One reason is that long nails can cause the paw to splay and change the gait of your pet. This often leads to arthritis in the toe joints and even higher up. Imagine a ballet dancer on pointe...
Graceful yet powerful with proper toenail length she is able to dance elegantly. Now imagine she gets a pedicure with long toenails, up to 1 inch. Can she dance on pointe or do you think the resulting pain will be unbearable? Over time her regular gaits will be affected as she shifts weight back to avoid pressure on her toes. She may even snag one of carpeting or in bed tearing it off to the quick. An infection may result. She also may have one that curls under- piercing the pad of her toe and becoming ingrown.
Your pet may also endure pain, infection and you may end up with a vet bill to treat. All easily avoided with a regular trim
A cat with an ingrown nail. The nail has curled around the first toe and has pierced the pad. Leading to infection and pain this will need to be cut free at the vets, cleaned and the kitty started on antibiotics. The nails are a source of bacteria, fungi and more so this condition needs to be treated carefully.
Another poor kitty whose nail has grown around into the pad requiring surgery to remove and a full treatment of topical and internal antibiotic treatments.
A bunny is at the same risk as any pet with long nails. Easy to get snagged and torn, painful to walk on and lets not forget the risks of scratches to any pet owner!
You can see with the long neglected nails of this greyhound he has shifted his weight back to relieve some of the pressure. His toes are also starting to splay or separate which can cause arthritis. He is also at risk of catching a nail inside or out and ripping it off at the nail bed requiring a trip to the veterinarian for stitches and pain reliever. 
What a relief! The same greyhound after a nail trim and some nail grinding. He is feeling much better!
Long nails may get caught outside or inside and bleed A LOT! They are also extremely painful and need a veterinarian, sedation, treatment and medication for a full recovery. Sometimes the nail never grows back. Way more costly than regular nail trims.
Getting Started!
Start by touching your pets feet and nails daily in a pleasant and relaxing manner. See my previous post for more info on this.
Get your supplies at hand and get organized. If you are going to trim at home then you need some simple supplies. Kwik Stop or a similar cauterizing powder. This one also has a mild pain reliever in it. If you accidentally "quic" you pet place some on your finger or dip the nail directly into the powder. Then apply pressure for one minute. Flour or corn starch can also be used in a pinch. Although scary for everyone no-one has ever died from a nail trim!
Kitty, bunny and guinea pig nail clippers are smaller and easier to use.
The scissor type clipper are the best type because you are able to shave off bits of nails and if your pet moves during you can release the pressure easily. They also apply a direct pressure instead of a twisting.
Here is a step by step chart showing exactly how! With dark nails when you trim just a bit off it will look chalky. That means you can trim a bit more. Then when you see a wetness appear and then a small dot appear stop! Usually the same length is good for all nails.
A dremel or nail grinder is great for pets that really hate nail clipping. With practice many simply do not care. Simply hold the filer against the nail. It grinds off nail while the vibration causes the quic to recede and instantly cauterizes. You can also usually take the nail shorter than with clippers and therefore lasts longer. It also provides a smooth surface on the nail limiting scratches to the human.
You do want to hold the nail steady and use one that functions at a low speed as a bounces dremel can catch hair or skin.
If all of this makes you feel a bit green then ask around for a vet clinic or groom shop you are able to get to with your pet regularly. Many accept walk ins and charge a more than reasonable price. Be honest about your pet if they try to bite or act up for nail trims. With practice and patience most settle into the routine!
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