Learning how to trim a dog's nails can be intimidating for the new pet owner. Unfortunately, it is a task that needs to be done once or twice a month for indoor pets or they will suffer from ingrown toenails or ones that get caught in the carpet and can be torn out. The general rule of thumb is a dog's nails should barely touch the ground, when walking and if you hear your dog's nails clicking, it is time to learn how to trim a dog's nails.

If you have an outdoor dog or one that likes to go for daily walks, they may wear their toenails down from walking on gravel, sidewalks or pavement. This can help you to keep from learning how to trim a dog's nails, in a few cases. The most important thing to consider is the quick can grow longer when the dog's nails aren't regularly trimmed, so you don't want to wait too long. It isn't difficult to learn how to trim a dog's nails, but it is a matter of getting your pet used to it and a matter of you learning how to trim a dog's nails without cutting them too shortly.

You can buy dog nail clippers on the Internet, at the pet store or your veterinarian can advise you on the best dog clippers to use or might be able to supply you with some. You can also find dog clippers meant for use on smaller dogs or larger dogs. You need to make sure they are easy to use and sharp enough to cut the dog's nail cleanly and quickly. You may want your veterinarian to trim the dog's nails if you are too intimidated because it is something that must be done occasionally and it can help you learn how to trim a dog's nails, in the process.

You start at the tip of the nail and only take off a little bit at a time, so you can check the edge of the nail to stop when you reach the pale pink tissue at the top of the cut edge, known as the quick. You don't want to cut into this area because it contains nerves and blood vessels and it can be difficult to see on dark nails, so be sure to use extra caution. Once you have reached the quick, lightly file the edge of the nail to make them smooth, which keeps them from snagging on things, just like a person's nails will do without this step.

In the event you snip into the quick and it begins to bleed, apply pressure with styptic powder, baby powder or cotton to stop the bleeding. Don't wipe the blood clot off, once it has stopped bleeding because the dog's nail needs this to heal properly and to keep the nail from becoming infected. Be sure that you trim the dewclaw nail, which is the nail that won't wear down naturally, as the other nails might. Make sure to keep the dog relaxed and avoid any sudden movements that might scare the dog.