Nail Trims

This is a very emotional topic with animals and their owners. One of the suggestions I usually give new puppy owners is to play with their feet as much as possible. One of the reasons dogs hate to have their nails trimmed is that no one ever touches their feet. Then they go to the vet and someone "grabs" their foot and makes a loud noise next to it. A nail trim doesn't hurt an animal anymore than cutting your fingernails. If you get to close and "quick" them then it probably does hurt some.  Its not near as horrific as they make it out to seem. If they are used to having their feet messed with then it's not as traumatic and they are much calmer for the whole process.  I have trimmed nails for a very  long time and occasionally I will get one to close. If you try to do it at home and cut one close and it starts to bleed... don't panic. They will not bleed to death from a nail trim and they are reacting from your emotions as well, they can sense how nervous and scared you are and then they figure it  must be really bad if you are scared.
 The best thing to do is apply pressure to the tip of the nail. It may take up to a minute of applying the pressure for the bleeding to stop. Once they have gotten upset it raises their blood pressure and the bleeding seems worse.
 You can use some corn starch,or an old piece of soap or just a piece of paper towel, whats important is the pressure. Try to calm them and talk soothing to them while you are holding it, get both of you calmed down. Animals, like people, have their nails growing at different speeds. Some of them need a nail  trim every two weeks and others not so much.
 On white nails its easy to see the blood vein. You will see the margin of pink inside the nail close to the foot. I normally do not try to get it as close as possible I merely try to get the hook part off. On the black nails it is alot easier to quick them. If you just try to get the hook part cut off usually you will be fine.  Practise makes perfect and it will get easier. The technicians at your local vet will be happy to show you.