Trimming Dog Nails With a Dremel

For years, I preferred using nail clippers to trim dog nails, but I dreaded the freshly sharpened nail scratches as my dogs climbed onto my lap. So I gave in and decided to purchase a dremel rotary tool again to sand my dogs’ nails shorter. The dremel left my dogs’ nails round and sanded, meaning no more scratches. Boy, have rotary tools changed!

Choosing a Dog Nail Dremel

A powerful dremel for trimming dog nails usually contains slower motors, which means longer nail clipping sessions. Quick nail trimming sessions are best. Stronger powered dog nail dremels won’t bog down and sand nails quickly, making it easier for your dogs. As an example, my 25-pound Bull Terrier’s dremel nail trims last five minutes. With a slower motor, it can easily go on for 15 minutes, which isn’t fair to either of us.

Personally, I recommend a two-speed rotary version without cords, so you can start sanding in the beginning and then speed up for larger dog nails. Trust me, many years ago, I tried a corded dremel and practically strangled myself, so choose a cordless option—it’s worth the extra money.

How to Dremel Dog Nails

Desensitize Your Dog to the Sound

It took me longer than my dogs to desensitize to the constant screaming of the rotary tool. So I started the dremel a few times a day for short bursts to desensitize myself to the obnoxious sound. Oh, and every time I turned on the dremel, I had delicious treats for my dogs. When the dremel stopped, so did the treats. Maybe I should’ve partaken in consumption of goodies too now that I look back. 🙂

It took a couple of weeks of moving the dremel closer to my body (yes, I started out with my husband starting and holding it, and then holding it at an arm’s length away) until I could tolerate the sound. Guess what? The moment I turned it on, my dogs came running for treats.

Once I was comfortable (if that’s possible), I held the dremel tool closer to my dogs while feeding treats (not touching; just holding it close). When the dremel turns off, treats stop. Keep the spinning part pointed away from your dog. It can accidentally catch fur and pull it out—ouch!

Touch Your Dog’s Nails

Assuming you’re able to hold your dog’s paws (if not, check out these tips for reaching dog paws), turn on the dremel and place the vibrating bottom (not top-spinning sander) against your dog’s nail. Again, keep a close eye on the spinning attachment. It can harm your dog’s skin and fur.

If your dog keeps her paw still, say “yes” and give a treat. Sometimes, having a friend click and treat is helpful too. Practice four more times and end the session. Keep practicing daily, making sure to keep sessions short.

Now, try touching the rotary sander to one of your dog’s nails. Each touch should last no longer than a second (say Mississippi to keep track of time) and remove the dremel. If your dog allows this quick touch, say “yes” and treat after you remove the dremel. Practice a few more times on one nail and end session.

If your dog is uncomfortable, take a step back. Click, treat and touch your dog with the bottom of the dremel (no spinning end).

Keep It Moving

When shortening nails, move the small sanding drum along your dog’s nail. If you keep the drum in one spot and hold there, you’ll likely burn your dog’s nail, which hurts.

Keep Dremel Nail Trimming Sessions Short

Keeping sessions short is the key to teaching your dog new behaviors. After a few weeks or months, depending on your dog, you can quickly file back excessive nails. I highly recommend weekly sessions. If nails are allowed to grow longer, sessions take longer, which again isn’t fair to your dog.

If your dog’s nails are longer, trim back one nail per day and continue daily until nails are at an acceptable length or they no longer touch the floor.

READ ALSO: Building a Dog Nail Scratchboard