Pedi Paws Review

"Pedi Paws"; a rotary file that works on batteries, is touted to be the #1 nail trimmer for dogs and cats. The idea behind Pedi Paws is that the quick is not cut, avoiding pain and bleeding. This sensitive approach to trimming the dog or cat's nails is very attractive to owners and explains the initial popularity of Pedi Paws. HOWEVER, if you have used Pedi Paws, you may have noticed that the nails grow back much faster than after clipping. This is the Pedi Paws paradox. Apparently the vibration stimulates the growth of the nail, or the quick, and the nails need to be trimmed much more often. An ingenious ploy by Pedi Paws, as you trim, the faster the nail grows, the more you trim...and so on. Despite Pedi Paws hype, some dogs are better off with a traditional clip, especially those that are sound sensitive. In addition, these same dogs and others may not appreciate having their nails filed every week. Clipped nails grow slower and if you are reasonably careful, traditional clippers are safe and efficient.

Pedi Paws costs $20, about twice as much as good clippers. Go with the clippers and just stay off the quick. It's really not hard to do that but keep styptic pads nearby, they work incredibly well. If you nick the quick, hold a styptic pad on it and it will stop bleeding within seconds. Clipping is a lot faster than the slow filing of the Pedi Paws and the nails don't grow back immediately as they do with the Pedi Paws.

Pedi Paws was widely advertised when it first came out and now they seem to be sold everywhere. Like many pet owners who hate clipping their dog's nails, I rushed out to buy a Pedi Paws. It seemed like the ultimate solution to the annoyance of clipping for both me and my dog. But like most things, it was too good to be true. I faced the fact that the Pedi Paws was making the nail clipping so much worse because it had to be used so often and the noise scared my dog. I threw it out and have been clipping ever since. I hate it and my dog hates it but that's life. Better every few weeks then every week or more.