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Give Your Pooch Some Pampering With the Best Dog Nail Polish

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By Amber Rival
Last updated: 24 Oct 2024

Nail polish isn’t just for ladies but can also be enjoyed by dogs as a way to dress them up and allow them to look stylish. The variety of the highest-rated dog nail polish in 2024 will ensure your pooch can look festive for different types of holidays and occasions.

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Compare the Leading Dog Nail Polishes of 2024
  • 1 Bontime Dog Nail Polish
  • 2 Warren London Dog Nail Polish
  • 3 lesotc Dog Nail Polish
  • 4 Pet Head Dog Nail Polish
  • 5 Sexy Mix Gel Pet Nail Polish
  • 6 OPI Pet Nail Polish
  • 7 Sally Hansen Nail Hardener
  • 8 Revlon Nail Enamel

Buyer’s Guide to the Top Dog Nail Polishes

Nail polish is a great way to brighten up a dog’s paws and add a fun touch to your pup. But with so many formulas to choose from, finding the best dog nail polish can be a challenge. If you’re trying to decide which non-toxic polish to buy for your four-legged friend, you can save time and worry by taking a look at our top recommendations. Or, continue reading to learn more about the different types of dog nail polish and the various features that can make a difference in how the polish looks on your canine friend‘s nails.

What Are Some Tips for Finding the Best Nail Polish for My Dog?

Determine the type of dog nail polish to get. If you’re buying nail colors for two dogs, for instance, it’s not a good idea to buy nail varnish for one dog and gel nail paint for the other, as the gel would stand out more than the colorless varnish.

  • Each dog has a distinct personality, which should be clearly reflected by the color and type of nail polish you choose for your pup. For ease of application, choose a nail lacquer formula that sticks to the dog’s nails.
  • Of course, the fact that the nail polish must be strong enough to stick to your dog’s nails makes it tough to clean off after application.
  • Nail and over health are important factors when buying nail polish for your dog. Make sure to avoid ingredients that will harm your pup if swallowed or ingested (essentially, get a dog nail polish that is non-toxic).

What Should I Consider When Buying Nail Polish for My Dog?

Color

Dog nail polish comes in a variety of colors that are perfect for any dog. They can be nude, nude/beige, pink, red, or gold. If you have a tan or other color that’s close to nude in color, you might want to choose a nail polish with a nude finish. You might also want your dog to have fun colors, so go for something fun with vibrant colors like purple, blue, green, and yellow.

Swatches

Most dog nail pastels come with handy swatches to help you decide on the perfect shade. The same holds true for human nail polish, which comes printed with each shade on the container.

Formula

The formula of a dog polish is important because it determines how long the polish will stay on your pup‘s nails. Some formulas are watery and drying, while others are rich and moisturizing. Look for a formula that is highly moisturized and spreads easily on a smooth, dry dog nail. Water-based formula is more drying and might require multiple applications to get fully dried. Other formulas include a drying time of 3 to 4 hours. In general, water-based nail colors last longer than oil-based formulas. However, a water-based polish might not be as glossy as a highly pigmented oil polish.

How Much Does Nail Polish for Dogs Cost?

Inexpensive

For $10 to $15, you can find a variety of nail polish in a range of colors, many of which are cruelty-free or biodegradable. These are usually formulas that are also suitable for humans; dog nail polish removers will sit in this price range, too.

Mid-range

From $15 to around $20, the collection expands in terms of quality and variety. More colors and formulas are available, including some cruelty-free, paraben-, and phthalate-tested.

Expensive

Color options for the priciest products jump up to about $25 per bottle. They also include a premium formula and may be cruelty-free and paraben- or phthalate- tested.

What Is Dog Nail Polish Exactly?

The most common additives to dog nail polish are common to all nail-polish products (the same can be said about nail polish remover): silicone, urethane, and acetate. All three ingredients are effective at adhesion and adhesiveness, but each is most effective in its own way. Silicone is a common additive to pet nail polishes, because it’s lightweight, non-porous, easy to apply, doesn‘t leave a sticky residue, dries quickly, won’t discolor, is nonstaining, inexpensive, lightweight, and effective against chipping and cracking.

Urethanes are the most expensive ingredient in dog nail polishes, often used in premium formulas. Urea can be used without adversely affecting the finish of the polish, although it will stain surfaces.
Acetates are less expensive, have fewer chemical compounds that react with the body, are drying to the skin, and are easily absorbed into the nails, so they can be an effective chemical for nails. They can give an ‘old-world’ shine to your pup’s nails.

