Pedipaw Review - Pet Nail Trimmer
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by Aaron - Online Dog Coach
The PediPaw is essentially a rotary tool, such as a Dremel, with a sanding head and a special nail trimming guide. In general, the product does exactly what it is supposed to; trim dog’s nails in a manner safer than the traditional guillotine type clippers. I highly recommend this product for the following: smaller dogs (less than 50 lbs), dogs that are already comfortable having their nails trimmed, and pet owners that are concerned with cutting into the quick, or vein inside the nail. Here’s why.
What makes the PediPaw safer than guillotine type clippers is that only a small layer of nail is removed at a time as opposed to a single large section. This allows you to slowly approach the quick, which, if hit, can cause significant bleeding and discomfort for your dog. What makes the PediPaw safer than a typical rotary tool is the addition of a trimming guide. A simple plastic guide around the sanding head makes for easy alignment of the nail for proper trimming. 
Larger dogs have larger nails, which can be difficult and time consuming to cut with the PediPaw’s undersized motor. When compared with a Dremel, the PediPaw has significantly less power. The result is that the layer of nail removed with each pass is much thinner than what is shown in the television commercial. It took nearly 30 seconds to trim each of my Golden Retriever’s nails. Fortunately, he loves to have his paws held.
I also tried to use the PediPaw on my Cocker Spaniel, who hates to have his nails trimmed, and was unsuccessful. Basically, if your dog does not already allow you to cut his or her nails, the PediPaw will not help. Trimming dog’s nails is like weight loss, there’s no magic pill to make it easier. My advice, start when they are puppies to make your dog comfortable with having their paws held and to the noise of the PediPaw or other rotary tool.
Now, if I could only find a way to attach the PediPaw’s trimming guide to my Dremmel tool…
About the Author
Aaron is an Engineer who started training dogs in 2000. He has managed dog agility equipment for a local club for over 6 years. Aaron works in his woodworking shop every weekend, and has built everything from cabinetry to pet furniture.