Giving Your Dog a Pedicure

Step 1 Consider investing in nail clippers specially contoured for dogs.

Step 2 Choose a spot for your dog's pedicure that's quiet, with few distractions and no escape routes.

Step 3 If your dog is unaccustomed to nail trimming, try starting with a gentle paw massage, tenderly rubbing and manipulating your dog's toes, much like a luxurious foot rub.

Step 4 If possible, trim nails after a bath when nails are softer.

Step 5 Trimming your dog's nails can be a little tricky at first. If you trim too deep and hit a vein, your dog will bleed. Plus, it hurts, like when you break a nail into the "quick." That's the pink part where the blood vessels reside. So before you begin, make sure you have styptic powder, cornstarch, or a bar of soft soap to stop any bleeding.

Step 6 Start by holding your dog's foot and gently pushing down with your thumb at the base of each nail. This will cause the nail to extend slightly, making it easier for you to see. Your goal should be to trim each nail at a 45-degree angle away from the dog. If you've cut the nail at the ideal angle, the newly trimmed nail should be flush with the floor when the dog walks.