Step-by-step care you can do at home, with the signs that mean stop and call your vet first. Every step cites its source.
Dog 7 steps
Trim a little at a time, look at the cut end after every clip, and stop well before the pink quick. Dark nails get only the tip. If your dog is stressed, stop and try again another day; your vet can show you how.
Cat 7 steps
Press the paw pad to extend each claw, trim only the clear tip in front of the pink quick, and do one claw at a time with a treat after each. Many cats keep their own claws short; trim only when they are too long.
Dog 5 steps
Many dogs never need their ears cleaned. Look and sniff first: red, sore or smelly ears go to the vet before any cleaning. Otherwise fill the canal with a dog ear cleaner, massage the base, let your dog shake, and wipe only what your finger can reach.