I've de-quilled two dogs. Never bothered to clip the ends, just got the needle-nose pliers out and spoke soothingly to the dog for a minute or two before starting the pull session. Just keep telling them what a good dog they are and keep pulling. Don't know what kind of over the counter pain killer or antibiotic you can use on a dog. We usually used some cheap whiskey poured directly on the wound and then left the dog to lick it. As long as they weren't chewing on it, it was all good.