Vetcetera PediPaws: It's the nail trimmer of the future!...but is it worth it?
You know, I’ve got no problem with someone trying to make a buck. I also don’t mind receiving an email about a new product for pets (and I get zillions). But I definitely draw the line when someone tries to sell me a product over and over again. It’s just not cool anymore—it’s spam.
You know the emails I mean…the ones about penile implants (as if I could accommodate one) or about Viagra (puh-lease!). I don’t know what I ever did to receive these—except maybe hitting the AAHA.com site a few too many times by accident (way back when it was a porn site and not the site for the American Animal Hospital Association).
I kind of expect this kind of tacky hard sell (pardon the pun) from sellers in the sex trade—after all, they have no squeaky clean reputations to preserve. But when it comes to pet products and services we expect a little softer treatment, don’t we?
Such has clearly not been the case with the PediPaws product. It’s been so ubiquitously foisted upon my clients that I’m constantly bombarded with questions about this nail-grinding tool’s efficacy.
In case you’re one of the few who’s managed to live thus far free of the Pedi-Paws propaganda, let me inform you: The PediPaws is a device marketed as an easier-than-ever way to trim our pets’ toenails. It works just like the all-purpose, cordless Dremel tool you can get at any hardware store (and on Amazon for $21.88)—with fewer features (sans plastic guard that supposedly makes it “foolproof”).
Here's the Dremel version as seen on Amazon:
And here's the PediPaws from their official, "As Seen on TV!" website:
Apparently, it’s advertised heavily on TV. PediPaws ads are plastered liberally within periodicals. The Web is crawling with it. And if you happen to be on their email list…you’re in trouble. You’ll get lots of emails touting the revolutionary nature of this product—I promise.
Because I was so barraged with questions from my clients on the incredibly well-marketed PediPaws, I decided to cough up $19.99 and have the thing delivered. Here are the questions I was now able to answer after using it for a week:
Q. At this price, the PediPaws is almost two bucks cheaper than the Dremel product, but is it any better?
Nope. I still prefer my Dremel for its versatility. But then, I’m a crafty girl with a penchant for power tools that serve multiple purposes.
Q. Is the Pedi-Paws any safer than the Dremel?
Ummm…you sort of have to work hard to hurt yourself with a Dremel tool but I guess the PediPaws might be considered safer for the pet than a Dremel if you’re a very clumsy person.
Q. Is the PediPaws any safer for its “gentle grinding mechanism” than the standard claw-clippers?
It IS harder to hit a gusher with the PediPaws but that doesn’t mean you can’t draw blood readily with excessively exuberant use.
Q. And most importantly to most owners: Will my pet accept it just like those sweet pets I see on TV?
Sorry to burst your bubble—but no. Most pets who resent their paws being handled will not take to it kindly.
Q. Will YOUR pet like the PediPaws way any better than the standard method?
Maybe. But probably not by much.
Q. Is the PediPaws worth a try if I’m scared to clip my pet’s toenails for fear of making them bleed?
Probably. It would be especially useful for those owners who never train their dogs to sit for a clipping out of fear of hurting them. I’d think that inexperienced owners of young pets might be especially inclined to accept the PediPaws method more readily.
Overall, the tool seems superfluous to me. After all, the Dremel’s already out there and it’s a great product. Furthermore, the PediPaws feels a little chintzy in terms of quality and durability when you compare it to the Dremel. The Dremel just seems like a more solid, well-built tool (I’ve had mine for almost ten years). And its makers aren’t slamming my email inbox with spam—another big plus.
Nonetheless, I’m happy to have shelled out my $19.99. If I hadn’t, how then would I be able to show my clients what they’re not missing? And how else would I be able to bring you this potentially enlightening post?
October 10th, 2008
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Add Comment26 Comments
The Peticure is the tool advertised on television, and it is better. The guard does two things:
1) It keeps the nail from you--and believe me, I've had serious reactions to that, including two infections.
2. It keeps the rotating tool head from gripping dog fur. Believe you me, I had that happen plenty of times with a Dremel. It does not happen with the Peticure.
We bought the professional groomer version of the tool for $59.95 plus shipping. It is crochety, but so far we've always been able to get it working again. Dremel needs to create a guard head you can buy to use with it, but apparently the Peticure model is patented.
Our dog was getting very, very difficult with nail clippers, and he is easy with the Peticure. It does not hurt. We don't know with any particular dog just where the toenail nerve ends. Apparently his were long. But the grinder affects dogs differently than the clippers. I've seen this several times through the years with different dogs.
I had to stop using the Dremel because the nail dust was far too dangerous to me. With the Peticure guard, that dust is stopped. And the hole in the guard you put around the dog's nail protects the dog from fur-pulling--even fur right on the feet.
