Product Review - Pedi*Paws

About a dozen people a week ( including family members) have asked me about this thing ever since it came out on a TV ad, so when our fearless leader at work wandered in with one, I decided to find out first hand how/if it worked.

Here is what you get.

1. battery operated ( 2 "c" batteries, not included) grinding tool

2. 4 cardboard sandpaper grinder wheels

3. A bunch of papers and stuff

4. A dvd about how to use it.

Of course, we tossed all the papers and dvd to the side, slammed some batteries in it and tried it out. We are professionals you know.

Here is a somewhat blurry shot of the keyhole part of the safety cover that is supposed to prevent the operator from grinding the nail down too much.

Ok, so we found an unwilling participant and started in on his right front foot. He was freaked out by the noise a little, and didn't like the restraint. It is not loud compared to a chain saw, but it was loud enough to disturb the dog.

Here's the second try....he jerked his foot away and almost got off the table on the first toe.

The end result - the top toe is the one we did, the bottom is how it looked before.

Ok, so here are our conclusions:

1. It will grind the toenail off smoothly if you have the time and help to get it done.

2. If the nails are really long, they will need to be clipped first, then smoothed off.

3. If the dog is freaked by the nail clippers, he is going to be freaked by this. With proper training, one could likely use it on a weekly basis and it would work. Most people I know won't spend the time in the training phase and won't do it on a regular basis, even though they have the best of intentions.

4. Using this tool will require help from one, possibly two assistants. It is a bit cumbersome to handle and I found it hard to use it in both directions. I found it easier to use with the wheel spinning in a clockwise direction . ( See.....we really did try it out) Often times, I can do a nail clipper trim with no additional help, or just minimal restraint, but then I have been doing it for about 30 years now. ( OMG....I am getting old. And I need to branch out and learn some new skills!)

So, overall, if you want to spend about an hour doing a nail trim once a week and train your dog for about a month to allow you to do it , go buy this thing. It was only 19.99, so worth a try if you are so inclined. Ours came from Bed, Bath, and Beyond......in the "Beyond" department.