How to Trim Your Rabbit's Toenails

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate: (19 Ratings)

It's not always easy to clip a rabbit's nails, especially if you're by yourself. Here are two ways to make nail trimming as painless as possible for you and your rabbit. If you have bonded and your rabbit trusts you, this will make trimming his nails a bit easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Without Help

Step1
Place your rabbit on a towel on the floor.
Step2
Let him sit comfortably, then hold him securely against you.
Step3
Take hold of one of his paws on the side that's farther away from you.
Step4
Hold a flashlight behind his nails if they have a dark color. This will help you see where the "quick" (the blood vessel) ends. Leave some space between the end of the quick and the point where you trim the nail so it doesn't bleed. If you cut into the quick, it will bleed profusely and your rabbit will feel pain.
Step5
Hold each nail securely as you trim it, but be prepared to let go immediately if your rabbit struggles.
Step6
If you accidentally cut the quick, dip a cotton swab in styptic powder, cornstarch or baking powder and dab it against the bleeding nail to stop the blood flow.
Step7
Go to the next paw, then turn your rabbit around to trim the nails on his other two paws.
Step8
Give your rabbit a treat when you're finished. This will help him understand that you weren't punishing him or trying to hurt him.

With Help

Step1
Ask a friend or family member to help you trim your rabbit's nails. Show your friend how to hold your rabbit correctly.
Step2
Hold one paw gently but firmly, and separate the toe you want to trim. Hold a flashlight behind your rabbit's nails if they are dark. This will help you see where the quick (blood vessel) ends, so you can trim the part of the nail that doesn't have a quick.
Step3
Position the trimmer about 1/8 to 1/4 inch away from the quick (see step 4, above). Hold each nail securely as you trim it, but be prepared to let go immediately if your rabbit struggles.

Tips & Warnings

  • Hold your rabbit firmly and securely, without crushing him, or he will try to run away when you trim his nails. Be prepared to let him go immediately if he struggles. When he has calmed down, continue, holding the paw and toe steady.
  • Talk to your rabbit in a soothing manner during the trimming. This will keep him more relaxed.

Comments

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cera said

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on 5/11/2008 DO NOT lay a rabbit on there backs, they have a fear of this, and cause them to have a heart attack. so please. if u want to keep ur rabbit alive, i beg u not to lay ur bunny on its back

cera said

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on 5/11/2008 DO NOT lay a rabbit on there backs, they have a fear of this, and cause them to have a heart attack. so please. if u want to keep ur rabbit alive, i beg u not to lay ur bunny on its back

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on 12/27/2007 My husband & I discovered that it was hard to move the hairs away from the toenails, to see where to cut! So, using one layer of towel, push the toenails through the towel. Just the toenails & NO HAIR comes through! It makes things "alot" quicker! :)

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 7/7/2006 If you cut the nail below the blood line, and it starts to bleed, put sugar on the nail. The sugar clots the blood.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I cut Cadbury's toenails by laying him on his back and straddling him between my legs with his head on my knees and his paws up in the air. He remains immobile with his paws up in the air so that I can pull back his fur and quickly snip his toenails.

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eHow Article:  How to Trim Your Rabbit's Toenails

eHow Pets Editor

eHow Pets Editor

Category: Pets

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