Zen Clippers Reviewed: Clips the Tips, Not the Quick

Nail clipping is one of the most challenging tasks to train a dog owner to do, but it doesn’t have to be such a problem.

By Laura Pakis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Cynologist,

It’s heartbreaking to see so many dogs trying to walk on nails that are way too long.  So many owners are afraid to cut their own dog’s nails for fear of cutting the quick.  Pet Product Innovations has come out with a product to solve this issue.  They created Zen Clipper, which “clips the tip, not the quick.”

Made in the USA, Zen Clippers have a conically designed stainless-steel blade which allows in the just-right amount of nail, so there’s no over-cutting.   The seven sizes fit pets like birds, lizards, bunnies, cats, and dogs. And they are guaranteed to last a lifetime of nail trims.

Acme Canine has been testing this product for almost three months, trimming various size dogs that ranged from fearful of nail trimming to calmly accepting the process. Here’s what we learned.

PROS

Easy to use once you figure out that squeezing cuts the nail.

They will shorten the nail to a nice length, and there is no chance of cutting the quick.

You will save hours on nail trims using the Zen Clippers. The clippers get the job done quickly, so there’s less hassle (and stress) for you and your pet. Even the fearful dogs learned to accept them, a godsend for any daycare or boarding facility that offers nail trims.

The design of these clippers includes no exposed sharp edges to be used by people with limited eyesight or dexterity.

CONS

Make sure to order the correct size.  We ordered the XXlarge, which is for dogs 30-60 lbs.  If you have a dog that weighs more than 60 lbs, you are out of luck.  The clippers just won’t fit large breeds.  Size is important since the size of the hole prevents you from cutting the quick. Here’s what we recommend to the Zen Clipper sizes:

Zen Clipper Size #1 – 1.5 mm hole. This size is for smaller birds, smaller reptiles, and kittens. It will cut off the tip of a sharpened pencil.
Zen Clipper Size #2 – 2 mm hole. The medium is for most adult cats.
Zen Clipper Size #3 – 2.5 mm hole. This is for larger cats, larger birds, and tiny dogs.
Zen Clipper Size #4 – 3 mm hole. For small dogs.
Zen Clipper Size #5 – 3.5 mm hole. For small dogs.
Zen Clipper Size #6 – 4 mm hole. For small dogs.
Zen Clipper Size #7 – 5 mm hole. For medium to slightly larger dogs (Boxer, Bluetick Coonhound).

These definitely clip nails.  They don’t do much to round the nail or take away the sharpness of the nail.  We used our Dremmel to round the nails and take away the edge.

Although the clippers work very efficiently, the finger holds don’t allow for the strength needed to squeeze the spring.   We found instead of putting my index and middle fingers through the hole, we just put the whole thing in my palm and used them. Much easier to clip and control.

Summary

These indeed are amazing for trimming dog nails.  Just read through the Cons (which are minor), and you’ll be trimming your dog’s nails like a pro.  For large dogs, you may want to consider using a Dremel. Dremels are being used by many for dog nails.

Acme Canine gives 4 paws up to this product and has added it to our Acme Approved site.

So now you have no excuse not to trim your dog’s nails.

Here are 10 reasons to trim your dog’s nails

1. They won’t click when walking
2. They won’t snag the carpet
3. They won’t crack or split
4. They won’t cause difficulty with walking
5. They won’t cause strain on your dog’s legs
6. They won’t interfere with your dog’s gait
7. Trimming your dog’s nail can be a perfect time to bond
8. They won’t curl around the paw and puncture the footpad
9. They won’t deform your dog’s feet
10. You can learn from the wear of the nails how your dog is walking to intercept possible injuries