A pet’s nails can grow to be long and sharp. Not only can this be painful to you as an owner and leave marks on your body, it can also cause your pet to frequently get stuck on fleece accessories, ropes, clothing, and more. Getting caught on these objects can be very dangerous if you’re not around. Your pet will twist and yank their limbs until they’re free, possibly injuring themself. This is why trimming your pet’s nails is not a suggestion, but your responsibility as an owner.
How To Trim Your Pet's Nails
- Trimming your pet’s nails is easier with the help of two people, and even magnifying glasses and forehead light for hands-free light.
- Trim the nails at night or whenever your pet is usually sleeping, so they will be more calm and tired.
- Let them roam around the cage for 5 minutes after waking them up, so they can use the bathroom inside the cage, instead of on you.
- Wrap your in a small towel/cloth/pouch, so they feel safe and hidden, let them get comfortable inside and even fall asleep in there.
- If your pet is struggling and moving, you may need to wrap them in essentially a "fleece burrito", with head covered. Their body needs to be well contained and immobile.
- Give your pet their favorite treat to keep them preoccupied during the trimming process.
- Once your pet is calm, slowly/carefully pull out one foot at a time to trim.
- Keep the paw immobile because you don't want it moving around as you are cutting.
- Use a nail clipper designed for pets, not a regular human nail clipper.
- Trim off only the pointy tip of the nail, avoiding the pink part (the “quick”), which contains the nerve and blood vessels.
- If you accidentally nip the "quick" of the nail and it begins to bleed, apply a small amount of flour or corn starch to help stop the bleeding.
- Take breaks in between clipping nails if necessary, let your pet roam around then get comfortable and tired again.
- Clipping often leaves nail a bit ragged and actually more likely to cause scratches than before. You may want to consider using a nail file to smooth them down.
Once the nail is clipped, keep it smooth and filed with...
- Sandy Tracks for exercise wheels - Exotic Nutrition's Sandy Trimmer Tracks provide a soft, abrasive running surface for your pet while using their exercise wheel. Simply install the sandy track in place of the regular track, and your pet’s nails will be naturally filed down as they run. Replace the sandy track with the regular track after 2-3 days (or when nails are filed) and repeat weekly. This track is completely safe and will not cause harm or discomfort to your pet if used as instructed.
- Sandy Strips for exercise wheels - Exotic Nutrition's Sandy Trimmer Strips can be applied to all solid surfaces and acts as a nail trimming device. Natural mineral abrasive strips are safe to use and apply directly to any solid surface exercise wheel or other cage accessory.
- Sandy Branches - Exotic Nutrition's Sandy Branches are the perfect way to keep you pet’s nails safely filed down through the soft, sand abrasive material. Simply install the branch in the cage, and your pet’s nails will be naturally filed down as they play.
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder or wildlife rehabilitator.
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