Taking care of a dog or cat involves more than providing food, shelter, love and affection. Pets also have grooming needs that are paramount for helping them maintain both their looks and their health. One area that pet owners tend to overlook involves nail trimming. This is not something that requires a trip to the groomer. If you want to do it at home, rest assured, you can. If you want to make sure your pet's nails are trimmed as often as they should be, it does pay to learn to do it yourself.

Many pet owners think a monthly trip to the groomer is enough to keep their pet's nails neatly trimmed. This is not the case and it can become a pricey monthly expense.

To do it yourself, remember that your dog or cat's nails should be trimmed weekly. If your pet's nails are not properly trimmed, a number of problems can arise. Some of the top reasons to learn the right techniques include:

When it is time to trim your pet's nails, it is important to have the right tools. This can help ensure a faster, cleaner job. There are two main options to consider:

Once you decide how you want to trim your pet's claws, it is time to begin trimming your pet's nails. There is a basic process to follow to make sure he is happy and safe during this process. To tackle the job right, try these tips:

To help you and your pet along with the process, remember you can:

Keeping your pet happy and healthy does involve some maintenance, patience and hard work. In the end, it is all worth it because your pet should be happy and healthy since their nails are more comfortable. Keep up with your pet's nails on a regular basis and your pet will be very comfortable.