Many dog owners can relate to the challenges of trimming their pet’s claws. Clipping nails can be particularly difficult with small breeds because it’s easy to over-measure and accidentally snip the quick (inner part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves). Using a pair of nail clippers made specifically for small dogs can help prevent accidents and make trimming claws faster and easier.
You can find nail clippers with different designs, but they’ll work differently for each individual dog. These reviews of various small dog nail clippers are here to help you determine which kind would be the best fit for you and your pet.
In this article
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2025
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Andis Pet Nail Clipper |
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Best Value
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Li’l Pals Dog Nail Trimmer |
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Premium Choice
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Dremel 7350-PT Cordless Dog & Cat Rotary Nail Grinder Kit |
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Zen Clipper Precise Adjustable Dog Nail Clipper |
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Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Professional Dog Nail Clipper |
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The 10 Best Nail Clippers for Small Dogs
1. Andis Pet Nail Clipper — Best Overall
| Clipper Type: | Spring-loaded |
| Material: | Stainless steel, rubber |
If you’re looking for a safe and reliable dog nail clipper, Andis Pet Nail Clipper is the right choice for you. It consistently provides a safe and convenient grooming experience for both you and your dog. The blades are sharpened and treated with heat for improved strength and durability. A safety stop is positioned right next to the blades to prevent over-cutting, and it slides if you need to make a longer cut.
The handles have an anti-slip grip and an ergonomic design, so it’s comfortable for you to hold. Once you’re done using it, you can press the safety lock to store it away until the next time you use it. Just keep in mind that the safety lock can stick if you slide it improperly. So, make sure to take your time and properly store it to prevent the nail clippers from getting jammed.
With its convenient and comfortable design and durable materials, we consider Andis Pet Nail Clippers to be the best overall nail clippers for small dogs. An additional perk is that it’s compatible with all dog sizes and cats, making it an excellent option for multi-pet homes.
- Sliding safety stop
- Ergonomic handle
- Compatible with all sizes of dogs and cats
- Safety lock can get stuck
2. Li’l Pals Dog Nail Trimmer — Best Value
| Clipper Type: | Scissors |
| Material: | Stainless steel, vinyl |
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Li’l Pals Dog Nail Trimmer is the best nail clippers for small dogs for the money. It has a simple yet effective design. The handles are covered with non-slip vinyl to ensure that you can maintain a secure grip. The blades are made of durable, long-lasting stainless steel. They’re thinner than average nail clippers so you can cut your dog’s tiny nails with precision and a clean cut.
These nail clippers reliably get the job done, but beginners may need to be extra careful because they don’t have a safety stop. So, it’s important to pay attention to prevent cutting the quick.
- Non-slip vinyl grip
- Thin blades provide clean cut
- Made with long-lasting stainless steel
- No safety stop
3. Dremel 7350-PT Cordless Dog & Cat Rotary Nail Grinder Kit — Premium Choice
| Clipper Type: | Grinder |
| Material: | Plastic, sand drum, metal |
If you have a particularly impatient dog, you may want to try using the Dremel 7350-PT Cordless Dog & Cat Rotary Nail Grinder Kit. This pet grooming tool makes maintaining your dog’s nails a quick and easy routine. It can be a little loud and intimidating at first, but it quickly grinds down your dog’s nails to the desired length within minutes.
Some dogs may find traditional nail clippers uncomfortable or painful, especially when the blades get dull. The Dremel 7350-PT nail grinder eliminates the pain by sanding down the nail with its 60-grit sanding drum. It has two speed settings that can tackle all kinds of nail grooming needs. It’s also rechargeable and cordless, so you can use it in any position that’s comfortable for your dog.
- Shortens nail-clipping process
- Rechargeable and cordless
- Two speed settings
- Can be loud for some dogs
4. Zen Clipper Precise Adjustable Dog Nail Clipper
| Clipper Type: | Spring-loaded |
| Material: | Stainless steel, plastic |
Clipping nails can be particularly challenging when you have a squirmy puppy that’s not used to their paws getting touched. Despite being on the pricier end, the Zen Clipper Precise Adjustable Dog Nail Clipper is a great choice for new dog owners and their puppies because it makes nail clipping fast and easy.
