Do they have nail files for dogs?

Here's a dog nail file- http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3706200&utm_source=googleproduct&utm_campaign=5148218&utm_medium=cse&mr:trackingCode=816EEB29-78E2-DE11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA 
I've never used it, so I can't say whether it's any good or not.

Or, you could try something like this- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JTKrJ2sVGo 

I use the heavy duty nail files, meant for acrylic nails, on puppies and dogs that are afraid of the dremel. I don't use them for the purpose of trimming, though. That could be quite a bit of work!

I do Dremel.  I use the aluminum carbide wheel that Cherrybrook used to sell.  They don't carry them anymore.  So, I've bought some Oster stone wheels.  I haven't used them yet.  So I don't really know how they will work.

The Bull Terrier nails are very unusual.  They curl.  Using a file in addition to the Dremel is a must.  Right now I am using Kiss Brand black on white files.  There is a coarse side, and a fine side.  I go through them like nobody's business!!  But no regular grit file of any brand I have ever tried does as well.  These are the best.

But, what is really needed is a "diamond grit" file.  Does anyone have any experience with these??  I would be willing to pay a reasonable price for somethiing that would last with regular use.  I file my dogs' nails once a week.  I'm a bit obsessed that they look good.  I HATE a long nail!!

Anyway, I've tried "dog" files too.  A simple metal file is fairly useless.  What dogs really need are a diamond grit file that is fairly thin.  The Kiss files, although pretty good, are still too thick to get some of the growth on the underside of the nail.  The Bull Terrier nail curls so much that there is just not much room between the nail and the pad.  I'm struggling on now using a simple Revlon metal nail file for the very close spaces, then moving to the Kiss file for finishing up.  I'm managing.  But a really good diamond file would make my life easier.  I just don't know what's out there and what's good.  A recommendation based on personal use would go a long way to head me in the right direction. 

jennie_c_d

I don't use them for the purpose of trimming, though. That could be quite a bit of work!

LOL, tell me about it!  I'm having trouble trimming them with anything that cuts though because they splinter.  She's got very bad skin especially at this time of year when its very dry here.  And, it also effects her nails.  Is there a product that would cut that would be less likely to splinter them.  I prefer something that doesn't make any noise. 

THANKS!

dynamobt

But, what is really needed is a "diamond grit" file

I'm pretty sure the diamond grit is just the dark grey file they use for acrylic nails.  It's a lot cheaper than paying what 3.99 a file because its marketed for a dog. 

I use Bamboo nail clippers, the pliers style. They split nails less than the guillotine style, or the other brands I've tried. Of course, if the nail is pretty brittle, it'll probably split anyway. Have you tried supplemental zinc, for her? That's supposed to help with bad nails.

You are lucky- all you need is a file.  Try a tile store-tile setters use stones and files to smooth ceramic.

I need 3 helpers, and a large glass.  For the brandy.  For me.

jennie_c_d

I use Bamboo nail clippers, the pliers style. They split nails less than the guillotine style

I'm going to try those.  The ones I have now are the guillotine style.  It might help because I do have to push down pretty hard to get thru her nail with these.  It might just be too much pressure for the condition of her nails. 

I have always heard not to use the stones because they cause too much heat to build up in the nails.

Have you tried the sanding drum, medium (60) grit?  That takes the nails down pretty quick. Plus easy to find and cheap. 

willowchow

jennie_c_d

I don't use them for the purpose of trimming, though. That could be quite a bit of work!

LOL, tell me about it!  I'm having trouble trimming them with anything that cuts though because they splinter.  She's got very bad skin especially at this time of year when its very dry here.  And, it also effects her nails.  Is there a product that would cut that would be less likely to splinter them.  I prefer something that doesn't make any noise. 

THANKS!

 

Lori, try supplementing her with Omega 3 fish oil.  Helps with the dry nails.  I remember seeing an article by a vet that mentioned that as one of the only things that does - apparently biotin and other stuff doesn't and zinc only helps if the dog has a deficiency and not very many do.