How to Clip a Pet Squirrel's Nails

Trimming a squirrel's nails can be frustrating. Most people give up and just take them to a veterinarian. If you are comfortable with trimming a squirrel's nails, here is how.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small animal nail clipper or small nail clipper
• Towel
• Product to stop bleeding

1. Wrap the squirrel in a towel so the head and legs are showing. Hold the squirrel with a firm grip but avoid squeezing. Speak to the squirrel in a soothing voice.

2. Hold the leg with the nails you want to clip but do not stretch or pull. Continue to speak to the squirrel so she knows she is safe.

3. Examine where the vein is. You do not want to cause bleeding so look closely for the vein. If you are unsure where the vein is in the nail, just trim the point of the nail to dull the point's sharpness.

4. Hold the leg close to where the nails are. Keep a gentle but firm hold on the leg but do not stretch or pull. Continue speaking to the squirrel.

5. Clip the nail. If you should get a minor bleed (such as a drop of blood), use a veterinarian approved commercial product or home product such as cornstarch or flour to stop the bleed.

6. Repeat for the other nails.

7. Give that squirrel a treat for being good for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Place products with rough surfaces that automatically trim the squirrel's nails while your squirrel is going about her daily routine.
• If you are unsure at all about how to trim a squirrel's nails or where the veins are, take the squirrel to your veterinarian to trim them for you.
• Any bleeding can be potentially life-threatening. Contact your veterinarian if the bleeding does not stop in a few minutes.