The 5 Best Dog Nail Grinders Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024

Grooming your dog is a soothing and intimate experience… normally (1).

However, it can get a little tricky and uncomfortable when it comes to caring for your dog’s nails. The appliances look like nightmare contraptions and your dog may be sensitive about their paws.

Though it may sound like a torture device fit for Freddy Kruger, a nail grinder is one of the key tools professional groomers use to keep your dog’s nails neat and tidy. Finding the right grinder will make the process of maintaining your dog's claws far easier in the long run.

We gathered our team of experts including long-time dog groomers to test out some of Australia's best dog nail grinders. And after months of testing and deliberating, we finally compiled this list of our favourites.

In this detailed article, we will strip the fear from this ominous tool so you can become an at-home grooming pro! We’ll discuss how to find the best dog nail grinder for you, how to use it without taking an entire paw off, and our top recommendations for nail grinders in Australia.

Australia's Best Dog Nail Grinders Reviewed

So, you now know what makes a good nail file for dogs and how to do the deed. Let’s now dive into our choices for the best dog nail grinders in Australia. These are the tools that our experts have hand-tested with their own dogs to great success.

There are multiple choices on the market at all price points, so we hope this buyer’s guide helps you!

The Pet Parlour is an Australian brand and their grinder is a great product for small dogs and other pets, like cats. It is a wireless battery-powered model that comes with a rechargeable USB cable.

I like how this grinder has two speeds that are powerful for shaving through your dog’s nails but quiet enough that your pooch shouldn't feel too intimidated. My dog is definitely sensitive to new and loud sounds, but he did not have a problem with this Pet Parlour grinder. The LED light will help with control and precision, making it a great feature.

This option also comes with a safety guard, something our experts note is a good addition for new users who want to give this tool a go without the stress of shaving too much off. The guard holds the nail in place at the correct angle. One of the main reasons we recommend this nail file for small dogs is because of this safety feature. You can use the file without the safety guard for larger dogs but it's a good idea to go slow at first to build your confidence up.

We admit, this model is a bit on the pricey side but that extra oomph in power and precision is worth it. For professional or experienced groomers, you’ll love this nail grinder.

Our runner up choice for a dog nail grinder on the Australian market is this great option from Lucky Tail. It is the perfect all-rounder for all your at-home or professional dog grooming needs.

Firstly, this is a rechargeable wireless tool so I found that it is super portable and convenient. If you need to travel with your nail grinding equipment at all, it’s lightweight enough to easily transport. There are two drill bits that are covered in sand to softly drill down your dog’s nails. You have complete control over the speed, so you can adjust your pressure as you work.

Our experts also love how the design has your canine's comfort in mind. With whisper quiet & ultralight vibration technology and perfectly suitable for all dog sizes, this option will make grinding your pups nails a breeze.

This grinder is on the higher end of the budget scale compared with others on this list. But in our expert opinion, its overall quality speaks for itself. For a starter or experienced groomer, the Lucky Tail is a fantastic option.

The Rimposky is a great budget option. It is a little simpler but it is perfect for beginners for this very reason.

This is another USB, rechargeable tool which is ideal for those who need to grind those nails on the go. The battery lasts for 2 continuous hours and takes 3 hours to fully charge. Not the fastest charge I have ever heard of but 2 hours of use is perfectly fine for single use. You don’t want to use it too much in one go after all as we discussed before regarding heat buildup. 

Our team loves that the port at the top of the grinder is adaptable to your dog’s nail size, so large dogs are accounted for here too unlike with our number two choice. That is refreshing to see since, as our experts note, manufacturers are a touch sizeist when it comes to nail care.

The noise of the vibration is purposefully low - below 50 db - to ensure that even nervous dogs don’t feel stressed by the buzz. There are two adjustable speeds so you can adapt your trimming to your dog’s needs and tolerance.

All of this comes at a fabulously low price point. With decent reviews and a good range of features from our panel of expert groomers, we highly recommend the Rimposky model for beginners and amateurs.

A stylish tool is not to be sniffed at! If you are training to be a professional groomer, you are probably being advised to get the very best quality for money, which we completely agree with to a point. We forget, however, that style absolutely has a function! Beautiful tools are more fun to use. If a tool can be beautiful and functional at the same time, it’s a win-win.