The other tool that you tested is different, and I have not seen it advertised on TV. The Peticure also sells the guard alone, to fit some but not all Dremel tools. I have bought that, but have not tried it yet. I wanted to be sure and have a backup if this cranky Peticure grinder won't start again someday!
---Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," and the Canine Behavior Series at VeterinaryPartner.com.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC...
Kathy Diamond Davis October 10th, 2008 08:17:00 AM
Thank you, Kathy. Such an erudite answer so early in the AM!
On the nail dust...agreed, it's annoying. I guess it never bothered me much since I tend to use the Dremel frequently on my own dogs (so there's less dust a each session)--or after clipping the toenails of dogs who are anesthetized for a smoother feel to the finished claw. I never grind down a whole huge overgrown claw--far too time-consuming.
Dr. Patty Khuly October 10th, 2008 08:28:00 AM
Very timely post for me. I just got one of my dogs back from her groomer with two bloody paws from the groomer cutting her toenails WAY too short. Not only am I mad as a wet hen, now I find that I may have to worry about infection? Makes me want to just start doing the grooming myself, although I've got no skills to speak of.
Shasta October 10th, 2008 08:55:00 AM
FWIW, www.aaha.COM is still a blank site--the American Animal Hospital Association website is http://www.aahanet.org/
It was always a hoot to just free type that first address into the browser and come up with a page full of "OMG!" at the front desk though
kiko October 10th, 2008 09:24:00 AM
I have heard from 2 people, each using the Pedipaws, that fur CAN get pulled into the rotating wheel - and both of them got bit by their dogs (totally understandable to me) when it happened. I saw a great tip in (I think) Dog Fancy magazine about putting an old nylon stocking/knee-high over a dog's foot and pushing the nails through to keep fur more completely away from the rotating wheel. With that Ideal tip, I would vote for the Dremel too, because like you, Dr. K., I also hate having anything shoved at me as the new, best thing when there's already a good product available, like a Dremel, which has various size wheels, so is versatile with different sizes of nails, which is the biggest issue for me.
Kate Hathway October 10th, 2008 10:55:00 AM
OT: I think some people selling erotic products do have squeaky clean business reputations--it seems odd to assume having anything to do with fornication makes one immoral?
emily October 10th, 2008 02:01:00 PM
I have a Dremel tool but have never tried it on my dogs. They are OK with the regular nail clippers, so I will stay with what works. I have been receiving 2 - 3 e-mails daily for PediPaws too. This product has now seemed to replace the last big spam folder clogger - Colon Cleansing.
Susan G. October 10th, 2008 02:12:00 PM
I thought it wasn't really that big of a deal if the nail did bleed. My dogs get their nails clipped with a normal pair of clippers and it seems to work fine for us...
ashleigh October 10th, 2008 02:13:00 PM
Thanks for the heads-up, Dr. K. I won't feel like I'm missing anything on my weekly Dremel-ling sessions. (Yes, I'm a virgin to the spam you speak of.)
As a long time dog trainer, I've never had any difficulty teaching dogs to accept having their nails trimmed. And, with that, I guess I can't even imagine letting a dog decide what I can, and can't, do. That said, my dog used to fall asleep when I trimmed her nails with the old, manual clippers. Since switching to Dremel about 7 or 8 years ago, I admit my dog no longer sleeps through the procedure. But with so much positive reinforcement surrounding nail trimming time, she certainly doesn't object. (She comes running when she hears the Dremel, her electric toothbrush, the water running in the bathroom combined with the phrase, "in the shower," etc.)
(Truth be known, when I'm trimming a visiting dog's nails - the two of us sequestered in a room - my own dog will practically try to break down the door, to join in. Then again, she does the same thing when I'm bathing another dog. She's so desperate to obey those familar commands and get that praise, she is practically outside of herself trying to get in on the procedures.)
Well, it's Friday, and that means it's bath and nail trimming day. Off I go. And as far as the dust is concerned, I agree with Dr. Khuly, in that regular nail maintenance means there's very little to trim, each time. ...Thus, not huge amounts of dust. I think it's a good idea to wear a mask while trimming nails with a Dremel. It's just that I *still* haven't gotten around to getting in the habit. ...Maybe one day... ;-) My personal technique is to sit with my back to my Dane, and hold each paw in front of me, while blowing on the Dremel as I trim, so the dust is forced away from us.
Marjorie October 10th, 2008 03:19:00 PM
emily: Mea culpa. You're right. I shouldn't gang up on all sex product sellers--just the ones who spam my inbox needlessly.
Ashleigh: The blood's not the problem. It's the nerve that runs alongside the vessel that's an issue. I hate inflicting unnecessary pain.
Dr. Patty Khuly October 10th, 2008 03:24:00 PM
Well, I have not heard of this!
My dog has mostly white/clear nails (I can see the quick) and sits still for clippings (provided she is bribed with treats). I think the noise of a dremel / power trimmer would scare the crap out of her....so I think I will pass on this concept.