The blades are designed to avoid the quick and only clip the tip of the nail. The clipper has a rotator that adjusts the blade to cut through different nail sizes, so it’s also a great option for multi-dog homes. The handles are molded to comfortably fit in your hand.
- Blades designed to avoid cutting the quick
- Adjustable blades for different nail sizes
- Ergonomic handle
- Relatively expensive
5. Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Professional Dog Nail Clipper
| Clipper Type: | Spring-loaded |
| Material: | Stainless steel, rubber, metal |
Part of the challenge of finding nail clippers for small dogs is the handle. Many nail clippers are smaller to accommodate the dog’s size, but this compromises comfort and a secure grip for handlers. Fortunately, the Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Professional Dog Nail Clipper has one of the most ergonomic designs. The handle has a non-slip, double-bonded grip so you can hold the nail clippers securely. It also has hardened surgical-steel cutting blades that provide a swift and clean cut over a long period of time. The blades have a safety guard to prevent over-cutting, and you can also slide it if you need to make longer cuts.
While the clippers come with a safety lock, it may be better to leave the clippers open and store them in a safe location. The safety lock has a weak design and can easily slide around, so the clippers can end up locking while you’re using them.
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable surgical-steel cutting blades
- Built-in safety guard
- Weak safety lock
6. Resco Original Dog Nail Clippers
| Clipper Type: | Guillotine |
| Material: | Stainless steel |
Many owners prefer guillotine nail clippers for small dogs because they provide an easier grip and can quickly clip the dog’s thin nails. The Resco Original Dog Nail Clippers are a safe choice for anyone looking for a new guillotine nail clipper. It has a heavy-duty, solid-steel design made to last a long time.
You can also purchase replacement blades so you don’t have to buy a new nail clipper when the blades wear down. The only thing is that the sharpness of these blades is inconsistent. Most of the time, they’re sharpened well, but you can occasionally get a pack of dull replacement blades. So, make sure to keep your receipt in case you receive a dull blade and need to replace it.
- Easy to grip and quickly clip nails
- Heavy-duty steel design
- Can purchase replacement blades
- Some blades are duller than others
7. Boshel Dog Nail Clipper
| Clipper Type: | Spring-loaded |
| Material: | Stainless steel, plastic |
The Boshel Dog Nail Clipper has a versatile design, making it suitable for multi-dog homes. The blades are made with heavy-duty stainless steel and can cut through any sized nail. A safety stop rests next to the blades, and you rotate it to remove it if you need to make larger cuts.
The handles rest comfortably in your hands, and you can simply slide the safety lock to store the clipper away when it’s not in use. Each clipper also comes with a nail file that you conveniently slide into the handle after you’ve finished using it.
The only issue with these clippers is the spring. It weakens relatively quickly, so it may not start to spring back open after a while. So, you may need to buy a replacement before the blade wears down.
- Blades can cut through any nail size
- Safety stop located near blade
- Comes with a nail file
- Spring can start to weaken quickly
8. Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs
| Clipper Type: | Spring-loaded |
| Material: | Stainless steel, plastic |
These Safari Professional Nail Trimmers for Dogs are affordably priced spring-loaded nail clippers. Just keep in mind that the blades do tend to wear down quickly. Still, it’s a good choice for beginners, and once you gain more experience cutting your small dog’s nails, you can invest in a higher-quality set of nail clippers.
These clippers have a double-bladed cutter and comfort grips on the handles. So, they’re comfortable to use and work for both left-handed and right-handed users. They also have a safety stop to reduce the risk of accidents. However, the blades are a bit thick, so they’re appropriately sized for most small dogs, but they may be too big for toy breeds.
- Made for left-handed and right-handed use
- Safety stop attached next to blade
- Comfortable handle grips
- Blades wear down quickly
- Blades may be too thick for toy breeds
9. Hertzko Angled Blade Dog, Cat & Small Pet Nail Scissors
| Clipper Type: | Scissor |
| Material: | Stainless steel |
These Hertzko Angled Blade Dog, Cat & Small Pet Nail Scissors are affordable, but as with most scissor-style clippers, they don’t have a safety stop. So, it’s best for dog owners who already have experience cutting small dogs’ nails.
