Regular nail trimming is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and comfortable. Nails that grow too long can cause pain, affect the way your dog walks and even lead to joint problems. Trimming at home saves money and makes the job less of an ordeal for you and your dog, but it needs the right tool.
We have compared five nail trimming tools currently available on Amazon UK, from scissor-style and plier-style clippers to a cordless grinder for nervous dogs. We explain who each one suits, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Mikki Scissor-Style Clippers | Controlled trims | £10-£12 | 4.5/5 |
Millers Forge Plier-Style Clippers | Professional use | £14-£16 | 4.4/5 |
Candure Clippers with Safety Guard | Budget favourite | £6-£7 | 4.5/5 |
Thunderpaws Clippers | Dogs and cats | £7-£8 | 4.6/5 |
Dremel PawControl Nail Grinder | Nervous dogs | £58-£65 | 4.4/5 |
Our Top Picks
Mikki Dog Nail Clippers (Scissor Style)
Best for: a UK favourite for controlled trims
Mikki’s scissor-style clippers are a long-standing favourite in the UK. The scissor action gives you good visibility of the nail as you cut, and the clippers have a safety stop that helps prevent cutting too much.
The large version suits medium and large dogs, and there is also a smaller one for little dogs and puppies. They are made from stainless steel and have comfortable handles.
They cost around £11 and average 4.5 out of 5 across more than 1,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Good visibility of the nail
- Safety stop
- UK favourite
Worth knowing:
- Needs a firm grip
- Choose the right size for your dog
Specifications:
- Type: scissor-style clippers
- Material: stainless steel
- Size: large
- Brand: Mikki
Millers Forge Nail Clippers (Plier Style)
Best for: a professional-grade, plier-style clipper
Millers Forge is a respected US brand, and its plier-style clipper is used by many groomers. It is made from stainless steel and has a strong spring for smooth, easy cuts.
A plier design gives a lot of leverage, which makes it easier to cut thick nails on medium and large dogs. It is a durable tool that will last for years.
It costs around £15 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 5,200 ratings.
What we like:
- Professional build
- Strong leverage
- Long-lasting
Worth knowing:
- More expensive than budget clippers
- No built-in guard
Specifications:
- Type: plier-style clippers
- Material: stainless steel
- Best for: medium to large dogs
- Brand: Millers Forge
Candure Dog Nail Clippers (Large, Medium and Small Breeds)
Best for: a cheap, popular pair with a guard
The Candure clippers are one of the most popular options on Amazon UK. They are a scissor-style pair with a safety guard, a locking mechanism and a comfortable grip.
The blades are sharp, and a nail file is included to smooth the edges after cutting. They are suitable for small, medium and large breeds.
They cost around £6 and average 4.5 out of 5 across more than 36,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Very cheap
- Safety guard and lock
- Huge number of positive reviews
Worth knowing:
- Blades may dull with heavy use
- Not a professional tool
Specifications:
- Type: clippers with safety guard
- Includes: nail file
- Suitable for: small to large dogs
- Brand: Candure
Thunderpaws Pet Nail Clippers for Dogs and Cats
Best for: a well-reviewed, versatile pair
Thunderpaws clippers are a popular, affordable pair that suits both dogs and cats. They have a safety guard to help avoid cutting the quick, and the blades are made from stainless steel.
The handles are non-slip and comfortable, so it is easier to keep a steady hand. It is a good choice for owners who want a simple, dependable pair.
They cost around £7 and average 4.6 out of 5 across more than 21,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Safety guard
- Non-slip handles
- Excellent reviews
Worth knowing:
- May be too small for very large dogs
- Generic design
Specifications:
- Type: clippers with safety guard
- Suitable for: dogs and cats
- Material: stainless steel
- Brand: Thunderpaws
Dremel PawControl 7760-PET Nail Grinder and Trimmer
Best for: a cordless grinder for nervous dogs
A grinder is a good alternative to clippers, since it files the nail down slowly rather than cutting. It is often less stressful for a nervous dog and gives a smoother finish. The Dremel PawControl is a cordless, rechargeable grinder from a brand that has long made tools.
It has a quiet motor and a design that lets you see the nail as you work. It is a good choice for owners who find clipping nerve-wracking.
It costs around £62 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across nearly 1,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Cordless and rechargeable
- Gentle on nervous dogs
- Smooth finish
Worth knowing:
- Much more expensive than clippers
- Dogs need to get used to the sound
Specifications:
- Type: cordless nail grinder
- Power: rechargeable
- Best for: nervous dogs
- Brand: Dremel
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Nail Clippers
What to Look For
Look for sharp, strong blades made from stainless steel, and handles that are comfortable to grip. A safety guard helps to stop you cutting too much, and a locking mechanism keeps the clippers closed when stored.
Choose a size that matches your dog. Small clippers are best for small dogs and puppies, while larger dogs need stronger tools.
Types of Nail Clippers Explained
Scissor-style clippers give good visibility and are easy to control. Plier-style clippers give more leverage for thick nails. Guillotine clippers slide the nail through a hole, and they suit small and medium dogs. Grinders file the nail down and are good for nervous dogs.
Try a scissor or plier style first, and consider a grinder if your dog is worried by clippers.
Size Guide
Small dogs and puppies need small clippers. Medium dogs can use standard sizes. Large and giant breeds need strong, larger clippers with a plier design, or a grinder.
If you are unsure, go for the bigger size, since small clippers can crush a thick nail.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good pair of clippers costs £6 to £15. A grinder costs £25 to £65. Cheap clippers are fine for most dogs, but professionals often prefer a stronger, more expensive tool.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I trim my dog’s nails?
Most dogs need a trim every three to six weeks. If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on a hard floor, it is time.
What is the quick and how do I avoid it?
The quick is the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail. In light nails it looks pink, but in dark nails it is hard to see. Trim a little at a time, and stop when you see a dark dot in the centre of the cut surface.
What do I do if I cut the quick?
Stay calm. Apply styptic powder or press a clean cloth on the nail until the bleeding stops. If it does not stop, or you are worried, call your vet.
Are clippers or grinders better?
Clippers are quick and cheap. Grinders are slower but smoother, and are often less stressful for nervous dogs. Many owners use both.
Should I get my vet or groomer to trim my dog’s nails?
You can, especially if you are nervous. A vet nurse or groomer can show you how to do it at home, and it is a good idea to ask for a demonstration.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Thunderpaws or Candure clippers are the best budget choice, with safety guards and thousands of positive reviews. The Mikki scissor-style clippers are a UK favourite for a controlled trim, and the Millers Forge plier-style clippers are a professional-grade tool for thick nails.
If your dog is nervous, the Dremel PawControl grinder is a gentler alternative, although it costs far more. Whichever you choose, go slowly, trim a little at a time and keep treats nearby.
This roundup is part of our Pet Grooming Tools: The Complete Guide.
