Keeping a dog’s nails trimmed is a very important part of dog ownership since it promotes foot health and can keep your dog comfortable and active. Nails that are excessively long can make it difficult for your dog to walk, can be very painful and can lead to ingrown nails and a variety of other nail disorders. But many pet owners are scared of trimming their dog’s nails, especially if the dog has black nails, which can make it very difficult to identify the nail quick. Using the best dog nail clippers for black nails can allow you to easily cut your pet’s nails, without the risk of cutting into the quick or damaging the nails by crushing them or leaving a jagged edge.
For many new to pet ownership, clipping nails can be a scary task, especially if a dog has had a past bad nail trimming experience, which can make it very difficult to get a dog to sit still and tolerate the treatment. But with the right tool, especially one that comes with built-in safety features that are specifically designed to minimize the chances of causing a nail injury, your pet will quickly adjust to treatment over a period of weeks. This is why finding the right pair of clippers is so important.
There are so many types of nail trimmers on the market, so choosing a pair that’s appropriate for your dog can be difficult, especially if they have very small or thick nails. My list of the top products on the market will help you choose a pair that will work for your pet based on several factors including blade sharpness, design, grip comfort, and more. I’ve included a comparison chart below that lists my top product recommendations, what standout features each model offers, and how each nail clipper rated.
Table of Contents
Dog Nail Clippers for Black Nails Comparison Chart
Product | Breed Size | Safety Guard | Ergonomic Handles | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
BOSHEL Dog Nail Clippers Check On Amazon! | Large/Extra-Large | Yes | Yes | |
Safari Professional Trimmer Check On Amazon! | Small | No | No | |
Epica #1 Professional Clipper Check On Amazon! | Large | No | No | |
Clean House Dog Clippers Check On Amazon! | Small | Yes | No | |
IOKHEIRA Dog Nail Clippers Check On Amazon! | Small and Medium | Yes | Yes | |
Professional Dog Clippers Check On Amazon! | Small | No | Yes |
BOSHEL Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer
These nail clippers feature an ergonomic design that provides a clean cut every time, thanks to the three and a half-millimeter thick stainless steel blades that are designed to cleanly cut through a nail with one cut. The thick, comfortable easy-grip handles feature a non-slip design, so your hands will stay in place even when you’re dealing with the thickest nails. The clippers feature a safety stop blade, which is designed to significantly minimize the risk of cutting your dog’s nails too short and slicing into the quick. This is a must-have safety feature for beginners.
Pros
- Ergonomic handles
- Thick blades
- Durable
- Safety guard
Cons
- Not designed for extra-small and small breeds
Conclusion
These beginner-friendly clippers are perfect for use on larger breeds with black, thick nails. The built-in safety guard will reduce the risk of injuring your dog during a nail trim, and prevents painful cuts that could make it difficult for your dog to allow you to trim their nails in the future.
Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer
These stainless steel clippers feature a nonslip rubberized grip for improved safety and user comfort. The clippers are designed specifically to handle smaller nails, so the blades themselves are much more compact and smaller compared to clippers that are designed for larger breeds. Unfortunately, the clippers don’t come equipped with a safety guard, which can help to reduce the risk of cutting into the quick, making these clippers a bad choice for beginners.
Pros
- Nonslip grip
- Lightweight
- Compact blade design
- Blades are made out of stainless steel
Cons
- Does not have a safety guard designed to prevent cutting into the quick
- Designed for small breeds only
Conclusion
These compact clippers feature durable, sharp, stainless steel blades, which are designed to handle extra-small and small breed dog nails, providing a clean, fast cut that will not cause your pup any pain or discomfort. The lack of a blade safety guard can make these clippers a bad choice for pet owners with no prior nail clipping experience. However, for those that are comfortable with trimming nails, these clippers are a great buy and a steal for the price.
Epica #1 Best Professional Pet Nail Clipper
If you’re looking for a pair of nail trimmers that are designed to handle thicker nails, then your search is over. These clippers are equipped with thick, stainless steel blades that can hold a sharp edge longer. The semi-circular blade design will allow you to make safe, precise cuts since the dog’s nail rest in the semi-circle, allowing you to easily see where you’re cutting. The rubber-coated handles provide the type of secure, comfortable, nonslip grip you need when you’re dealing with cutting through thicker nails.