Sure is an interesting thought though!
Creature of Habit October 10th, 2008 04:12:00 PM
Years ago I was given a battery operated manicure tool for humans. In the 20 or so years that I have had it, only one of the many cats that I have had. She would hear it running and make a beeline for me. I could take the sharp tips off, but that is about all she would hold still for. None of the other cats would even try. They might sniff at it, but then would run the other way.
Moira October 10th, 2008 04:27:00 PM
Miss Kitty's dad trims her nails with a little nail clipper. She is Tonkinese with light
colored nails, so in a good light, the vein can be seen. (I thought that with cats
there is a possibility of infection, as they dig in the litter with those feet.) We aim
to create blunt tip to cause less damage to her (scratching her ears) and us (she
is a shoulder rider and flying wonder cat).
When we first started doing this, it was a two-person job, with the divine Miss K. wrapped
securely in a towel, to the accompaniment of occasional low growls. We have never
cut too close and caused bleeding, so over time, she has become used to the process
and is figuring out that it doesn't harm her. I wouldn't choose a noisy tool like this.
We also try to take other opportunities to handle her feet when she is relaxing in
our laps. The clipping is attempted during her more restful moods. We DON'T
catch her during her morning sprints through the house and try to clip her.
The report from this morning's blunting is that she just sat still for the rear claws
and that all of them are done. We have had her since she was about 6 years old
and she's now 9. You see that the philosophy of cat training her is slow and gradual.
Miss Kitty's Mom October 10th, 2008 08:06:00 PM
Spam aside, to me the biggest benefit of the Pedipaws/Peticure advertising frenzy is that it promotes the idea of grinding nails - rather than clipping them - to the general pet owning population. Hopefully anyone who already owns a Dremel will realize that it's basically the same tool.
I also like that the commercials show paws with nice, really really SHORT nails which many pet owners (and some vets and groomers) don't even seem to reallize are possible.
With cats and very small dogs, I don't know that there is much difference in comfort for the animal in clipping vs. grinding as long as your clippers are really sharp - but I know for SURE that big dogs with big nails are much, MUCH more comfortable having their nails ground. You still have to do some training, and you have to take measures to protect long hair on the dog and/or the person. Eye protection is advisable too, although if the gaurd on these products really does cut down on the dust that's a good thing.
There are several good articles on the Web about grinding nails with a Dremel:
DoberDawn.com
- this is the original, and still probably the best
http://www.cigrescue.org/nails.html
- also a very good instructional, with great ideas for smaller dogs
For people who insist on using clippers, beveling the nail greatly reduces discomfort. I wrote an article on how to do that:
http://gonetothedanes.blogspot.com/2007/09/da-feet...
Barb October 10th, 2008 08:48:00 PM
Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhhhh... Sorry, I meant "guard" not "gaurd".
Ack.
Barb October 10th, 2008 08:51:00 PM
what a piece of junk! we bought one for the grooming salon i work in. the thing sounds like the offspring of a lawnmower and a vibrating back massager. It's easily twice as noisy as the dremels we use in the salon. I think we used it on one dog before it got chucked into a drawer, never to be used again. a least three times a day customers ask about it and we're only too glad to pull it out and power it up. compare it to a dremel tool and no owner considers purchasing it.
i love how they show cats having their nails grinded on the commercial. newsflash: you really shouldn't grind a cat's nails. first of all, most cats would tear you up for trying. secondly, cats nails are really too thin to be grinded anyway. kitty nails are extremely easy to trim--and if the cat won't cooperate for a nail trim, they CERTAINLY won't cooperate for a vibrating, noisy thing.
charity October 11th, 2008 03:57:00 AM
Thanks for weighing in, Charity. (I knew you would, as Dolittler's resident groomer.)
Dr. Patty Khuly October 11th, 2008 08:47:00 AM
Well....I had seriously thought about purchasing the Peticure versus the Pedipaws "gadget". I have a Boston Terrier, whose nails grow very long, and before I know it, she is catching them in the carpet or her little blanket. I am very afraid of clipping them with the old fashioned clippers, as I have already experienced her crying out in pain, with the blood dripping, from my mistake of cutting the nerve. I simply can not bear to hurt my baby that way! When I read some of your reviews, especially the one from the salon owner, I pretty much made up my mind that I would be purchasing a dremel tool, since the cost isn't much difference, and from what I am reading, it works much better than these "hyped up" new tools they are advertising! I love my dogs and my cats, and I want what is the very best for them, because they give SOOOOOO very much back to me and my husband in return! Dremel it is....at least for me.....and at least until some new invention turns my head and leaves me no choice but to buy it, try it, and hopefully not end up denying it, before it ends up shoved into the "Drawer of No Return".
Kathi October 12th, 2008 08:05:00 PM
Kathi and others, Please check our "Oliver's Paw Pal", www.brooksgrove.com - a different and outstanding solution!
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