About

Nail polish is a fairly common accessory for dogs. It’s certainly nice to see your pooch sporting a deep set color or two. Unfortunately, for many, that isn‘t enough, but thankfully some dog nail polish can even help protect dogs’ nails, in addition to looking nice and shiny. Because of the sensitive skin of some dogs, however, dogs can develop reactions to nail polish that aren’t good. That‛s why it’s important to understand what to look for in dog nail polishes. It’s also important to understand what the best nail polish remover is, in case your pup doesn’t like the look. Our buying guide will help you understand the characteristics of each type of polish, as well as the potential side effects if the reaction occurs. When you’re ready to purchase, check out our top dog polish picks.

Compare the Leading Dog Nail Polishes of 2024

1

Bontime Dog Nail Polish

– Best Overall
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This dog nail polish has a high-shine base and a top coat to prevent it from chipping or peeling off. The formula is water-based, non-toxic, and doesn’t have a strong smell with eco-friendly ingredients used.

2

Warren London Dog Nail Polish

– Easiest to Use
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This nail polish pen for dogs is easy to use and dries in less than 40 seconds. It can be removed with any non-acetone nail polish remover and offers a smudge-free application.

3

lesotc Dog Nail Polish

– Longest Lasting
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Dog Nail Polish Set lasts an average of 30 days after it’s applied and is easy to remove with water. The non-toxic formula is water-based and can be used on dogs, gerbils and pigs.

4

Pet Head Dog Nail Polish

– Most Versatile
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Pet Head Mommy and Me Pet Nail Polish has fun graphics on the bottle and dries in 10 seconds. Only one coat needs to be applied, which lasts an average of one week.

5

Sexy Mix Gel Pet Nail Polish

– Color Changing
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This nail polish set offers a range of 8 colors in mini durable glass bottles. It brings about an innovative idea as the nail polish changes its color with changes in temperature and therefore, showcases an ombre colour as the dead part of the nail is cooler than the bed of the nail.

6

OPI Pet Nail Polish

– Best Brand Name
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This high quality nail lacquer comes in 200+ shades which means you won’t have trouble finding your ideal color! It’s heavily pigmented and doesn’t have strong off-putting fragrances like other nail polishes.

7

Sally Hansen Nail Hardener

– Best Nail Hardener
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This diamond strength nail hardener is not just an ordinary nail color. It has incorporated real micro diamond and titanium formulas that work together to strengthen brittle nails. The nail color acts as a protective seal for your nails to give them a nice look and protects them from breaking or cracking.

8

Revlon Nail Enamel

– Most Chip Resistant
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This chip defiant nail enamel comes with a new formula which doesn’t only make the nail enamel last longer but also locks in the shade. The brushes are designed such that they give a smooth application and the formula of the nail enamel is of the perfect consistency- neither too thick nor thin.

People Also Asked

Q: What is dog nail polish?

A: Like human nail polish, dog nail polish is a fun, non-toxic way to colorize your pup's life, by giving them a fresh coat of confidence on their paws. This is achieved by applying nail colors to the dog’s nails, and then polishing the colors with a brush or a similar implement.

Q: What are the benefits of using nail color for dog nails?

A: For dogs, nail coloring is an excellent way of giving them a good, healthy manicure. It also gives the dogs a chance to add a personal touch to their nails and is done in an enjoyable way, so your pet is happy.

Q: Is it easy to paint your dog's nails with nail polish?

A: Yes, you can easily paint some dogs' nails; however, some pups might put up more of a fight than others--always make sure your pup is feeling comfortable and safe. If your pup is friendly with you and does not mind, it is perfectly fine to paint their nails. Of course, we also advise caution with this; if your pup is slightly hyper or stubborn with their loyalty to you, they may object to being painted. Your best bet is to watch your pup closely. Be sure to keep your distance if the pup seems too scared to get their nails painted, or if they start whining or barking. Avoid using nail glue in between coats, as this will render the polish ineffective. Keep the nail pads of your new color wet and apply a second coat of nail color. Remember that you should apply the second color after the first one has dried, to make sure it fully adheres. Once you have ensured the new nailbed color is compatible with your pup's fur, your pup is ready to wow!

Contributors

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Amber Rival
Former Dog Kennel General Manager
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