DREMEL® Pet Nail Grooming Kit (7020-PGK)

The pet nail grooming kit has 2 speed setting. We advise to start with the lowest speed setting first, to get the dog used to the tool. This setting could be perfect to use the whole time. But if you want more material removal and your dog allows you to do so, you can set the speed to position 2.

Before trimming your pet’s nails, you will need to identify the quick. The diagram below shows the basic anatomy of a pet’s toenail. The outer nail is hard and has no feeling because it has no nerve endings. The core of the nail is the quick. It is made up of tiny blood vessels and nerve endings and is very sensitive. The quick is a vein that “feeds” the toenail. Should you cut the quick while trimming a nail, the nail will start to bleed. Light colored nails are often transparent enough to allow you to see the quick’s pink core. Dark colored nails may not allow you to see where the quick is located. Pets may have both light and dark colored nails that allow you to estimate the length of the quick. The diagram also shows an estimate of the proper angle at which to trim a pet’s nails. A rule of thumb for the proper angle is 45 degrees upwards from the bottom of the paw. This angle is what the guide on the attachment provides. The proper angle may vary according to the pet owner’s wishes or the pet’s unique anatomy. Trim nails so that they almost touch the ground when your pet is walking.

Grooming a pet’s nails for the first time can be a worrisome experience for both the pet and pet owner. Rest assured that nail grooming does not have to be a stressful experience. By starting early and considering grooming to be part of your pet’s training, your pet will grow used to the experience. First, train your pet to feel comfortable with their paws being touched and handled before exposing them to the rotary tool. One way to do this is to massage their legs, paws, and individual toes for a few minutes at least once a day. Afterwards, create a positive association with this experience by rewarding your pet with its favorite snack. Next, help your pet grow gradually accustomed to the rotary tool. Let your pet sniff the tool while it is turned off. Then, while keeping the tool in your hand, let your pet listen to the sound the tool makes when it is turned on. Ideally, have your pet sit or lay on its side while the tool is in your hand and running. Gradually work up to having your pet’s toenails touch the rotating sanding disc for less than a second. Do not grind the nails yet; simply let your pet become familiar with the tool. Throughout the acclimation process, continue to praise your pet and reward good behavior with a snack. This process may take a couple of days or weeks.