As I was just clipping my Rottweiler's nails (which grow fast and as long and thick as talons!!) I remembered how many times people have said to me "How do you do that?    Don't you have to take them to the Vet?"

Well, if you don't feel comfortable cutting a dog or cat's nails (or a rabbit's or a gerbils or a hamster's!!) then it might be best to have a groomer or vet do it.    And if your critter really really really hates it, you might as well have a Professional give it a try.

But, in most circumstances, it's EASY to do yourself!    It's easiest to cut their nails when they are softened and wet, so after a bath is a good idea.   Use good quality pet nail clippers (all sizes are available, I prefer the modified scissor type rather than the guillotine type).    Make sure they are sharp and clean.  

On critters with clear/white nails it's a lot easier.    The pink 'line' in the middle of the nail is the 'quick', you don't want to cut that far down.   In animals with dark/black nails it's a little tougher, but if you only clip off a small amount at a time  you're usually ok.

My pets (1 rabbit, 3 dogs and 2 cats) kind of are the whole range of how animals react to nail clipping.    The rabbit is more afraid of being held tightly, so I wrap him in a clean towel and just pull out one little paw at a time, and there's no problem.    One kitty (Micky, I've had him since he was about 2 weeks old) I use regular human nail (usually toenail) clippers on him, and he let's me clip his without any argument.   I've done it once or twice a month for all his life (he's 1 1/2 yrs old now).    Frankie (my black cat, I've had him for 2 yrs since he was about 7 weeks old) has always had his nails clipped too, but he doesn't like it as well.   I have to get him in just the right "mood", relaxed and ready to take a nap.   

Zoe, my spaniel mix, is really scared of the nail clippers.   My fault, once I accidently clipped one too short, and she bled (I used a styptic pencil on it and it was fine), so she has reason to be scared.    I have to just plain bribe her.    A handful of her favorite dog treat, dispensed in little bits throughout the process works.

Xander, my golden retriever mix, HATES having his nails clipped.  HATES it.    If he is being particularly annoying one day, and won't seem to leave me alone, I just pick up the nail clippers and he is GONE!!!!!   For him, I have to have help.   Someone to hold onto him and pet him and reassure him.    But, a treat at the end makes us friends again.

Josie, my Rottweiler, doesn't like anybody messing with her feet.   At all.   I can honestly say that this dog loves me, a LOT.   But, even a casual pet that touches a foot gets a warning look like "HEY you KNOW better than that!!"   So clipping her nails is tricky.    It's a matter of talking her through it.   Having someone else hold her down makes it worse.   So it's "what a good girl, Josie, getting her nails done, good girl, good dog, good sweetie Josie girl dog, getting all pretty nails" etc etc all the way through.   She's a sucker for sweet talk  :)

Some dogs have nails that just don't grow very fast.    Others that walk on concrete a lot 'file' their own.   You CAN clip them yourself, but also call around to area Veterinarians and Groomers, very often you can get your critters nails clipped for under $10.