So why is the Andis EasyClip 2-Speed Nail Grinder so stylish? Well, the rich purple colour and slim, ergonomic design is true fashion. Luckily, it’s also a great electric nail file for you and your dog to enjoy. And yes - I did say enjoy! This model has low noise and vibration, so anxious dogs like mine will feel safe with this option.

The kit comes with two drill bits, featuring different sizes and varied grit sand bands so you can customise to your dog’s needs. This means that most dogs regardless of size should get on with this product. No sizeism here!

The Andis is lightweight and comfortable in your hands as you work. It also comes with a portable sleeve to easily pack away and transport when you need to.

There are some cons, however. This is not a wireless nor rechargeable model so not quite as portable as the Pet Parlour or Rimposky. Similar to our last option, there is also no nail guard. Plus, there is no port protecting the sand bit, so long fur can get caught in the drilling if you aren’t careful.

Those of us on our testing team newer to nail grinding had some difficulty in using this tool. We discovered that you need to tighten the sand bands to the sanding drum correctly and securely before use. You can always reach out to the manufacturer for further guidance. So, it is not quite as simple to use as other models on this list.

That said, for the mid-range price point, we think this is a great option for filing your pup’s nails at home.

It is tough to get close to your dog’s nail with a drill in the best of times. I mean, how would you feel if someone approached you with a loud, buzzy drill to file your nails down that you have no control over?

I’m sure you would squirm. Your dog feels the same!

Our final pick is the Casfuy which is the very definition of whisper-quiet on its lowest setting. This electric nail file is so quiet that even scaredy-cats like my toy poodle are okay with it. Coming at a great price-point, the Casfuy has many additional features.

It comes with a USB rechargeable cable to top up the power before use. It does not come with a plug which in this case is a good thing. Many of the models on this list are not manufactured in Australia so they may need a power adapter. In this case, you can just use any USB charger you have.

The bit grinder is made of diamond (carbon) for a durable, smooth finish. However, comparing to the others on this list, the Casfuy is less versatile with only one drill bit with an adaptable port. There are no sanding bands to adjust the strength of the filing, which as we mentioned with our number four choice, can help make the grinding experience safer and more comfortable for your dog.

Casfuy offers a lifetime warranty on the product. This is a step above most of the nail filers on this list which offer none. For the price point and satisfaction guarantee, our team of testers think this product is a wonderful addition to your dog grooming kit.

Pet Nail Grinder Buyer’s Guide

How Does A Dog Nail Grinder Work?

When purchasing a grinder, or “Nail Dremel” if you are fancy, there are some key components to look out for. But before we dive into that, it is worth understanding how a nail grinder actually works, which are expert team breaks down ahead. If you are the type to wear acrylic nails on a regular basis, you are probably familiar with these contraptions.

Related: Dog Nail Grinder vs Nail Clipper.

Essentially a nail grinder is an electric file, made up of a small handle and a rotary drilling bit that shaves off slices of the nail. The core elements are the electronic centre, the handle, and the drill bit which all align with one of the following criteria.

Power

Where does the tool draw its power from? When it comes to dog grooming there are two main pieces of electronic tools we use; electric nail files and dog hair clippers. When using electronics, we need to make sure that the power source and set-up work best with how you intend to use them.

So, for example, if your dog is a competitor, you may need a wireless nail file. For your personal needs, you may prefer a battery-powered tool over a rechargeable or mains-wired tool. Figure out what would be best for you before you search for a nail grinder for your dog.

Speed, Materials & Durability

This refers to the drill bit of the nail file - the part that actually grinds away at the nail. Generally, nail files for dogs have sand bits but some also come with diamond bits. The material of the drill bit can correlate to its durability. Diamond lasts longer than sand for example. Most drill bits will be replaceable but of course, the longer you can use the included bit, the better the return on your investment.

Some nail grinders will come with multiple bits so you can change the strength of the sanding bit. A higher grit on the drill bit will shave off more of the nail. Though this can make the process a little faster, a higher grit needs to be used with caution. These bits tend to heat up quickly due to the increased pressure. The heat can be uncomfortable for your dog. Speed control is also an important factor as drilling too fast will increase the heat.

Ergonomics

This is all to do with the handle. How comfortable is the nail file to use? Though left-handed folks shouldn’t need a different handle as you would for grooming scissors, you want the grinder to be as comfortable and simple as possible for both you and your dog. A lightweight tool is preferable so that it is portable and not strenuous to hold in your hand. You shouldn’t be using the nail grinder for too long of a time, but as I quickly learned, the ergonomic factors are still important.

