Trim a Dog's Nails
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Repeat the process over a few days and gradually let the pets get closer to each other. Praise the dog with a treat for calm behavior. When you feel the time is right for the dog to be unrestrained, leave the leash on just in case you need to pull him back.
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Make sure the clippers are sharp.
Start at the tip of the nail and snip a little at a time. Look at the cut edge of the nail. When you start to see pale pink tissue near the top of the cut edge, stop. You can use a nail file to smooth the edges further.
Avoid cutting into the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. It is painful and will bleed easily. On white nails, the quick is the pink section.
Be extra careful when cutting dark nails, because the quick is difficult to see.
If the tip of the nail begins to bleed, apply pressure using styptic powder or a substitute such as baby powder or cotton.
Avoid wiping the blood clot off the tip of the nail once the bleeding has stopped.
Remember to trim the dewclaw nail, on the inside of the leg. Since it doesn't touch the ground, it wears down less rapidly than the others.
Trim nails once or twice a month. The quick will lengthen if you don't trim the nail regularly, and long nails can cause traction problems or become ingrown.