Hold trimmer with blade facing you. Holding the paw firmly, trim tip of nail with a single stroke. Be careful to stop short of the quick, the blood vessel inside the nail. If you should cut into the quick, the bleeding can be quickly clotted with styptic powder. If pet's nails are very long, trim a small amount. Repeat every 7-10 days until nails are at desired length. Monthly trimming should be sufficient thereafter.