip at a slight angle to round the edges. Stop when you see a pale grey or pink oval in the centre of the nail.
Stop before you reach the quick, the pink centre that contains blood and nerves. On dark nails, grind a little and check often.
Do a few nails per session and finish with a treat. Build up to all four paws over several short sessions.
Tips and common mistakes
Grind in short bursts and touch the nail to check for heat before continuing.
If you nick the quick, press styptic powder or cornstarch on the nail and stay calm.
Keep long ear or paw hair away from the spinning drum to avoid it catching.
Never force a scared puppy. End the session early and try again the next day.
Questions
What speed should I use on a Dremel for dog nails?
Use a low to medium speed. Slow grinding with short touches keeps heat down and gives you more control, especially on a puppy.
How do I know when to stop grinding?
Look for a small pale oval in the centre of the nail tip. That is the edge of the quick, so stop there. On black nails, check every couple of seconds.
Can I use a Dremel on very young puppies?
Yes, short gentle sessions help puppies get used to the tool. Start with the sound and a touch, and only grind once the puppy stays relaxed.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
