The Nail Grinder

For the back paws the board can't reach, for dogs who won't use the board, and for nails that are already too long.

How to know when to stop

Inside every nail there's a blood vessel and a nerve, called the quick. Cutting into it hurts and bleeds. No grinder detects it — this one doesn't either. What grinding gives you is warning: it removes a fraction of a millimetre at a time instead of one irreversible snap.

• Light or clear nails: you can see the quick through the nail as a pink line. Stop about 2 mm short of it.
• Dark or black nails: watch the cut surface. As you file it looks chalky and uniform. When a small dark dot appears in the centre, that's the leading edge of the quick. Stop there.

Work in bursts of two to three seconds, then look. Never hold it against one spot continuously — friction heats the nail and that hurts even without reaching the quick.

Introducing it to your dog

It's quiet for what it is, but it's still a small motor and it vibrates. Rushing this step is the most common reason people give up on a grinder. Over several days: run it across the room and treat, move it closer, let them sniff it running, touch it to one nail for two seconds, then build up to a paw.

Specifications

• USB rechargeable — a full charge covers several sessions
• Two speeds
• Protective cap with three port sizes
• Diamond grinding wheel
• Works on dogs and cats

What we don't claim

We won't call it painless and we won't pretend every dog loves it. Noise-sensitive dogs may never enjoy it, and on large breeds with thick nails it's slower than clippers. If it isn't right for your dog, our 30-day return policy covers you.