The blades are made with high-grade stainless steel and have semi-circular indents that help you see your dog’s nails and where you’re cutting more clearly. The handles are wrapped in comfort grips, so your fingers won’t accidentally slip while you’re cutting your dog’s claws.
Overall, these small dog nail clippers have a simple yet effective design. Once you get used to them, you’ll quickly get through cutting your dog’s nails and move on to a more fun activity with your pet in no time.
- High-grade, durable stainless-steel blades
- Semi-circular indents on blade provide clear view of nails
- Comfort-grip handles
- No safety stop
10. CHI Guillotine Nail Dog Clipper
| Clipper Type: | Guillotine |
| Material: | Steel |
The CHI Guillotine Nail Dog Clipper is an option to consider if you’re interested in using a guillotine-style clipper. It’s on the more expensive side, but it consistently performs well for small dog owners. The blades are extremely sharp and will cleanly and quietly cut through your dog’s nails. The handle has rubber grips and an ergonomic design, so it’s easy to quickly get the job done so your dog can be free to run around and play in no time.
This nail clipper has a great design and lasts a long time, so many dog owners think it’s worth the price. The only issue is that it doesn’t have replacement blades, so you’ll have to buy a new pair every time the blade wears down.
- Extremely sharp blades
- Handle has rubber grip and ergonomic design
- Durable and long-lasting
- Relatively expensive
- No replacement blades
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Nail Clippers for Small Dogs
Finding nail clippers for small dogs can be challenging because of the tiny size of their nails. Paying attention to the following factors while you shop for new clippers can help you find a set that will work well for your unique dog.
If you’re uncertain about trimming your dog’s nails or are uncomfortable doing so, consult a veterinarian for guidance.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
Type of Nail Clipper
You can typically find four different kinds of nail clippers for small breeds.
Spring-Loaded
The most common nail clipper design is the spring-loaded clipper. This is the most versatile because it can usually clip all nail sizes, so it’s commonly used for multi-dog homes with pups of varying sizes. Most spring-loaded clippers have a safety stop, making them a suitable choice for beginners.
Scissors
Nail scissors are commonly used for small dogs because they have thin nails that can be cut through easily. They’re usually one of the more affordable options and have the most straightforward design. However, most don’t have stop guards, so it’s important not to cut too close to the quick of the nail.
Guillotine
Guillotine nail clippers are an excellent choice for small dogs. They’re easy to maneuver around tiny nails and can be used interchangeably between left-handed and right-handed users. These nail clippers take a little more time to get used to, though, so they’re best to use on small dogs that are already accustomed to getting their paws handled while you practice.
Grinder
Lastly, nail grinders are a popular choice for dogs that are particularly sensitive to getting their nails clipped. They do a better job of preventing cracks, and dogs will feel less pressure on their nails than with traditional nail clippers. Of course, nail grinders are among the most expensive dog grooming tools. You may also have to spend a little time training your dog to get used to the noises they make.
Blade
When shopping for nail clippers, make sure to examine the blade. Nail clippers for small dogs should have thin blades that can make precise cuts. It’s also important to purchase clippers made with heavy-duty stainless steel so they last a long time.
Handle
One of the inconveniences of small dog nail clippers is the smaller handles, which can be difficult to grip. So, it’s particularly important to look for clippers with ergonomic handles or non-slip grips. Nail clippers with good grips will not only make holding them more comfortable, but they’ll also help reduce the risk of accidents by preventing the blades from slipping.
How We Selected These Nail Clippers for Small Dogs
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The nail clippers reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best nail clippers available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with nail clippers. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
Final Thoughts
The Andis Pet Nail Clipper is our favorite out of these reviews because it’s easy for beginners to use and has a comfortable and secure grip. If you have experience cutting nails and are looking for a budget-friendly choice, Li’l Pals Dog Nail Trimmer is a considerable option. Lastly, Dremel 7350-PT Cordless Dog & Cat Rotary Nail Grinder Kit is a good option for dogs with sensitive paws.
Finding a good nail clipper can help make clipping nails fast and easy. So, it’s worth taking the time to find the right one that both you and your dog will like.
Featured Image Credit: Tsuguliev, Shutterstock
