Nail Grinding 101: Expert Tips from a Professional Groomer, by Go Fetch Grooming on YouTube. 10 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Let your dog sniff the tool while it is switched off. Feed a treat, then turn it on nearby for a few seconds so the sound becomes normal.
Fit a sanding drum bit and set the tool to a low speed. High speed builds heat fast and can burn the nail.
Hold the paw firmly but gently. Rest the nail on a stable surface so the tool does not bounce or slip.
Touch the spinning drum to the tip of one nail at a slight angle. Make short passes of one to two seconds rather than holding it in place.
Work around the tip and sides to round the nail. Stop when you see a pale, chalky ring near the centre, which is the start of the quick.
Lift the tool between passes to let the nail cool. Test with the back of your hand; if it feels hot, pause.
Reward your dog after each paw and take breaks. Do one or two nails per session if your dog is nervous.
If you nick the quick and it bleeds, press styptic powder onto the tip and hold pressure for a few seconds.
Wipe dust from the paw and clean the bit when you finish. Store the tool out of reach with the bit removed.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use a high speed on a small dog; the nail heats up quickly and the quick is closer to the tip.
Keep long hair on the paw pulled back so it does not catch in the spinning drum.
Grind a little every week or two rather than a lot at once, so the quick recedes gradually.
Stop at the first sign of a dark dot or pink centre in the nail; that means you are at the quick.
Questions
How often should I grind my dog's nails?
Every one to two weeks keeps nails short without taking much off at once. Dogs that walk on pavement may need it less often.
What speed should I use on a Dremel for dog nails?
Use a low to medium setting. Slow passes with short contact keep heat down and give you more control.
Can I grind nails if my dog hates the sound?
Yes, but build up slowly. Run the tool switched off, then on nearby, and pair each session with treats before touching a nail.
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.
