Chipping nails! Is it the nail clippers?

[Brittany&Sami]

Hi! I'm glad I found this group :D I've never taken Samantha to a professional groomer, and she's my first Doodle so I'm always looking for things I should know about grooming!

After losing a pair of nice dog nail clipper we've had in the house so long I have no idea where they came from, I was given a pair from Petsmart. I'm not sure what brand they are but I know they aren't the greatest. I've noticed that Sami and my mom's Pomeranian, Macy's, nails have been chipping and seem flaky, and I've also noticed that the clippers are loose and probably a little dull (though I've only had them a couple months and haven't used them that often). 

I'm pretty sure they're nails are like that because of the clippers, but it never hurts to double check with people who might know better :D Also, does anyone have any suggestions for good nail clippers? Christmas is the perfect time for a student to drop hints about expensive Doodle things!

[Marcia Stevens]

Hi....We use the dremel type of nail filer.....It works fantastic, and doesn't split the nails like the nail clipper you are using. It is so easy to use, and so gentle. I never have to worry about the nails bleeding.....We got it at Pet Smart...I don't remember the name, but very popular......Merry Christmas!

[BG and Gavin]

I can't speak to brands, but I really like the plier type clippers as opposed to the guilotine type.  More control I think.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I have the guilotine type but rarely use them.  Only on the dew claws.  Gracie has very large and thick nails and they splinter and get snaggy if I cut them.  I use the Dremel Pet tool which you can get at Pet Smart.  You do have to introduce them to the tool because if makes a noise.  Just run it around them and next to them until they get use to the sound.  Then start one nail at a time.  We recently had a huge discussion on all of this so you might want to do a search and see if you can find it.  We discussed it a month or two ago.  Good Luck!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Not easy.  You have to hold it back with the pinky side of your hand and then with your index figer and thumb you hold the nail all with the left hand (if you are right handed) and then hold the Dremel with the right hand.  It takes practice but I do it all the time.

[Ivy Bates]

I don't do this but heard that if you use old stockings over the paw and let the nails break through, you can avoid the hair around the nails. I always use a dremel, I like it much better except for the dew claws that I use the plier.

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

What a great solution!  Will definately try this. Thanks

[Brittany&Sami]

Thank you! I think I know what dremel tool you're all talking about, I'm defiantly going to look into it and do that search! :D