When you adopted your cat or brought home your new puppy, you probably didn’t realize that you were going to be adding “pet manicurist” to your resume. However, trimming your pet’s nails is an important part of the hygiene routine for your pet, and it also helps to keep your furry family member safe. If you plan to trim your pet’s nails yourself, you need to know how to do it safely and effectively.

How to Safely Trim Your Dog or Cat’s Nails

. Choose the right pair of nail clippers. Scissor clippers work in the same way as kitchen scissors, but they are smaller and designed for your pet. Guillotine clippers secure the nail in place and use a blade to trim it quickly.

. Make sure your dog or cat feels relaxed and comfortable. Trim the nails in a space that is quiet and relaxing, and spend time massaging your pet’s paws in order to help them relax.

. Lift your pet’s paw and attempt to extend the nail from their foot. Identify the quick, or the vein that runs through the nail. You will want to trim the nail close to the quick, but it’s important to avoid clipping this vein. If you do clip the vein, it may hurt your pet and it will cause your pet to bleed significantly. In the event of an accident, be sure to apply pressure to the nail and use cornstarch to stop the bleeding if necessary.

. Trim the nails often in order to prevent your pet from injuring itself, and also to allow your pet to become accustomed to this ritual. The more often you trim your dog’s nails or your cat’s nails, the easier it will be for both of you in the future.

Your pet’s diet may have a significant impact on its ability to grow healthy, strong nails.