The Retriever Expert Expert Care Tips For Your Retriever
Golden Retrievers are playful canines. If their claws are left unclipped, they can inadvertently hurt other people. Aside from that, very long nails will dig through your dog’s paws, which is excruciatingly painful. The sharp claws will also scratch your precious hardwood floors, couch, and just about anything your dog can put its paws on. The simple solution here is getting the best nail clippers for Golden Retriever dogs.
NAIL CLIPPER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! GoPets Nail Clipper + 1 Nail File |  | |
 | Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clipper Kit | | |
 | VOSEN Professional Dog Nail Clippers |  |
Unlike human-grade clippers, those made for dogs are bigger and sharper. This is to cut their thick nails in a snap. However, you have to be very careful since not all Golden Retrievers like the idea of having their nails clipped.
Below, I reviewed three of the best nail clippers that will do the job for a large dog like your Golden Retriever. It’s a must-have for every dog owner, whether their dog is seeing a professional groomer regularly or not. Similar to bathing your dog, clipping its nails is something you can easily do at home.
3 Best Nail Clippers for Golden Retriever Dogs
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: GoPets Nail Clipper + 1 Nail File
Product Name: GoPets Nail Clipper + 1 Nail File
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best nail clippers for Golden Retrievers, you’ll never go wrong with the GoPets Nail Clipper with Nail File. This creates a clean cut every single time with its 3.5 mm thick stainless steel blades. Aside from that, this has a protective guide that prevents overcutting your dog’s nails. Remember, you’d never want to hit the quick! This GoPets clipper takes the guesswork out. I also like the blade lock feature that prevents accidental cutting. It’s an excellent addition for households with young children. Moreover, the handle of the clipper has a built-in nail file compartment. The nail file is already included in the package, so you can smoothen sharp edges after clipping your dog’s claws.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
Summary
GoPets also put a lot of attention on the ergonomics of the handle. It’s non-slip and easy to hold even for long periods of grooming. It also secures the clipper on your hand, which is very important if your dog won’t stay in place.
Overall, these clippers work well on the thick nails of all dog breeds. Youcan also get this in a small size if you have another dog in the house.
Pros
QuickStop guard to prevent overcutting
Built-in nail file storage
Stainless steel blades
Cons
The nail file can be improved since it’s a bit flimsy
RUNNERS-UP
Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clipper Kit
Why settle with a lone clipper if you can get an entire kit? The Resco Deluxe Nail Clipper Kit will make claw grooming a much efficient task. This kit is composed of the Resco nail clipper, blade replacement pack, nail file, and styptic powder to stop the bleeding in case you hit the quick.
The Resco nail clipper is a guillotine-style tool with a micro-honed cutting blade. It sports a durable steel construction covered by a conditional lifetime warranty. And if the trimmer’s blade got dull, you can easily replace it without the need to buy another clipper. The replacement is already included in the kit.
Aside from that, this clipper has a comfortable grip to reduce hand strain. Overall, this tool is solid and will last for years of regular use.
The only downside here is that the handles can be challenging to hold if you have small hands. Other than that, this tool works nicely, and it cuts (not break!) nails.
For the inclusions of the kit, I can say that its price is already a steal. Not to mention the convenience, this clipper surely has my vote.
VOSEN Professional Dog Nail Clippers
If you’re looking for a professional-grade tool, you should definitely invest in the VOSEN Nail Clipper. This is trusted by pet owners and professional groomers alike, thanks to its durable construction.
This has a sharp cutting head with a fixed ring to prevent overcutting your dog’s claws. It has a half-moon shape that fits pet nail shapes properly. Aside from that, this is a spring-loaded tool for smooth and gentle cutting.
Moreover, these nail clippers have ABS handles with a non-slip texture. It’s easy to hold and won’t strain your hand too much.
Overall, this tool is 6.3” x 1.8” x 0.5” and weighs 0.26 lbs. It’s lightweight and very easy to use. The handles are also ergonomic, which is very important when grooming a large canine like Golden Retrievers. This works well with squirmy dogs, thanks to its nail guard.
This was the first dog clipper I bought when I first had my own dog. The design suits first-time users, especially those like me who are a bit paranoid about hitting the quick.
How to choose nail clippers for Golden Retrievers
When shopping for the best nail clippers for Golden Retrievers, it’s important to consider the following aspects:
✔️Select the right type
The first thing you should check is the type of nail clipper you’re going to get for your dog. There are two types of nail clippers in the market nowadays: the guillotine type and the scissor style.
With the guillotine type, the clipper has a stationary ring where you’re going to slide your dog’s nails. When you press the handle, a blade will slide up to cut the nail. It has a learning curve for first-time users, but many professional groomers prefer using this than the scissor-style clipper.
On the other hand, the scissor-style clipper has two moving blades, just like a typical pair of scissors. It’s a common option for first-time dog owners since the design is more familiar and easier to use.