How To Use a Dog Nail Grinder

So, I suppose I haven’t done the best job of taking the sting out of the oh-so-scary grinder yet, but this is where I will set your mind at ease, dear reader. The humble nail file is not that frightening at all once you know the basics.

Related: How To Cut A Dogs Nail In 4 Simple Steps.

In many ways, the trickiest part is actually getting your dog to relax around the tool. You’ll be pleased to learn that normally dogs get on better with nail files than they do with nail clippers - yes, really! So, let’s start with these acclimatisation steps our team of experts suggest before the practical instructions.

Related: What To Do If Your Dog Has Nail Problems.

Step 1. Preparing Your Dog for Nail Care

Acclimatising your dog to nail care could take some time. Like with all aspects of training, patience is key. As part of the nail grinder testing process, I gave my dog treats and praise when I touched his paws. This helped make him associate paw handling with good things. It’s a classic case of positive reinforcement. Over time, your dog may even offer up their paws for handshakes and high fives. (3)

The second part of acclimatising your dog to nail filing is the sound of the nail file itself. There are low-noise options on the market which we will recommend in the review section, but to a degree, it is completely natural for your dog to be scared or wary of a buzzing nail drill. To get them used to the sound, our experts recommend you to periodically switch it on around them and use positive reinforcement techniques. They will soon not be so frightened of the noise of the grinder.

Related: Getting Your Puppy Accustomed To Having Their Nails Clipped

Step 2. Determine How Much Needs to Be Trimmed

Dogs have an inner fleshy part of the nail called the “quick”, which you may also see referred to as the cuticle.

This is the part you definitely want to avoid at all costs. Have you ever accidentally cut into your nail bed? Actual nightmare! Luckily with a nail file, you are shaving off smaller sections of the nail than with a clipper, so you are not making a direct cut across.

Related: How Long Should Dog Nails Be?

When you examine your dog’s nails, you will be able to see a pink inner section and the clear or black free edge. You want to shave down the free edge only.

Step 3. Positioning Your Dog

Some dog owners file their dog’s nails by sitting beside them, whilst others encourage their dog to give them their paw and grind the nail from in front. Our experts say that what works best for you will depend on the comfort level of you and your dog.

You want to be at the same level so have them sit on the sofa. You need to have a very firm grip on your dog’s paw so that you are secure in what you are doing. 

Step 4. How To Grind Your Dog’s Nails

To file your dog’s nail, I learned from our team of grooming experts and vets that it is quite a simple process. After you have positioned your dog, use your weak hand to hold your dog’s paw, concentrating on one claw.

With the drill in your dominant hand, approach at a 45-degree angle, and use small, short bursts to shave the nail down to the desired length. Many of our groomers said to look out for a black dot visible on the inside of the nail.

We also suggest watching YouTube videos to get a visual tutorial of exactly how to do this process safely.

Related: How To Treat A Dog Nail Separated From Quick
Related: How Often Should You Cut Your Dog’s Nails?
Related: How To Cut Black Dog Nails.
Related: How To Stop A Dogs Nail From Bleeding?
Related: How To Deal With Aggressive Dogs During Nail Clipping?

My Final Verdict On Top Nail Grinders

When it comes to the best dog nail grinder Australia offers, my top choice is definitely The Pet Parlour nail grinder. It is the most efficient and technologically advanced with variable speeds and a one-year warranty. 

Our team of experts who tested all of the models above are also huge fans of the Rimposky model that provides great value for money and an ultra-quiet operating speed. Choose one of these for your dog and they'll have smooth nails on command.

References

1. Erb, H. September 25, 2015. “A Bonding Opportunity: Groom Your Dog”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/groom-your-dog
2. Jackson, S. February 27, 2023. “Grooming Your Dog's Paws Stress-Free”. Pet Helpful. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://pethelpful.com/dogs/How-to-Take-the-Stress-Out-of-Grooming-Your-Dogs-Paws
3. Lowrey, S. January 9, 2020. “How to Teach Your Dog to Shake Hands”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved March 14, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-shake-hands/
4. Turner, B. Marhc 4, 2022. “How Often Should You Cut Your Dog's Nails?”. Preventive Vet. Retrieved March 14, 2023.  https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-often-should-you-cut-your-dogs-nails