Find out how to cut rabbit nails carefully.
For any rabbit owner, it becomes essential to cut their little furry friend’s nails, especially when they are overgrown. However, in the case of a rabbit, cutting nails is a little bit tricky as rabbits tend to get jumpy. But, with the right method and approach, you can master this grooming technique quite easily!
So, to cut overgrown rabbit nails, you need to find a high surface, towel, and rabbit nail clipper. Then, place the rabbit comfortably on the surface and start cutting their nails gently. Start trimming from the tip and move inwards. To get a better idea, read on!
How Do You Know if Your Rabbit’s Nails Are Too Long?
Before we talk about how you can cut your rabbit’s nails, it is essential to know whether it is required or not. Now, there are certain signs that you can look out for to know whether a rabbit’s nails are too long or not. These include:
- Extension of nail beyond the rabbit’s feet’s fur (not the best indicator for long-haired or short-haired rabbit breeds)
- Curling of nails (seen mostly in Rex breeds)
- Difficulty in hopping around due to long nails
Hence, these three signs will help you know whether your rabbit’s nails are too long. So, whenever you see any of these signs, consider cutting or trimming your rabbit’s nails.
What Happens if a Rabbit’s Nails Get Too Long?
Keep in mind that if you notice that your rabbit’s nails are getting too long and you aren’t cutting them, then you as well as your rabbit may have to face some problems like:
- Your rabbit may scratch you badly with their long nails
- Your rabbit may face problems while hopping around due to the curling of long nails
- Long nails may get stuck in carpet or other fabric. In the worst-case scenario, the nails may break and cause pain to your little rabbit
Hygienically too, it is essential to cut your rabbit’s nails to keep away the germs and keep your pet rabbit happy!
How To Cut Overgrown Rabbit Nails: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s see the step-by-step instructions to cut the overgrown nails of your rabbit. It is imperative that you follow these instructions correctly as rabbits are known to be extremely jumpy. Hence, even one small mistake may cause an injury.
What You Need:
- Rabbit Nail Clippers (Don’t Use Human Nail Clippers)
- Towel
- High Surface
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Place Your Rabbit on a High Surface
Rabbits may get easily scared and try to run around. This is why you need to place your rabbit on a high surface, like a table, from where they cannot jump and run around. You can also place a towel on the surface to ensure that your rabbit is comfortable.
Once you have kept the towel, keep your rabbit on the surface and pet them so they feel calm.
Step 2: Hold Your Rabbit and Pull Its Front Paw
Before you start cutting your rabbit’s nails, ensure that you secure them properly by wrapping one arm around them by standing at the edge of the table. This will make sure that your rabbit doesn’t fall off the table.
Then, put one hand gently on the rabbit’s head to hold it in its place. Once you’re adjusted properly, slowly pull the front paw of the rabbit.
Step 3: Start With Cutting the Nails of the Front Paw That You Have Pulled Ahead
Once you get the front paw of your rabbit, start cutting the nails slowly. Here, keep in mind that you start cutting the tip of the nails first. If you simply try to cut the whole nail, it may hurt your rabbit and it will start running away.
Instead, gently trim the tip and then move towards the inner side. If you notice that your rabbit is flinching, then move a bit towards the tip again. The nail clipper might be touching the ‘quick’ area (where blood vessels are located). So, avoid going towards that.
Repeat the same steps for the other front paw.
Step 4: Cut the Nails of the Hind Feet
To do this, you need to adjust the position again. So, pick up your rabbit by putting your arms underneath its chest. Then, press your rabbit gently to your chest.
Once your rabbit is calm and cozy, start cutting the nails of the hind legs. Again, slowly trim from the tips and then move inwards. If you feel that your rabbit is squirming, try to make it feel comfortable again.
Step 5: Check the Nails
The last step is to ensure that the nails are cut and trimmed properly. There’s no bleeding or cut.
However, if you find any bleeding, you can either apply styptic powder on the affected nail or use a cotton ball with cornstarch and press it gently on the nail.
Once you’re done, give your rabbit treats!
Can I Use Human Nail Clippers on My Rabbit?
No, it is definitely not recommended to use human nail clippers on your rabbit. It is because human nail clippers are functioned to cut nails that are thin as well as flat, such as in our case.
On the other hand, if you have noticed your rabbit’s nails, they are more on the round and dense side. Hence, a human nail clipper won’t be able to cut the rabbit’s nails properly. Instead, it may even cause cuts that will hurt your rabbit.
How Often to Cut a Rabbit’s Nails?
You may want to cut or trim your rabbit’s nails at least once a month or two months. However, it all depends on your rabbit too. So, it is a prerequisite that you check your rabbit’s nails and look for the signs that are mentioned above to know whether or not to cut their nails.
But, make sure that you don’t wait if you notice that your rabbit’s nails are growing.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, cutting overgrown rabbit nails may seem like a tough task but with the steps above, you can definitely succeed in this! And once you do, you won’t have to worry about cutting your rabbit’s nails and struggling every single time!
Leave a Reply