Emery boards and nail files are devices used to file nails. Dog owners often ask if they can use an emery board or a nail file to file their dogs’ nails. If you have the same question in mind, you have come to the right place for your answer.
Using a nail file on dogs
You can use a nail file to file your dog’s nails. Nail filing helps keep the paws healthy and pain-free. If nail clipping frightens your dog, you can switch to nail filing as an alternative. When your dog’s nail tips become ragged or jagged, you can file their nails.
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Most pet owners still do not know that they can file their dogs’ nails like how they file their nails using nail files. However, not all nail files are the same, and some are more suitable than others. Nail files are also beneficial as they help keep the dogs’ paws healthy.
Moreover, nail filing dogs’ nails can work as an alternative to clipping their nails. Most dogs are afraid of getting their nails clipped and fight to set themselves free.
If you are experiencing difficulties clipping your dog’s nails, you can use a nail file to file its nails, and your dog will not cause any trouble.
Additionally, you should frequently perform nail filing on your dog’s nails to prevent its nail tips from becoming jagged. A ragged nail tip can catch a surface and tear it unintentionally, resulting in injury or infection. So, you should use nail files for your dog’s nails whenever necessary.
You will find most dog groomers have nail files available for dogs. It is a popular device, and you see it in most online shops or pet shops nearby. There are different types of nail files obtainable, and learning about these can help you choose the most suitable one for your pet dog.
Regular nail file:
Regular nail files are an excellent choice for small filing jobs. You can keep a nail file nearby to smooth your dog’s nails whenever required.
Since these do not need any additional accessories, they are portable, and you can carry one of them around in the emergency bag for your pet dog. Regular nail files are most suitable for dogs afraid of nail clippers.
Electric nail file:
Most professionals use electric nail files. These are also known as nail grinders. There are two variants of electric nail files, sanding stone and diamond bit electric nail files.
Most dog groomers prefer the diamond bit to the sanding stone electric nail file because the diamond bit has greater longevity and does not heat the nails by friction. They are most suitable for shortening and smoothing nails.
Glass nail file:
Glass or crystal glass nail files are manual and are better than electrical nail files because these are more durable and efficient for smoothing dogs’ nails. Since crystal or glass is not porous, it lasts a long time and sterilizing it is easier.
You can clean a glass nail file in a dishwasher. If you are looking for a nail file for dogs’ nails, a glass nail file or a crystal nail file is the most suitable option.
These are the three types of nail files available for dogs’ nails. If you do not wish to clip your dog’s nails, you can purchase one of these and nail file its nails.
Is a nail file better for dogs?
Nowadays, most professional dog groomers and pet owners own a nail file that they use for dogs’ nails. If you are asking if a nail file is better for dogs, the answer is yes. Several reasons suggest a nail file is better for dogs than nail clippers.
Firstly, nail files are beneficial for dogs as it helps keep their paws clean and healthy. You can only use nail clippers to clip a dog’s nails. If the nail clipper is not sharp enough or has manufacturing faults, your dog may face pain while you are clipping its nails.
Secondly, most dogs are less afraid of nail files than nail clippers. If you own a pet dog, you may have seen your dog act terrified whenever you have tried to clip its nails. Dogs do not feel frightened of nail files and find the nail filing process more tolerable than nail clipping.
How often should you file a dog’s nails?
How often you must file a dog’s nails depends on how fast its nails grow back. Also, you should consider if the dog’s nails are causing any ripping on surfaces. Below is an elaboration to help you understand better.
If your dog’s nails tend to grow back soon after you have filed them, you will file your dog’s nails more often than usual. Normally, you will have to file your dog’s nails once a week. Doing it once a week will help keep it short and prevent it from becoming ragged.
Additionally, if your dog’s nails have become jagged, you should file their nails as soon as possible to avoid having your dog tear any surface. Having rough nails, your dog may unintentionally hurt you by severely scratching your skin.
So, avoid mishaps by filing your dog’s nails as soon as they feel rough or ragged.
What kind of file can I use on my dog’s nails?
Different types of nail files are available in the market for filing dogs’ nails. You can purchase any nail file. Here are the various nail files you may come across in a pet shop.
Regular nail file:
Regular nail files are an excellent choice if you want a nail file for small filing jobs. You can carry one around to smooth your dog’s nails whenever required.
These are portable, and you can carry one of them around in the emergency bag for your pet dog. Regular nail files are comparatively inexpensive, and you can use these as alternatives to nail clippers.
Electric nail file:
Electric nail files or nail grinders are mostly used by professionals. You will find two variants of electric nail files, sanding stone and diamond bit electric nail files.
Most people suggest buying the diamond bit electric nail file because it has greater longevity and does not heat the nails. You can use one instead of a nail clipper.
Glass nail file:
Crystal glass nail files are the most purchased because of their durability and efficiency. Crystal or glass is not porous, which makes it last for a long time, and sterilizing it is easier. Cleaning a crystal glass nail file is easy.
If you are in the market for a durable and easy-to-clean nail file, you can buy one of these.
These are all the different types of nail files you will come across. Not all nail files are the same so buy the one you think is the most suitable for your pet dog.
How to file dog nails with a nail filer?
Since there are different types of nail files for dogs’ nails, the steps will be slightly different depending on what kind of nail file you are using. In the steps, we will show you how to file dogs’ nails with an electric nail file or a nail grinder.
Hold the nail grinder in your dominant hand:
Hold the electric nail file using your dominant hand. For most people, it is their right hand.
Hold the dog’s paws with your other hand:
Using your other hand, softly hold the paw and separate the toes. Do not put too much pressure, or else you will make the dog feel uncomfortable. Also, check for any injuries, infections, or ticks.
Turn on the nail grinder:
Hold the nail grinder and turn it on. If you see your dog is panicking, reassure it that it is safe by providing it with treats. Allow the dog to get comfortable with the buzzing sound.
Grind the dog’s nails and check the warmth of the nail grinder:
While carefully holding the paw of the dog, slowly grind the nails. Some nail grinders can become hot as you use them so, after using them for some time, turn them off and put them on the back of your hand to see if it is hot. If it feels too warm, let it cool before using it again.
Complete grinding all the nails:
Once you have ground one nail of the dog, continue to do so for the rest of the nails. Remember to be cautious and not hurt the dog.
Final Thoughts
Using a nail file or grinder to shorten a dog’s nails is better than using nail clippers. Most dogs do not find nail clippers comfortable. So, you can use a nail file instead. Nail files are more beneficial and tolerable for dogs than the nail-clipping process.