Pros
- Nonslip rubber grip
- Semi-circular blade design
- Perfect for large breeds
- Low price
Cons
- Not designed for small breeds
- Does not have a safety guard
Conclusion
If you’re looking for clippers that are specifically designed to handle thicker nails, then these clippers fit the bill. While they don’t come with a safety guard, which can prevent you from cutting into the quick, they do have a semi-circular blade design that will allow you to closely watch where you cut, significantly reducing the chances of accidentally cutting your dog’s nails too short.
Clean House Pets Dog and Cat Nail Clippers
The stainless steel blades and the included safety guard are designed to provide a much safer, more controlled nail trimming experience. The safety guard is designed to reduce the chances of accidentally cutting into the quick, while the sharp blade design will provide smooth, clean cutting action. The non-slip rubber handles will prevent your hands from slipping during use while promoting user comfort.
Pros
- Nonslip rubber grip
- Designed specifically for small breeds
- Built-in adjustable safety guard
- Low price
Cons
- Not designed for thick nails
Conclusion
These clippers are a great option if you’re looking for durable clippers that are specifically designed with small breeds in mind. The comfortable non-slip grip will prevent your hands from slipping during use, while the safety guard can provide extra protection against cutting your pet’s nails too short, which can be a painful experience for your pet. The durable design and included safety features make this model a great choice for new pet owners or those with no nail trimming experience.
IOKHEIRA Dog Nail Clippers
These ergonomically designed clippers are recommended by vets and animal trainers. They’re very beginner-friendly and designed to keep you comfortable as you clip away. The rubber, non-slip handles will allow you to get some leverage, which is crucial when you’re cutting through thicker nails. The blades are made out of durable three and a half millimeter thick stainless steel and are designed to hold an edge longer. The safety guard will prevent users from accidentally cutting the nail quick which can cause pain and excessive bleeding. The free nail file is perfect for filing down sharp nails or any jagged edges, so it’s a great free nail care tool that all pet owners can use to achieve perfectly groomed nails.
Pros
- Free nail file
- Built-in safety guard
- Thick stainless steel blades
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- For small and medium-sized breed use only
Conclusion
These lightweight, ergonomic clippers are perfect for beginners, thanks to the nonslip handles and the built-in safety guard that prevents you from cutting into the quick. The clippers are specifically designed for small and medium-sized dogs and feature a thick, durable blade design that allows you to easily and effortlessly cut through thick nails with a single cut.
Trim-Pet Professional Dog Nail Clippers
These comfortable ergonomic clippers are designed with user and pet comfort in mind. The anti-pinch telescoping spring guard is designed to protect the user’s hands when cutting, while the extra-strong conical spring works to improve user comfort. The heat-treated tempered blades are made out of stainless steel and designed to cleanly slice through a nail the first time. The included safety features make these clippers very beginner-friendly, but the lack of a built-in safety guard will be a major drawback for those with no nail clipping experience.
Pros
- Heat-treated tempered blades
- Low price
- Beginner-friendly
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- Designed for small breeds only
- No built-in safety guard
Conclusion
These nail clippers are perfect for beginners in need of a durable, reliable pair of clippers that can handle small breed dog nails. The ergonomic handles feature a non-slip design and promote user comfort. I was disappointed in the lack of a safety guard, however, the other built-in safety features are designed to ensure you cut your pet’s nails fast and easy, with no pain or discomfort.
Dog Nail Clippers for Black Nails Buyer’s Guide
Knowing how often you should brush a dog, trim their nails, and other routine hygiene care often depends on the type of breed you have. Some breeds that are highly active will not need to have their nails trimmed more than once a month, or not at all. While dogs that are not active or those with very thick nails may need to have their nails trimmed more often. Choosing the right nail clippers for your dog will be based on nail color, shape, and the size of the nails. A comfortable grip, durability, and a sharp blade design will all factor into your decision, so you can purchase a pair that won’t crush your dog’s nails, pinch their skin, or tear the nail.
