Dremel 761-03 7,000/14,000 RPM Cordless Pet Nail Grooming Rotary Tool

We happen to know a particular hound named Sophie who's endured more than her share of cracked nails and bleeding nail beds, the result of the standard guillotine-type nail trimmers. Though she was a bit wary of the Dremel, she sniffed at it and decided it was harmless. Then we set it on the floor and turned it on.

Sophie seemed concerned for a minute, but then lost interest. We let her get used to the sound of the Dremel for a few minutes, then got down to business. We expected her to cringe and pull away when we took paw in hand, for what usually follows is not pleasant for her. She submitted reluctantly at first to the Dremel, probably expecting the worst, but once we distracted her with a piece of rawhide, she forgot about the nail hubbub and let us carry on.

The whole thing was quick and painless, which made a change for Sophie, and was actually kind of soothing for the humans, which definitely made a change for us.

We followed the advice in the manual and alternated between two paws at a time, not keeping the abrasive on any nail for more than a couple of seconds, and we made sure each nail was cool before grinding it a second time.

If we had a criticism, it would be to wish only that Dremel would include the -inch drum for larger dogs like Sophie as well as the smaller one. Other than that, it's a tail-wagger. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

The Dremel seems far better than any of the nail clippers i've tried: i had no worries about accidentally cracking the nail or cutting to the quick. And although the abrasive pad was tough enough to wear down my dog's nails in a matter of minutes, it didn't hurt when i accidentally grazed my hand with it a couple of times.

This model is light, not too noisy, and easy to grip/use. Best of all, it's not outrageously expensive! (Costs about as much as you'd pay two or three nail clippings at a groomer.)

I was so impressed that i'm buying a Dremel of my own tonight. Wish i'd discovered this years ago!


This is the safest and least traumatic for dogs!   November 11, 2003
Bad Habit (Chicago, IL United States)
55 out of 57 found this review helpful

This tool is the best for dogs nails. I've trimmed/done my dogs nails with it about 10 times. It's quiet for a tool so as not to freak out dogs. After two times she(My shelty) got used to it and now doesn't mind having her nails done at all. While sitting on the floor, I flip her on her back between my legs and grab one foot at a time and do them. Unlike conventional clippers or guillotine shears, which can cut through the quick and hurt the dog and make them bleed, the Dremel quickly sands the nail back and if you hit the quick, it doesn't cut it, it's just like rubbing an emory board on your skin. The manual shows the basic technique and shape for sanding the nails. Using this sanding technique also prevents sharp edges on the nail which can snag clothing. It also prevents split nails unlike conventional clippers. This is one of the best new gadgets for pets in a long time and the benefits are so obvious! I'm buying a couple as gifts for Christmas and telling all my dog friends about this tool!


Useful   January 25, 2005
Donald A. Brodzik (San Francisco, California USA)
39 out of 39 found this review helpful

I have an Irish Terrier. I've used a file (slow and inadequate). Avoided a nail cutter (dark nails, got to the quick once and Michelle hates the sight of the things). I had another grinder (too big, too noisy and AC). This Dremel is great. It's compact, no cords, relatively quiet and two speeds (I usually use the slow speed). And Michelle doesn't mind it at all. Highly recommend.


Way better than clippers   January 6, 2005
Jake (Indianapolis, IN)
33 out of 33 found this review helpful

This thing works great, it is easy to shape and trim dogs' nails without "quicking" them. My dog tolerates this MUCH better than any type of clipper.

Two minor complaints:
1. For large dogs, the small sanding drum supplied is not big enough to do the nail well. I already had some larger dremel drums, but you can easily buy these.
2. Since my dog is large (rhodesian ridgeback) and has tough nails, this thing eats batteries like you wouldn't believe. I almost have to replace them every other time I trim his nails.


Good but I like the 7.2V Drill Better   September 5, 2006
Busy Mom (Illinois USA)
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

It took a couple of weeks to introduce this drill to our four month old puppy before she was comfortable with it. I will never go back to clipping now. I have small children at home that no longer get painful scratches from our lab puppy and the drill never splits her nails like clippers can. However....I switched to the 7.2V Rotary Tool Dremel. The batteries do not last long on the Pet Drill and the 7.2V is rechargable. The low setting on the 7.2V drill is inbetween the settings on the Pet Drill so it's compatible. My biggest problem with the Pet Drill was that it includes the 1/4" Drum Sander. I found out after I purchased this that the size included is for small to medium dogs only. If you have a larger dog (like I do) you need the 1/2" drum and sanding bands. The 7.2V Drill comes with the 1/2" drum and other accessories. I actually purchased the 7.2V Drill on sale and paid less than I did for this Pet Drill (761-03). Plus if I continued to use the Pet Drill I would have to purchase the 1/2" Drum and sanding bands (about 5.00 more). I gave this a four star because it worked well and I love this idea. However the 7.2V Drill is a better option for me because of the larger drum and the rechargable battery.