The 5 Best Dremel Bits For Dog Nails (Incl. AFFORDABLE models)

Maintaining your dog’s nails can be a chore. From trimming to filing, you need the right tools and techniques for the job.

There are many types of nail trimmers out there but we’ll focus on what I consider to be the five best bits for the Dremel that I’ve seen: Dremel SD60-PGK EZ Lock Pet Nail Grooming Sanding Discs, Dremel 432 1/2-Inch 120 Grit Sanding Bands, Dremel 407 1/2″ Drum Sander, Groomer’s Best Friend Diamond Rotary Nail Grinder Bit, and the Andis Nail Grinder Replacement Accessory Pack.

Quick Facts:

• The pet grooming industry generates over $8 billion dollars annually and is expected to grow 1.5% per year (source).
• Over 200,000 people work in the pet grooming industry (source).
• Self-employed dog groomers make up to $28 per hour ($59,747 per year) according to Ziprecruiter.com (source).

The 5 Best Dremel Bits For Dog Nails

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Best Replacement Bits by Dremel

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What We Like

• Made by Dremel (not generic)
• Real bargain
• 3 nail trims per sanding disc (think of these like disposable razors)

What We Don’t Like

• Requires the Dremel pet grooming nail guard (or some serious grooming skills – the flat edge outside the guard is way too likely to cut toes). Note that this is usually a kit with Dremel (see picture below). It’s not an easy attachment to buy simply off Amazon that you can add to an existing Dremel.
• Can cause nails to get hot (like all grinders)
• Discs don’t last long with regular use (try cones or sanding cylinders below for longer life)

Dremel Nail Guard – How to Setup and How to Use on Dog Nails

Best Sanding Bits by Dremel as a Budget Option

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What We Like

• Pays for itself fast – typical groomers charge $10 to $25 to trim and polish your dog’s nails
• Takes nails down quickly without chipping or damage
• Bands last longer than discs
• Can use on most Dremels (don’t need the dog nail specific one with guard)
• Fast, pain-free, and safe

What We Don’t Like

• Need to double-check your Dremel to these specific band numbers. Check the model in the Amazon listing then check your hardware and Dremel’s website to make sure everything matches. Then double-check! A bit annoying but important so it works.

Best Dremel Drum Sander for Dog Nails

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What We Like

• Lasts longer than discs or thin drum sanders
• works wonders on dog nails
• standard good quality Dremel tool

What We Don’t Like

• Just comes with one drum sander (not a multipack); however, these last longer than expected
• Check the model of this drum against your Dremel and make sure they are compatible!

Best Diamond Dremel Bit for Dog Nails

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What We Like

• U-shape rounds nail edges as you grind them down
• Great for small dogs
• Somewhat less vibration – can be better for dogs that don’t like grinding (See training article on this)
• Doesn’t hurt as much when you accidentally hit a knuckle or your dog’s feet
• Cool – Doesn’t get as hot as other sanders
• Super smooth nails
• Doesn’t snag hair

What We Don’t Like

• Need to apply more pressure than when using a sander
• More expensive than sander options

Best For Budget

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What We Like

• Multipack with lots of options for different types of dog nails
• Since it’s a multipack the whole thing lasts longer than individual bits
• Great for dogs that can’t tolerate nail clippers (must be trained to grind though)

What We Don’t Like

• Multipack downside – you can’t use all the sizes on the same dog! Well, you can but it takes more skill. Some sizes just aren’t as easy on certain nail sizes and you may waste those.
• Takes practice – True of all open grinders without guards. You have to be extra careful not to touch the other dog’s toes. Dremels move fast and sanders can do damage. See the diamond option above for easier-to-use bits that don’t hurt as much when you accidentally hit other toes (or your finger).

FAQ

Can You Use A Regular Dremel On Dog Nails?

Yes, a regular Dremel works fine on pet nails. You can also get nail grinders made just for this purpose but a Dremel works great. Multiple Dremel bits will work for this though they take some practice to use. Dremel even makes a specialized nail guard and Dremel set (Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer).

Which Dremel To Use For Dog Nails?

You can use any Dremel for dog nails. The secret is in the type of bits and specialty guards used. I consider these to be the five best bits for the Dremel that I’ve seen: Dremel SD60-PGK EZ Lock Pet Nail Grooming Sanding Discs, Dremel 432 1/2-Inch 120 Grit Sanding Bands, Dremel 407 1/2″ Drum Sander, Groomer’s Best Friend Diamond Rotary Nail Grinder Bit, and the Andis Nail Grinder Replacement Accessory Pack.

Is It Better To Grind Or Clip Dog Nails?

Clipping works best when you can see the quick. It’s faster, causes less stress, and the nails don’t heat up like they do with grinding.

Grinding works best for dark or black nails where you can’t see the quick. It’s also better for large, thick, or strong nails. Grinding lets you remove nails little by little so you don’t cut into the quick. You can check the end as you go to confirm when it’s done.

Grinding also lets you smooth the edge of the nail so it doesn’t catch on the carpet and accidentally further tear the nail (or the carpet).

How Do You Know Where The Quick Is On Black Dog Nails?

Find the quick by looking at the end of your dog’s nail. As you clip or grind you’ll notice a small dark spot forming in the center of the nail. This is the beginning of the quick. Once you see that stop cutting or grinding.

Do Grinding A Dog’s Nails Hurt Them?

Not if done well. Grinding can cause pain when you do one of the following:

• You grind too long and the nail heats up
• You grind into the quick – stop when you see a dark circle forming at the end of the nail
• The vibration stresses out your dog – stop if your dog is constantly pulling its legs away.

If your dog doesn’t like grinding (or clipping) take some time to learn dog grooming techniques and get your dog more comfortable with the process. See our article here or the video below.

How Often Should I Dremel My Dogs Nails?

Nail trimming frequency depends on how fast your dog’s nails grow. One rule of thumb is to cut them once every week or two. Monitor your dog’s nails to see how quickly they grow and adjust the schedule from there.

Some dogs can go much longer than a trim every two weeks.

With our chihuahua mix, we walk here daily on sidewalks. This keeps her main nails trim so we never need to cut them. We only cut the dewclaws once every two to four weeks.

How Do You Grind Overgrown Dog Nails?

For dew claws, we recommend trimming with clippers if they get overgrown. They tend to curl in on themselves. Grinding takes longer and can be more dangerous with in-grown nails.

For the standard dog claws (not dewclaws) you can grind overgrown nails as usual per the instructions here. It’ll take longer so you may want to break it up into a few sessions over two days. That helps reduce any anxiety your dog might have about it.

Also, you can walk your dog more often on sidewalks or concrete. This will also help naturally wear down the nails.

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