Routinely trimming your dog’s nails once or twice a month is crucial, since nails that are too long can easily break. When this happens, your dog will be in constant pain until it heals, which can be a lengthy process if you have a highly active dog. Additionally, it can lead to an infection or an ingrown nail. With proper nail care, you can keep your pet’s nails neatly trimmed and short, preventing their nails from catching on your clothing, the couch, carpet, and more.
The nail clippers you choose should also depend on how comfortable you are using them and your experience with using clippers. If you’re a beginner or your dog is on edge about having their nails clipped, then you’ll need to ensure the clippers you buy feature the type of durable blade design that will allow you to easily and quickly cut through even the thickest nails.
The best choice is clippers that have ergonomic, non-slip handles that are comfortable to grasp, and blades that are sharp and made out of stainless steel. You must also ensure that the blades on the clippers are the correct size based on your dog’s nails.
Blades
The quality of the blades will be the most important factor. Good blades are made out of high-quality stainless steel, which will remain rust-free and sharp, ensuring a clean cut. Blade sharpness is important since sharp blades will ensure that the clippers provide a painless, clean cut. Choose clippers that can hold an edge longer, in order to avoid crushing your dog’s nail or leaving a jagged edge.
Handle Design
Look for clippers that are comfortable to hold. Many models now come with a rubberized handle or a nonslip grip, which will allow you to get more leverage when you’re cutting through thicker nails. Handles with an ergonomic design will allow you to comfortably cut through even the thickest nails, without causing user discomfort. Fortunately, many of the leading models on the market come equipped with this type of handle design.
Safety
Cutting through black nails can be very stressful for pet owners since they’re not able to see the nail quick like they can with clear or white nails. If you accidentally cut the quick, not only will the dog’s nail bleed excessively, but it can create fear of future pain, causing your dog to become fearful or aggressive the next time you attempt to trim their nails. Some clippers come equipped with a quick guard, which will prevent you from cutting into the quick, allowing you to make smaller cuts until you’re able to identify the gummy appearance of the quick and avoid cutting into it. This is a must-have feature for dogs with black nails and new dog owners who have never trimmed nails before.
Nail Thickness
Finding a pair of clippers for a small breed dog is much easier than models designed for large and extra-large breeds. This is because larger breeds will require much stronger clippers since their nails will be significantly thicker. Before you buy, read the product’s spec sheet to learn what type of breeds the clippers are designed for. Obviously, if the clippers are designed for larger breeds they’ll come equipped with much larger, more durable blades compared to models that are meant for small breed use.
Maintenance
Nail clippers are generally low maintenance, although you’ll need to wipe them down after each use. Make sure the blades are made out of stainless steel so they won’t rust should you wash the clippers and fail to dry them. Blades that are rusty will make the clippers basically useless.
Price
Most models of nail clippers are affordable. Clippers that come with built-in safety features and ergonomically designed handles can be pricey, but considering how much money you’ll save by trimming your pet’s nails yourself, these clippers are often worth every penny. Typically, models that are designed for larger breeds will come with a steeper price tag, compared to clippers designed for extra-small and small breeds.
Behavior Issues
If your dog has had their quick cut in the past, then they’ll be scared to have their nails clipped in the future. This is a common issue that groomers run into. If a dog has a bad grooming experience, then future attempts can be a challenge, which is why you must practice patience. You may only be able to cut one nail per session, until your dog regains your trust or realizes that having their nails trimmed is no longer painful. If you’re a beginner and you’d like to learn more about how to trim a dog’s nails the right way, click here to read my how-to guide.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best dog nail clippers for black nails will take a lot of stress and anxiety out of dog nail trimming. The clippers must be durable and come equipped with handles that are easy to grip and designed to prevent your hands from slipping during use. They should also have a durable blade design, and come equipped with blades that will not quickly rust or lose their edge. The products I’ve included in my best-of list and my buyer’s guide are both designed to help you find the perfect nail clippers for your pet, whether you have a small or extra-large breed dog. Remember, with the right tool, you can keep your pet’s nails short and neatly trimmed, preventing many nail related health issues that can be very uncomfortable and painful for your pet.