Like any dog, Great Danes aren’t always the biggest fans of getting their nails clipped. Some dogs may even get aggressive when it’s time for their regular nail trim.
As a result, some dog owners make the decision to use professionals for their grooming needs. Unfortunately, that may not always be a financial or reasonable option for everyone.
While it can be easy to overlook, nail care is essential for your Great Dane. As a larger, heavier breed, your Great Dane’s paws take on more work than smaller breeds.
If pad and nail care aren’t taken seriously, additional injuries or problems may arise. Your Great Dane could be susceptible to orthopedic, gait, or posture issues.
So, if you are more of a DIY dog owner, check out our favorite products and some helpful tips to keep your Great Dane’s nails in great shape!
My Favorite Great Dane Nail Clippers
There are so many different types of products on the market. Some have great reviews and reputations, and others are only cheap imitations. However, my favorite nail clippers for Great Danes are the GoPets Nail Clippers.
Marketed as an option for both dogs and cats, the
With the GoPets Nail Clipper, trimming nails is now a breeze. Plier style nail cutters allow for more control, better visibility, and safety than a guillotine cutter. BONUS nail file included with your purchase!
The GoPets Nail Clipper is made from stainless steel and is guaranteed to stay sharp for years. Should you have any issues with this product, they offer a guaranteed replacement tool or a refund. Best of all? Part of GoPet’s profits goes to animal-friendly non-profit organizations and no-kill shelters!
Still not convinced the
Read on for more types of nail clippers, along with their pros and cons!
Types of Clippers Available
Guillotine
Guillotine clippers work like the traditional guillotine popular during the French Revolution!
You simply put your Great Dane’s nail into the hole and squeeze. When you squeeze, a small blade will take off the tip of your dog’s nail. You should be able to find these at your local pet store or online vendors.
Ultimately, we do not recommend these for your Great Dane. Commonly, guillotine clippers are used for small or medium-sized dogs. They would not work well on your Great Dane’s larger and thicker nails.
This would make it difficult to make clean and quick cuts.
Grinder
Grinders are another common variety for nail maintenance. These work similar to sandpaper, in that they grind the nail away slowly.
They do not clip the nail. Many grinders have multiple options for speeds, allowing you to customize the experience for your Great Dane’s needs.
Grinder Cons
Unlike while using traditional clippers, you are less likely to hit the quick of the nail when using grinders. This can mean less discomfort for your pet and potentially less bleeding!
If you’re interested in trying a grinder, we recommend the Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Pet Nail Grooming Tool. This specific grooming tool claims to be quieter than other grinders.
This kit allows you to quickly, easily and safely trim your pet's nails. The rechargeable, battery-powered device uses a 60-grit sanding drum to comfortably trim toenails in a manner that is designed to be harmless and humane.
This can help lead to less anxiety if your dog dislikes the noise or vibrations. It is also a cordless tool, meaning you can finish a pedicure anywhere or anytime.
Grinder Pros
Unfortunately, sometimes a grinding tool can take more time than a traditional cutter. They slowly grind away at the nail, rather than cutting it all off at once.
This also means the need for more patience from you—and from your Great Dane!
Also, some dogs dislike the vibrations caused by the machine. This can make an already difficult task even more time-consuming and challenging.
Scissor
The last type of popular style is scissor clippers. My recommended product, the GoPets Nail Clippers, is scissor-style. Similar to wire cutters and scissors, scissor-style clippers simply use a sharpened blade to trim your Great Dane’s long nails.
Scissor Pros
Scissor-style clippers are typically recommended for larger dogs, like your Great Dane. Because of the simple style, it is easier to apply greater force.
This means they are well-known for handling larger or thicker nails. Finally, there is no charging required!
This means it is easy to complete a touch-up whenever you want and never wait for a battery to charge or find an outlet.
Scissor Cons
The only downfall of a scissor-style clipper is a greater risk of hitting your dog’s nail quick. The quick is the sensitive part of a dog’s nail that has nerves and blood flow.
Accidentally clipping your Great Dane’s nails too short and hitting the quick can result in discomfort and profuse bleeding.
However, with patience and attention, you should quickly become a pro at using this grooming tool!
Tips for Trimming a Great Dane’s Nails
Found the perfect grooming tool for your Great Dane?
Great!
Now let’s jump into some more nail trimming specifics like when and how to cut them!
How Do You Know When It’s Time To Cut Their Nails?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. The amount of time in-between trims is doing to depend on what types of surfaces your Great Dane usually walks on.
Carpet takes less of a toll on your Great Dane’s nails than concrete or hardwood floors. Your pet’s nutrition also impacts nail health and growth speed.
However, the general rule is if your dog is standing up and his or her nails are hitting the floor, it is definitely time for a trim.
How to Cut Their Nails
How you cut your Great Dane’s nails will depend on how relaxed or stressed your pet gets during a pedicure. Some dogs will easily take to this necessary grooming routine, but others will actively resist it.
For this reason, you should handle their paws often as a puppy to get them used to the sensation. Having two people present for trimming can be helpful until they get used to the process.
You can either trim your dog’s nails as they lay on their side or, like a horse, while they are standing up. It might not be a bad idea to have a few treats and toys available to coax out good behavior or help them relax.
If your dog gets nervous or stressed, it is helpful to have a second person helping. They can distract your Great Dane with attention or treats, while you take care of the needed pedicure.
When you are ready to trim your dog’s nail, try to cut at a 45° angle, like the image below.
If you accidentally clip your dog’s quick, do not panic! While there may be some discomfort and bleeding, your pet should not be traumatized or in intense pain.
If you are worried about bleeding, there are blood clotting products, like Groomer’s Styptic Powder, that you can purchase and keep on hand.
Cardinal Styptic Powder will quickly stop bleeding due to clipping nails or wings, or for minor, superficial cuts to the skin such as nicks from shaving. Manufactured in the USA in our 100% Solar Powered Facility!
Think you are still doing it wrong? Check with your local groomer or veterinarian for additional help!
When to Replace Clippers
When your nail trimming routine starts to take longer or needs more force, it might be time to replace your clippers. For a grinder, you can usually purchase the tool heads, instead of purchasing a whole new tool!
For both guillotine and scissor-style clippers, when the blade gets dull and it becomes difficult to cut through your Great Dane’s nail…it is probably time for a replacement!
Always check the manufacturer’s settings for information on replacements as they may be covered under warranty.
Video Tips for Nail Trimming!
In addition to nail trimming, there are a few other grooming steps that should also be incorporated into your routine to keep your Great Dane healthy.
Hi Zach thank you for sharing the video about dog nail grinder it will help me a lot.