How to File Your Dog’s Nails Instead of Clipping? (Guide By Vet)

Yes, you can file your dog’s nails instead of clipping them. Use a sturdy pet nail file or an electric nail grinder, hold the paw steady, take off a little at a time from the top and sides of the nail, and stop before you reach the quick. Short, frequent sessions with plenty of treats work best.

If nail clipping makes you (or your dog) anxious, we get it – filing is a gentler alternative, and below we explain exactly how to do it.

How to File Dog Nails With Nail Files?

No matter the file tool you decide on, you should follow some simple tips to give your dog proper treatment. 

Manual filing

Step 1: Hold the tool in your dominant hand

When using manual tools, always hold the tool in your dominant hand and the paw in the other. A sturdy metal or glass file made for pets works much better than a flimsy emery board.

Step 2: Reveal the nails

Another great tip is to hold the paw and try to separate the toes. This will help you separate the fur so you can easily access the nails. 

Step 3: Be careful of the blood vessels

File in one direction, from the top of the nail toward the tip, following the nail's natural curve, and smooth the sides and sharp edges as you go. The goal with both manual and electronic filing is nails short enough to lead to no noise when the animal is walking on the ground, with no clicking on hard floors.

But you should do this with caution. Inside each nail is the quick, which contains the blood vessels and nerve that supply the nail. On light nails you can see it as a pink area. On dark nails, watch the filed surface: when it turns from dry and white to a darker, moist-looking dot in the center, you are close to the quick and should stop. Don't forget the dewclaws if your dog has them.

Step 4: Repeat the process a few times

Make sure that you introduce this process gradually to your pet. It is totally okay to separate the process into a few sessions. 

Electronic filing

Step 1: Offer treats and find the proper tool

To perform electronic filing you need proper tools called grinders. As soon as you turn on the grinder, offer your pet some treats, and then turn it off. With this, you will let your dog know that there is nothing bad about that subject. Believe us, the right treats and proper reinforcement will keep your dog calm. 

Step 2: Hold the dog’s paw with your other hand

Once your dog is used to the sound, hold the grinder in your dominant hand, take your dog’s paw in the other hand and separate the fur to reveal the nails. If your dog has long fur on its feet, hold it back or trim it, because hair can get caught in the spinning head.

Step 3: Adjust the tool accordingly

Start on a low speed and don't press too hard. Most importantly, touch each nail for only a second or two at a time and then lift off, because friction heats up the nail and holding the grinder in one spot can become painful for your dog.

Step 4: Try to keep the blood vessels untouched

Again, as soon as you see the pink quick or the dark dot in the center of the nail, stop grinding. This will prevent blood vessel damage. 

If your dog gets used to the tool, you will make the grooming process much easier and additionally, you will save a lot of money. 

The Pros and Cons of Filing Dog Nails

Yes, filing your dog’s nails is a great alternative instead of clipping. But, you should introduce your dogs to both nail clipping and filing as soon as possible. According to studies, dogs that get introduced to grooming later in life might get aggressive. 

But let’s dig deeper into the pros and cons of filing a dog’s nails. 

Pros of filing dog nails

• Relaxed experience
• Smooth nails
• Avoiding injuries

Many dogs get freaked out when they see clippers, often because of a past unpleasant experience.

Filing can be a more relaxed experience, because there is no sudden squeeze or snap – you take off a little at a time, and many dogs tolerate that better.

Additionally, filing can lead to smoother nails and it will remove unnecessary nail fragments. With this, you will protect your furniture and your animal from scratching. 

Also, you are less likely to injure the quick. Nails are supplied with blood vessels and one small mistake during clipping can lead to heavy bleeding, while filing gives you time to see the quick coming. You can still file too far, though (which is why clippers should always come with styptic powder at hand). 

Filing can also keep the nail integrity and will save you from the unnecessary “drama” from your dog. 

Cons of filing dog nails

• Slow process
• Pricier
• Noise and vibration

Filing isn't perfect, though, and there are a few downsides.

It is more time-consuming than nail clipping and the dog can get bored and anxious. So, try to entertain your dog, if possible during this process. 

Grinders need charging or new batteries, and the sanding bands or heads wear out and need replacing, as do manual files eventually. In general, nail grinders are more expensive than nail clippers.

The filing process is not as easy as it seems. You need to learn the process properly from professionals before you start practicing this. Either ask for advice from a professional groomer or from a veterinarian. 

And most importantly, the noise. Not all dogs enjoy the noise and vibration that is produced from the grinders. If you decide about grinders, adapt your dog from an early age. 

What Type of Dog Nail File to Use?

Nail files are excellent for dogs that are too scared of nail clippers. There are many types of nail files and your choice should depend on your dog’s size. But usually, these files are small, around 6.5 inches long and are easy to store. 

Before we present you all the possible suggestions, be aware that the more quality files you purchase, the longer they will last! 

Let’s discuss your options!