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 Great Dane 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 or their pet.
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 dog pads 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 Great Dane
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Best Clippers
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Best Styptic Powder
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- Large size is well-suited for Great Danes
- Built in safety guard helps to prevent over-cutting
- Large non-slip coated handles are comfortable to grip and provide great leverage for fast, effortless cuts
- Stops bleeding quickly and effectively
- Professional groomer quality
- Great for use during nail clipping
Best Nail Clippers for a Great Dane
There are so many different types of nail trimmers on the market! Some have great reviews and reputations, and others are only cheap imitations…
My favorite nail clippers for Great Danes are the GoPets Nail Clippers.
Marketed as an option for a dog or cat, the
It also comes in small and large clipper sizes (I recommend the large for your Great Dane!) It’s also recommended by vets, trainers, and groomers.
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. They offer a guaranteed replacement clipper or a refund if you have any issues with this nail product.
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 and their pros and cons for your pet!
Types of Nail Clippers Available
Guillotine Clippers
Guillotine clippers work like the traditional guillotine popular during the French Revolution!
- You simply put your dog’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 this clipper style for your Great Dane!
Commonly, guillotine clippers are used for small or medium-sized dogs. They would not work well on the large and thick nails of a Great Dane.
This type of nail makes it difficult for guillotine clippers to make clean and quick cuts.
Grinder (Clippers)
Grinders are another common variety for nail maintenance.
These work similar to sandpaper in that they grind the nail away slowly. However, they do not directly cut the nail!
This slower process makes many pet owners more comfortable with performing nail clipping at home as a result.
Many grinders have multiple options for speeds, allowing you to customize the experience for your Dane’s needs.
Grinder Cons
Unlike when 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 dog clippers.
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 dog tool, meaning you can finish a pedicure anywhere or anytime.
Grinder Pros
Unfortunately, sometimes a
This also means the need for more patience from you—and from your Great Dane!
Also, some dogs dislike the vibrations caused by the
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
A scissor-style clipper, like a Great Dane, is typically recommended for larger dogs. Because of the simple style, it is easier to apply greater force.
This means they are well-known for handling a large or thick nail. Last but not least, there is no charging required for these clippers!
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 to use the clippers.
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 the dog nail that has nerves and blood flow.
Accidentally clipping their nails too short and hitting the quick can result in discomfort and profuse bleeding for your pet.
However, with patience and attention, you should quickly become a pro at using this grooming clipper tool!
Tips for Trimming Large Breed Dog 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 are going to depend on what types of surfaces your Great Dane usually walks on.
Carpet takes less of a toll on Great Dane nails than concrete or hardwood floors. Your pet’s nutrition also impacts nail health and growth speed.
However, the general rule is that if your Great Dane stands up and his or her nails hit the floor, it is time for a trim.
How to Cut Their Nails
How you cut the nails of a Great Dane 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 trim your dog’s nails as they lay on their side or, like a horse, while standing up. Having a few treats and toys available might not be a bad idea to coax out good behavior or help them relax.
If your dog gets nervous or stressed, having a second person helping is helpful. 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 in the image below.
If you accidentally clip your dog’s quick, do not panic! While discomfort and bleeding may occur, 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. You can usually purchase the tool heads alone instead of a whole new one for a grinder!
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!
Understanding Great Dane’s Nails
Like most dogs’ nails, maintaining the nails of a Great Dane requires regular care and attention.
Neglecting their nails can lead to pain, discomfort, and even health issues.
This section will discuss the importance of nail care, identifying overgrown nails, and the potential harm of overgrown nails in a Great Dane.
Importance of Large Dog Nail Care
Great Dane’s nails grow continuously, just like human nails. Their nails can grow too long if left untrimmed, causing discomfort and pain.
A long nail can also affect their gait, leading to joint problems and other health issues.
Regular nail care is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your Great Dane.
Identifying Overgrown Nails
It’s essential to keep an eye on your Great Dane’s nails and identify when they need trimming.
The following signs can identify overgrown dog nails:
- Clicking sound when walking on hard surfaces
- Difficulty walking or running
- Nails curling or growing into the paw pads
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to trim your Great Dane’s nails!
Potential Harm of Overgrown Nails
Overgrown nails can lead to various dog health issues, including:
- Pain and discomfort
- Joint problems
- Difficulty walking or running
- Nails growing into the paw pads, leading to infections
- Damage to floors and furniture
Trimming your dogs nails regularly with clippers is essential to prevent these issues.
Keep an eye on your pet and trim their nails regularly with clippers as they grow long to prevent any potential harm.
Nail Clipper FAQs
WHAT ARE THE BEST NAIL CLIPPERS FOR GIANT BREED DOGS?
Several nail clippers in the market are specifically designed for giant breed dogs like a Great Dane.
Some of the best nail clippers for giant breed dogs are GoPets Pet Nail Clipper, Safari Professional Nail Trimmer, and Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TRIM A GREAT DANE’S NAILS?
It is recommended to trim a Great Dane’s nails every two weeks. Waiting too long between nail trims can cause the quick to grow longer, making it difficult to trim the nails without causing pain or bleeding.
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR NAIL TRIMMING?
Using proper nail clippers and trim the nails at a 45-degree angle is important. It is also important to avoid cutting the quick, which is the blood vessel inside the nail.
If the quick is accidentally cut, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF MILLERS FORGE STEEL PET NAIL CLIPPER?
Millers Forge steel pet nail clipper is a scissor-style clipper that is made of high-quality stainless steel. It has a safety stop to prevent overcutting and a comfortable grip for easy handling.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING GOPETS NAIL CLIPPERS?
GoPets nail clippers have a unique ergonomic design that makes them easy to use on your pet.
They also have a safety guard to prevent overcutting and a quick sensor to help you avoid cutting the quick.
In addition to nail trimming, a few other grooming steps should also be incorporated into your routine to keep your Great Dane dog healthy.
Hi Zach thank you for sharing the video about dog nail grinder it will help me a lot.