✔️Mind the size
Next, you should check the size of the nail clipper. Golden Retrievers are large dogs, so they have equally large claws. A small clipper will not do the job here, not to mention that it can potentially injure your pet in the process.
I always opt for large nail clippers for my Goldies. It’s easier to use since the blade is bigger and can slice the nail quite easily.
However, the downside here is if you have small hands. Large dog nail clippers tend to have bulkier handles, which can be challenging to hold for those with short fingers. Nevertheless, it’s just a small issue I can live with.
✔️Look for a nail guard
A nail guard prevents you from overcutting your dog’s claws. It’s an excellent feature, especially for those with shaky hands and fidgety dogs. This will prevent you from cutting the quick and causing a bloody mess on your pet.
✔️Check the handles
The handles of the nail clipper should be ergonomic enough to remain comfortable on long grooming sessions. A textured material is also a big plus so that the clipper won’t slip from your hands mid-grooming.
✔️Look for a decent warranty
Lastly, look for a decent guarantee for the clipper you’re going to buy. While these tools don’t cost a fortune, it’s still added peace of mind if you know that your purchase is protected.
Also, always consider the value for money of the best nail clippers for Golden Retriever. While you can find very cheap options, they may not last long, and you’ll end up buying replacements repeatedly.
✔️Consider extras
Some dog nail clippers have built-in nail files, so you can smoothen rough edges. Others are bundled with styptic powder and replacement blades. All of these add value to your purchase and will come in handy during grooming time.
Tips in clipping your dog’s nails
When clipping your dog’s nails, you should keep the following tips in mind:
- Take a short walk first. While Golden Retrievers are trainable dogs, some of them just don’t like getting their nails done. In this case, a quick walk would help drain the extra energy, and your pooch will be more cooperative.
- Rewards. Giving your Goldie a treat after a few minutes will encourage it to behave properly while being groomed. However, don’t overindulge as this breed is prone to obesity.
- Familiarization first. If you just bought a new nail clipper, you should introduce it to your dog first. Let the doggo sniff and lick it, but make sure that the blades are covered. This way, your Goldie will know that the clipper isn’t a harmful tool.
- Mind the quick. The quick is the blood vessel located right where your dog’s claws meet the paw. For canines with light-colored nails, the quick is the reddish or dark portion. You should never cut this, or your dog will suffer from intense bleeding.
- Be gentle. Many of us are guilty about getting too intense on the trimming that we fail to notice that we’re already squeezing the canine’s paws. Always be gentle and observe your dog’s body language. If the doggo whimpers or cries in pain, you might be doing something wrong.
- Keep it positive. When it comes to grooming, you’d want to keep the interaction positive. Shower your dog with treats and make sure that the cuts won’t hurt.
- Prepare styptic powder. As much as you’re careful in clipping your dog’s nails, accidents can happen. In this case, you should have styptic powder ready to stop the bleeding. This powder contains Benzocaine, which is a popular topical anesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should you cut your Golden Retriever’s nails?
A: Most Golden Retrievers need their claws clipped every two to four weeks. If your dog walks on pavements and other hard surfaces frequently, it can go by another week without clipping. This is due to the natural nail filing that happens as your dog walks and scratches its nails.
Q: Should I trim my dog’s dewclaw?
The dewclaw is the vestigial claw on your dog’s paws. This requires less frequent clipping since it’s typically short. Just remember that even the dewclaw has a quick that you should avoid overcutting. Other dog owners opt to have the dewclaw removed, which I don’t recommend.
Q: Why should I not remove my dog’s dew claws?
A: Dewclaws aren’t dead appendages. It actually serves an important purpose when your dog is gripping items or digging. You should only have a dewclaw removed if it’s causing abnormal growth and if it’s already sustaining severe injuries.
Q: What angle do you cut dog’s nails?
A: You should always cut a dog’s nails at a 45-degree angle. This will avoid the quick while keeping the sharp edge away from the paw. Always be careful and let your dog relax first before trying to clip its nails. Starting early is important to get your dog used to these stimuli.
Q: Does walking your dog trim their nails?
A: Yes, your dog’s nails get trimmed to some extent when it’s walking on hard surfaces. However, it’s not always enough as the growth might be faster than the length being removed during the walk. You should still clip your dog’s nails regularly.
Q: Do vets sedate dogs to cut nails?
A: Most of the time, sedating the dog isn’t necessary. However, extremely anxious and aggressive dogs will prove challenging to groom. This is where sedatives come in handy for veterinarians. They can also prescribe it to dog owners who have pets that hate nail clipping. Take note that these sedatives are mild and intend to provide a calming feeling. It’s not made to knock your dog unconscious.
Final words
The best nail clippers for Golden Retriever dogs will make grooming easier and safer. It’s a must to trim your dog’s nails to prevent injuries on other people as well as your pet’s paws. Starting early with grooming and rewarding your dog should make the experience more appealing for an anxious canine.
What do you think of the nail clippers reviewed above? Share your thoughts below!
